Few artists can cross over from one discipline to another successfully, but Damon Wayans, an award-winning actor, stand-up comedian, writer and producer, has done a fine job with his debut novel, 'Red Hats.'

He imbues the story of Alma, 64, a recent widow, estranged from her adult children, with his gift of dialogue in an uplifting story of a woman who unearths the fruits of life through friendship. It is a poignant and provocative read worthy of taking to the beach this summer even though it roils the soul. Alma tries to commit suicide after her husband Harold dies, but she is rescued by a group of passers-by known as The Red Hats.

Wayans, known for his skits on In Living Color, the early-1990s cutting-edge sketch comedy show, and later as executive producer and star of ABCs hit, My Wife and Kids, recently took time to speak to BV on Books about writing his first novel.
BV on Books: The book is serious. What a surprise. What happened to you (laughter)?
Damon Wayans: I was dealing with my midlife crisis. I had just turned 50, so I was little more open about life. You know, the day a man looks in a mirror and sees death, his chest turning into breast and gray hair popping up in his nose, he starts to regret how he lived his life. Most men freak out, start to date young women and live more recklessly. But I decided to write a book.

BV: Why didn't you tell this story from a man's perspective?
DW: I couldn't have told this story from a man's perspective. Women are constantly changing whereas men aren't willing to change easily.

BV: Was it hard to write a serious book?
DW: I had a hard time bringing things to a conclusion. First, it was Alma not wanting to put on the red hat. Then, it was the demons that prevented her from loving.

BV: How did you come up with the idea?
DW: I went to Paris for a second time to find myself as an artist and a boy because I was going through all of this emotion. I had been writing for a while, but I was too afraid to let anyone see it. I've been afraid to show anyone anything since my film, Blankman, which failed miserably at the box office. But Lionel Ritchie inspired me to write by telling me a story about a strip tease artist who said to keep it simple. Ever since then, I've kept it simple. I wrote the first 100 pages in 10 days.

BV: Was it hard?
DW: Yes, it was hard. In the story, she had to change. With telling jokes, you can forsake the reality of the story and compromise the story for jokes. But you can't do that with a novel. There is humor in the story, but it's within context.

BV: What's next for you?
DW: I'm going to keep writing. I love the exploration of character. I might write a play. I have an idea I have been messing around with.