“The Story Behind the Story: What I Learned Watching Tayari Jones in Action”

Phyllis G. Williams
Apr 29
4 min read

Realizing I Had More Than Enough

This past February reminded me of something essential: humility isn’t just about staying grounded—it’s also about knowing when you already have more than enough.

I attended a book signing at Columbia University, where Tayari Jones was the featured speaker. You might know her—she’s the author of An American Marriage, part of Oprah’s Book Club, a New York Times best-selling author, and even got a nod from President Obama. Honestly, her achievements are the kind most authors dream about.

But the thing that touched me the most wasn’t her awards or fame. It was a story she shared about one of her very first book signings—long before the world knew her name. Tayari had been published, but her books were pulled from the shelves because they didn’t sell enough copies. No one could order them anymore. She was invited to a book signing alongside other authors, but panicked—she had less than 10 books left.

Her father gave her wise and straightforward advice: “Lay out the books you have, and if people ask, just tell them they’re sold out.”I don’t know if her dad was a lawyer or just good at giving advice, but I like him! He even went around gathering more books from family members, bringing her total to about 12 books.

At the event, an older woman stopped by her table. Tayari smiled and told her, “They’re all sold out!” But the woman replied, “That’s funny—I’ve read your books before, and I know they’re out of print.” Oh no. How embarrassing, right?

Tayari felt so emotional that she told the truth. She explained her situation, feeling ashamed. But then, something unexpected happened. The woman invited her to another table. That woman was Judy Blume. Yes, Judy Blume, the famous author. And that moment? It changed Tayari’s whole career.

A Vision Board Moment

For years, I’ve had “Oprah’s Book Club” on my vision board. It’s been a big dream of mine (still is!). But hearing Tayari Jones’ story made me stop and think.

I realized something I hadn’t fully seen before: I’ve already had something better than Oprah.

My very first book signing was in my hometown in Mississippi. My mom was there. My two sisters stood beside me. A cousin drove in from Georgia to take pictures. My old teachers, more cousins, childhood friends, and church members came out to support me. Even my uncles showed up, hugged me, and told me how proud they were.

It wasn’t just a book signing. It was a celebration of love, family, and community. And that? That’s even better than being on Oprah’s list.

A Memory Etched in My Heart

In my first book, I gave a shoutout to my mom, my sisters, and my friends. Some of them were so happy to see their names in the acknowledgments.

One of my sisters is no longer with us. But I still remember how she celebrated me every year, especially on Author’s Day. She’d post online: “Shoutout to my favorite author, Phyllis Williams—my baby sis.”

Her love wasn’t just public. It was personal. I read my first children’s book to her. We came up with the idea for a coloring book to honor our grandma. She even encouraged me to write a poetry book, which I haven’t done yet. I told her, “Nobody wants to read poetry from me.” She just smiled and said, “I do.”

That first signing, surrounded by the people who raised me, prayed for me, taught me, and cheered me on—it was more than I ever dreamed. I loved it then, but I love it even more now.

Success Isn’t Always Loud

We often think that success means having big names, awards, or being noticed by the world. Those things are great! But I’ve learned something significant:

Sometimes success is quiet.

It’s found in laughter. In hugs from your elders. In conversations with classmates’ parents. In seeing the people who helped raise you cheering you on.

That’s the kind of success that lasts. The type that humbles you and fills your heart.

My Message to You: Celebrate the Now

Keep dreaming. Keep writing your goals down. But also, look around. Notice when you’re already living a dream.

Sometimes, your “better than Oprah” moment is happening right now— in the faces of the people who love you, in the places that built you, and in the moments that will stay in your heart forever.

Journal Prompts

1. What moments in your life have felt like "quiet success"?

Write about a time when you felt truly successful, even if no one else noticed. Who was there? What made it special? How did it make you feel?

2. Who are the "Judy Blumes" in your life?

Reflect on someone who showed up for you unexpectedly—someone whose support, advice, or kindness helped you in a way you didn’t see coming. What did they teach you?