Terry McMillan, the renowned author of “Waiting to Exhale,” recently took to social media to share an interesting tidbit about still receiving royalties from her 1992 bestseller and the subsequent properties created from the story. In a tweet on June 28, McMillan expressed her surprise at receiving a royalty check for $885.22 for “Waiting to Exhale.” Fans and followers engaged with her post, with one fan jokingly claiming a small portion of the residuals as they had watched the movie on Hulu.
While some followers questioned the amount of the royalty check, McMillan clarified that she was not bothered by it and shared the tweet as a way to inspire aspiring writers. She emphasized the importance of respect in the industry and highlighted the success of “Waiting to Exhale,” which was a groundbreaking novel that made her rich and garnered a devoted following. The paperback rights alone fetched a significant sum, setting the stage for the novel’s adaptation into a successful film in 1995, directed by Forest Whitaker.
Despite initial skepticism about the novel’s market appeal, McMillan’s book resonated with audiences and paved the way for her subsequent literary and film successes. The film adaptation of “Waiting to Exhale” was a financial hit, grossing over $81 million on a modest budget. McMillan’s collaboration with Ron Bass on the screenplay adaptation marked her entry into the world of filmmaking, leading to further adaptations of her works.
Looking ahead, McMillan has plans for a television adaptation of “Waiting to Exhale” in collaboration with Lee Daniels, with details about the project still in development. Additionally, she is working on a new film project, “Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted By Love,” which reunites her with original “Waiting to Exhale” cast members. This project, executive produced by Garcelle Beauvais, is set to premiere on Lifetime in August.
Overall, Terry McMillan’s enduring success with “Waiting to Exhale” serves as a testament to the impact of her work and the lasting influence of her storytelling. As she continues to make strides in both literature and film, McMillan’s legacy remains a source of inspiration for aspiring writers and creators in the industry.
