5 Star Rating from Readers' Favorite

Bianca Williams is the award-winning author of the sports romance series Sidelined. Book One, "The Draft", was released in 2017 and won the USA Best Book Award and was a finalist in the National Indie Excellence Awards. To the delight of readers everywhere, Book Two, "The Penalty", was released in 2018. Sidelined is the story of event planner Bryn Charles and her unexpected romance with her client NFL superstar Shane Smith. The contemporary novels are inspired by Williams' dating adventures in her hometown of Baltimore County, MD.

The Reactions You Get When You Write About People You Know

When I shared with friends and family that I’d written a book inspired by true events, I received a variety of colorful reactions. It kinda went like this…

“I wrote a book inspired by true events.”

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“And you’re the inspiration for one of my characters.”

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Initially, no one was sure how to react. But, after they read an early edition of SIDELINED: The Draft , I received lots of feedback. One flat-out disliked their character. Others found theirs humorous. One actually provided commentary and requested changes. And there were a few that just ‘got it’.

So I asked Jas, the inspiration for the infamous character Jen Thompson, to share her thoughts on what it’s like to be written about. Check out her interview below!

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BWB: Jas, what was your initial reaction when you found out you were the inspiration for a major character in my upcoming book series?

Jas: When you first called me and gave me the outline (at that time, all four books) I was so genuinely thrilled and excited for the story that I never thought about myself. It wasn’t until I started reading some of the chapters and realizing ‘oh this is really going to reflect me.’ At that point, I was still really excited for you but it was hard for me to distinguish literary license from reality.

BWB: (*eyes widen ) Were you terrified?

Jas: I wasn’t terrified because I trusted you, you’re my best friend. I didn’t think you would do anything to cast me in a bad light. Not that there’s anything in reality that would put me in a bad light anyway.

BWB: But it’s not you. Jen is a character that I created that was inspired by you.

Jas: You’re right, it’s not me. Since I’m very conservative, I definitely cared about how the character was going to be portrayed. Even though it’s not me, people that know us would assume the fiction was fact. But I would say that I’ve read all of your books and I’ve never had to really worry.

BWB: In what ways are you and Jen alike and what are some major differences?

Jas: The depiction of Jen’s friendship with Bryn was accurate. Also, I think Jen’s work ethic and desire to build something quality was spot on. Where we differ…I was personally attached to my clients. I feel like Jen lacked empathy and she was always business first, whereas I always lead with my heart putting my clients first. It was never just business for any of us. We were family. Also, I’m very charity focused and extremely passionate about civil rights. However, I don’t think there was an opportunity to highlight that in the series. Platinum Events didn’t just throw parties. We started a lot of campaigns, outreach efforts to at-risk youth, and donated money to local key causes that made a difference in Baltimore. That’s something I’m really proud of.

BWB: The third installment is due out in 2020 to close out the series. What is your one last wish for Jen?

Jas: I wish for Jen to have someone looking out for her the way she looks out for everyone else.

BWB: If you could choose between a spin-off or a prequel, what would it be?

Jas: There is so much story left, definitely a spin-off.

BWB: For our readers who want to know what’s true and what isn’t. What is something that happened to Jen in the book was true that you are willing to admit?

Jas: The venue crisis and the following vodka scene really happened. (laughs) I’m not a drinker. But. (pauses) The vodka scene was true.

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Bianca Williams is an award-winning author. She was born and raised in Baltimore County, MD. She discovered her love for creative writing at college while pursuing a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Finance & Management. After graduating at the top of her class, achieving a 15+-year career in finance, and co-founding an event planning company, Bianca began penning her autofiction series. When she isn’t writing, Bianca is using her platform to empower women in life, business, and relationships. Know the Plays, or get Sidelined is her signature slogan.

SIDELINED: The Contract, the third and final installment of the SIDELINED Series, is coming to a book store near you. #2020 #shareblackstories

Get Motivated to Write with 5 Easy Tips

“How do I get motivated to write?” It’s the number one question I get asked from new authors and other creatives. I’m not surprised when I’m asked this because I too struggled with this same issue for many years. And after writing and publishing two books, I still can’t claim complete victory. However, I can share a few tips which I’ve learned along the way that help get me over the hump each and every time I get #writersblock.

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Tip 1 - Turn up the music.

It’s said that music gives the soul to universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything. I find this to be so true. Especially since I believe that music holds memories. When I’m creatively void and can barely get a sentence or two written, I turn to my playlist. Listening to my favorite song and belting out the lyrics to a catchy hook gets the emotions going and the ideas flowing. Extra Tip : Curate a playlist for each one of your projects.

