EFOC 2024: Keke Palmer talks about her new book “Master Of Me” – Essence

“I am constantly growing and learning,” said award-winning actress Keke Palmer during a fireside chat on the Author’s Stage during this year’s ESSENCE Festival of Culture.

Speaking to Nandi Howard, Vice President of Content at ESSENCE Ventures, Palmer candidly revealed that motherhood is one of her biggest motivators. The actress and presenter began the moving conversation by saying that she always puts herself first and takes time to smell the flowers of her success. “There’s nothing to prove, (it’s about) continuing to find new ways to do what I love to do,” Palmer added. A new accomplishment is her next book, “Master of Me: The Memoir,” which will be released on November 19, 2024.

So why a book now? Keke expressed this clearly: “It’s always about following my heart, and (at) this point in my life, I felt like there were some new things I wanted to say.” She also mentioned that her perspective on her career and the world of work for “all of us” has led her to an era where a book is the most powerful way to share her perspective. Palmer noted that entrepreneurship is the “new way of the country” and a way to “find autonomy in the workplace.”

“To feel valued, I wanted to talk about it and share how I did that with all the companies I have worked with and continue to work with.” She also expressed that she sees herself as a collaborator and partner, not as someone who took advantage of her.

“Master of Me: The Memoir” is a title that Palmer said gave her the space to highlight how much she feels like a master of her life. “I’ve managed to master myself for my own benefit and not let people use me for their benefit,” she said. She says the book plays on the idea that “if anyone is going to pull my strings, it’s going to be me.”

Keke explains how to stand firm in yourself: “It doesn’t matter how well you do the things you’re trying to do – and feel like you deserve this or that – it doesn’t mean things are going to go the way you want them to.” She adds that she had to master her mind and thoughts in the moments when things weren’t going the way she wanted them to. Palmer wanted to share these insights with her fans. The actress also notes that fans can expect religious moments in Master of Me: The Memoir.

“Mostly, I’m just going to share the things I’ve learned. You’ll get to know my personality. I can’t help but be silly. That’s how I deal with life’s struggles – it helps me get out of my head,” Palmers adds.