Model and author Kelle James just published her memoir, Smile For the Camera. Escaping an abusive home at age 16, she went to New York City aspiring to be a model. She ultimately succeeded, confronting both homelessness and poverty. We caught up with her to find out a little more about her new book.
Q: What is one similarity and one difference between modeling and writing?
A: One similarity is that with both, there was nothing else I could imagine doing. When I was doing commercials and print work; that was all I thought about. That’s how it is with my writing too. I think about it day and night. I always have a notepad and pen nearby.
I’ve been known to stop conversations so I can write down what someone just said. It surprised them at first but over time they’ve gotten used to it. They’re much more patient about it now that I’ve had my first book published. I can get away with a lot more now than I could before.
Q: How is your memoir still in the ‘children’s book’ category considering the highly ‘adult’ themes?
A: When I first wrote my memoir I never imagined it would be a ‘children’s book.’ Kids have come a long way since I was their age. I was so innocent. I learned by trial and error. Teenagers are so much more sophisticated now. Which given my experiences, is probably a good thing!
Also, since my book’s release, I’ve been getting quite a few emails from women. Some say they’re adding my book to their book club reading lists. Some say they’re ready to share their own stories now. That they’re finally ready to reveal the hidden, painful parts of themselves to their loved ones.
I’ve even heard from a man, who told me that after reading my book he wants to change the way he treats women. He didn’t know the effect his actions had on them.
A big difference between modeling and writing is that modeling was based on an image of myself. A façade. To be a good model you have to be a good pretender. For me, writing is the polar opposite. I find it extremely empowering. Digging down deep. Turning feelings into words. There’s nothing like it. In the world of words, the interior trumps the exterior and I love that.
Q: What inspired you to write the book?
A: It’s ironic that I’ve written a memoir about my childhood and early years in New York City when I’ve spent most of my life trying to forget about them. I believed that by ignoring the things that had happened, they would go away. But they didn’t. They were always there, governing my actions and reactions, large and small.
I wrote my story for all the secret keepers out there—including me. In writing Smile For the Camera, I’ve given my memories a voice. One that was a long time coming. That voice has encouraged my brothers and sister to find theirs too. We’re talking more than ever now. We’re closer than ever. It’s not always easy. Some of it is quite painful. But it’s incredibly rewarding to relate to my loved ones on such a deep level. I’m so grateful.
Q: What do you hope people will take away from reading your work?
A: I’m hoping the people who read my book will come away saying, ‘If she can do it, so can I!’
Q: What’s next for you?
A: Life has provided me with many more stories to tell. I always say to my friends, ‘If I’m lucky enough to publish another memoir that some how manages to help even one person persevere and flourish, then these challenges will have been worth it!’