Interview with Jennifer Brown-Thomas

Today we're talking with author Jennifer Brown-Thomas about her book, BLISSFUL LIES.

Welcome to We Do Write, Jennifer. Tell us a bit about yourself.

Thank you so much for having me! I am a 26-year-old wife, mother, author, director and entrepreneur. I graduated from Texas Christian University in 2011 and I am enjoying the tireless process of my journey to achieve all the goals I have set. I am a mom to a beautiful, spunky, hardheaded little blonde haired beauty and I love every second of it.

How long have you been writing?

For as long as I can remember. When I was in fifth grade, I would script television shows and movies as the actors were saying their lines on the screen. I think that helped me to perfect my typing skills, which of course, has helped me to be more efficient in my creative writing.  

Tell us about BLISSFUL LIES. What’s the story about?

Blissful Lies, is a very character driven story. It’s easy to root for them, easy to hope they get their ‘happily ever after.’ The official synopsis: Blissful Lies is a heart-wrenching story exploring the enviable bonds of five best friends who, in the midst of growing up together, are just starting to realize how much they still have to learn about life.  They quickly find the limits of their relationships are tested when secrets and lies rapidly interrupt their picture perfect existence, threatening the stability of years of friendship. At the center of their universe is mother to one group member and Brown-Thomas University Chancellor, Addison Hamilton. Uncertainty in her own life leads her down a path of no return as she finds herself a little too involved with someone many years her junior. While each person is forced to take responsibility for their hidden secret, they wonder if ultimately, it’s just too much to move forward as the ‘family’ they once claimed to be. Join us on the journey, which allows true love to surface despite obvious obstacles, fearful hatred to emerge with a vengeance and betrayal of even the most loyal of friends. As lives are left in tattered pieces, everyone is forced to choose…. Will the group fall apart at the seams or will the strong bonds of everlasting friendship withstand the fire of deceit?

In the film, Blissful Lies, the female lead, Addison Hamilton, played by Leann Hunley, is a strong, successful, capable pillar of her community. She’s spent her life doing what makes other people happy… and now she’s doing something for herself. You’ll certainly be hoping her new romance gives her the happiness she never had with her husband…

How did the idea of the story come to you?

I just sat down and started writing one day. I think you use what you know, and you write about people, places and things you’ve seen along the way. In the book, lots of people, experiences and situations influence the characters, plots and locations but there wasn’t any one particular influence. I thought about it a little, sat down one day and just started writing…

Do you have a critique group/partner or beta readers, or do you self-edit?

-I host a series of edits amongst my team before we send the manuscript to the publisher/editor. These various rounds of edits help to weed out simple grammatical errors or missed words.

Are you a planner or a pantser?

-I think a little bit of both. When it comes to my personal life, it’s very ‘go with the flow’. That’s sort of how you have to embrace things when you have a child. But when it comes to my company and conducting business, we’re definitely planners! It takes a great deal of focus to stay ahead of the game with all we have going on.  

What’s the hardest part of writing for you?

-I’d have to say the hardest part of writing is just making sure that when the evening hours arrive, I’m not too tired. I do most of my writing between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and after a long day it takes me a couple of cups of coffee to get my second wind. 

What do you absolutely have to have nearby when writing?

-A cup of coffee and my phone. Haha. I take a break every couple of hours and text chat with my cousin. She and I have the funniest conversations at three in the morning. Totally my lifeline… 

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

-Teleportation. As busy as I am it would be amazing to just teleport from one place to another in the blink of an eye. 

What's the weirdest thing you've googled?

-I honestly laughed out loud at this question. The weirdest thing I’ve ever googled would have to be: “Is there a spatula in Fifty Shades of Grey?” – In regards to Ellen Degeneres’ reading of Fifty Shades of Grey.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on3JCwnwHbU

Quick writing test! Use the following words in a sentence: mandarin, eclipse, and envelope.

A mandarin colored eclipse illuminated the sky as I sat on the balcony of my room and opened the envelope containing my first love letter from you. 

Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably ...

-If I’m not writing, I’m probably taking care of my baby.

Here’s the part where you thank the people who are supporting you. Let's hear your shout outs.

• I literally have the most amazing support system. My husband is supportive of the time my career demands, which is such a blessing. It’s not easy having so many irons in the fire, and he respects and encourages my dreams. My mom is my Texas manager, so she’s involved in everything I do. From scheduling to negotiating, she’s a regular Kris Jenner—so I’m incredibly lucky to have her. In fact, that’s what we call her—“Kris.”  No one will love or protect you like your mother does. My dad is so supportive too. During filming, Blissful Lies, we ran into some awkward obstacles. One day on set when we were filming on-location, a huge round skylight presented a problem during a shot that was supposed to take place at night. The room was radiating with light, making it obvious the scene wasn’t being filmed during the day. So, my dad ran to buy a huge tarp, climbed up on top of the hotel where we were filming and then on top of a tower on the roof and covered the giant hole so it appeared to look like early evening. That was just one of the many things he did during the entire process. He’s amazing. My cousin Tara is so supportive too. She’s always making me laugh, sending my encouraging words and making me laugh with emoticons. She’s such an important part of my life. My grandmother is overwhelmingly encouraging too. I’m so blessed to have all of my family around me pushing and promoting me in every way possible. My cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, etc. I am really close to my husband’s family too, so I get the best of both worlds. It’s incredible.

• Throughout my short career I have met some really unbelievable, inspirational people. One lady, in particular, who is the very definition of class; who occasionally reminds me why we’re in this business in the first place; who has remained true to herself and encourages me to do the same, despite the Hollywood glitz and glamour is Lauren Koslow. She’s a very talented actress, and now dear friend. I look forward to working with her on future projects.

And finally, where can we find you and your books online?

www.jenniferbrownthomas.com
www.blissfullies.com
http://blissfullycouture.blogspot.com/

Twitter:
@jennythomas10
@TheBlissfulLies

Get the book:

http://www.amazon.com/Blissful-Lies-Jennifer-Brown-Thomas/dp/0985048832/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1336439225&sr=8-1

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blissful-lies-jennifer-brown-thomas/1110455024?ean=9780985048839

To order autographed copies, e-mail: Teenia@jenniferbrownthomas.com 




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