When did you know writing was for you?
- I’ve been writing seriously since the fifth grade. I love it. The first piece I ever wrote was a four hundred page, handwritten screenplay. I’ll never forget the turquoise binder I used to house all the pages. So fun!
How would you describe your book?
- I would describe Blissful Lies as a very character driven piece. It gives you several different characters, all from the same walk of life, who have committed unspeakable acts and never had the courage to face them. It’s a book that hands you an unconventional romance and you find yourself really rooting for its success.
What was the hardest part of the writing process for you?
- I had a newborn when I started working on this project. So, unequivocally, the hardest part was finding that new balance between being a mommy and having a career.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
- I think I want what every author wants, an audience and a fan base that wants to see more. At several book signings I had people ask if there would be a sequel to Blissful Lies, and I’m thrilled to say there will be.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you as an author?
- I’m very accessible to readers. It’s important to me that people know they can reach me via email, facebook, twitter—you name it, you can find me there. If you have a question, comment, opinion, etc. I want to hear it, I want to know what you think—so come like my page on facebook and leave your thoughts or follow me on twitter!
- http://www.facebook.com/JenniferBrownThomas
- https://twitter.com/jennythomas10
What does your daily schedule look like?
- My daily schedule is usually pretty intense. Depending on the day, of course. If it isn’t meetings and conference calls, it’s strategy analysis, working on projects, or taking care of my daughter—which is always my first priority. I’m not only a wife, mother and author, I’m also a film director and entrepreneur. I joined forces with Runway Ready owner and wardrobe stylist, Fanitsa Limberis to create LBT, Limberis Brown-Thomas. Our LBT brand is creating a fragrance and girl’s clothing line. So it’s always very busy in my world!
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
- Never stop. Whatever your dream is—it’s worth it. My favorite quote is “Being a strong woman is very important to me. But doing it all on my own is not.” – Reba McEntire Just remember that writing the book is the easiest part… make sure you keep up the hard work after the writing is finished.
What advice would you give yourself ten years ago? Any words of wisdom?
- Even though you’re different, you are exactly who you are supposed to be.
What is your favorite book of all time?
- My taste in novels is very eclectic. I enjoy lots of different types of books. I’ve always been a big Danielle Steel fan—so the novel ‘Secrets’ has always been a favorite.
What is your go-to beauty accessory?
- Lip-gloss. I always have lip-gloss.
Who is your writing inspiration?
- That’s a great question. I don’t have any one source of inspiration. I enjoy the right to derive inspiration from lots of different things.
Who is your favorite literary character?
- I love Hester Prynne in the Scarlet Letter.
What are your top five romantic comedies?
- Pretty Woman
- Knocked Up
- Clueless
- Life As We Know It
- She’s Out Of My League
What is your favorite snack/food?
- Literally anything chocolate. I love chocolate.
JENNIFER BROWN-THOMAS
Blissful Lies
AUTHOR and DIRECTOR
Smart, ambitious, and never willing to accept no for an answer. It’s what defines rising writer-director star Jennifer Brown-Thomas, and her drive is definitely paying off.
At just 25 years old, the book author and movie director phenom has her first novel, Blissful Lies, published, topping charts and on sale nationwide on e-books and at Barnes & Noble stores.
Certain to see her star shine all the way to Hollywood, Brown-Thomas’ talents were on display at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, where she presented Blissful Lies the movie to arousing ovations. YTINIFNI Pictures, the widely acclaimed movie distribution company, noticed the artistic value in her work, and is now working on deals to bring the film to the big screen and television sets around the globe.
However, Blissful Lies is merely the start of the Brown-Thomas empire. The hard-working writer-director is also in the process of writing her second manuscript, Vindictive Grounds, which will also become a published novel.
And, she doesn’t stop there. Brown-Thomas has also partnered with fashionista and Runway Ready owner, Fanitsa Limberis, to form Limberis Brown Thomas Enterprises (LBT). Together, LBT plans to create a fragrance line, clothing line, coffee shop and more.
Often referred to by her friends and family as “Super Woman,” Brown-Thomas can really do it all — and, with a humble attitude – a trait she learned from Teenia Brown, her mom and manager.
Growing up an only child, Brown-Thomas found it easy to dream big with the unyielding support of those near and dear to her. Always on a mission to exceed expectations, she graduated a year early from High School, participated in many sports, and volunteered for youth organizations in the area. Now an alumna of Texas Christian University, she is enjoying post-graduate life as an author and director, wife and mother.
“I always knew she was driven, but I see now that when Jennifer sets her mind on something there’s just no stopping her. From the minute she sat down with her laptop to write the screenplay, I knew it was the start of something huge,” said Teenia.