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Tip 2 - Watch your favorite movie.

Nothing generates the warm and fuzzies like an old classic! It brings back the nostalgia of the good days when we were young and free. We all have a movie in the vault that we watch on repeat where we cry and or laugh at the same exact unforgettable moments. For me, it helps me bring my characters to life. What do they look like? What do they sound like? How do they react to conflict? How do they interact with each other? Shameless plug: I can’t wait until SIDELINED becomes a movie or mini series. Extra Tip : Start each project with dialogue and build around it. That way you can hear and feel the conversation and then visualize what is happening to and around your characters.

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Tip 3 - Read a book by your favorite author.

After much comparison and then berating yourself for not being born with their natural talents or have the creative genius that they’ve been blessed with (and you realize that you will never be able to write like them), you begin to find your own voice. Remember, no one can write like you. And as the great poet Maya Angelou said, “You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.” So dry your tears and just write! Extra Tip : Read books in your genre. Research how they navigate their characters when they get in a sticky situation. You may get inspired.

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Tip 4 - Brainstorm with your bestie.

Writing is very personal and the scariest thing ever is to share with your friends simply due to the fear of being judged. No one wants to feel like they’re not good enough or feel like they’re being talked about in a negative light. But if you’ve been blessed with a true friend, you should share your ideas and or projects with them. They know you best and can sometimes make suggestions that can grease the skids to get you writing. Extra Tip: Create an outline for your work and run it by them (especially if your book is inspired by true events). LOL

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Tip 5 - Write drunk, edit sober.

Best advice I’ve ever received. You’ll thank me later.

P.S. You can reach me @bwillbooks on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter. :)

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Happy Writing!

Bianca Williams is an award-winning author. She was born and raised in Baltimore County, MD. She discovered her love for creative writing at college while pursuing a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Finance & Management. After graduating at the top of her class, achieving a 15+-year career in finance, and co-founding an event planning company, Bianca began penning her autofiction series. When she isn’t writing, Bianca is using her platform to empower women in life, business, and relationships. Know the Plays, or get Sidelined is her signature slogan.

SIDELINED: The Contract, the third and final installment of the SIDELINED Series, is coming to a book store near you. #2020 #shareblackstories

Learn more about the SIDELINED Series here.

3 Reasons to Never Give Up

I’m a planner. So needless to say, I had everything set for my second book launch. Release date…check. Budget…check. Marketing plan…check, check. This book was going to be the tipping point! I could feel it.

Then EVERYTHING went to Sh!T!

Literally overnight.

My book designer took a hiatus. My house flooded and caused thousands of dollars in damages. Layoffs at my professional place of business had begun. My distributor FUBAR’d my Kindle Countdown which impacted my first week of sales.

I actually cried.

Everything I had worked so hard to accomplish was falling apart in front of me and it couldn’t be fixed. It was out of my control and I just had to sit there and take it. I had to keep going so I smiled through the pain…because at the end of the day…I had books to sell. I showed up with a smile on my face for my readers who were interested in the series. Book signing after book signing, I’d sit for many hours and share how awesome my story was.

But what I didn’t know was that while I was stressing at night trying to figure out what to post on Instagram, Sidelined II was making waves. That’s why you can never give up and here are three reasons why.

1. Where there’s life there’s hope.

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Although I wanted to quit, I remained hopeful and started writing again. I used that crazy energy and wrote a new prologue for Sidelined: The Contract (from Shane’s POV). You guys are going to love it. Then my book designer resurfaced (PRAISE HIM)! Not only did he complete the design of my last book, I was inspired to polish the final book synopsis. It’s posted in my Sidelined Series Book Discussion Group on Facebook.

2. You never know who’s watching.

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A few weeks ago, Sidelined: The Penalty was honored as a finalist in the 2018 Best Book Awards. I was ecstatic considering my first book, Sidelined: The Draft, won the prior year.

Then I got an email from BOOKBUB! They selected Sidelined: The Penalty as a feature! WHAT!??!?!? This like doesn’t happen for indie authors. They have millions of subscribers!

3. Don’t despise small beginnings.

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My distributor reported 7121 copies sold as of 9.30.18. NOOOO freaking way. I didn’t believe it at first. When I think about my last book signing, that was during a torrential downpour, although only a faithful few showed up, little did I know thousands of people were downloading my book.

I wanted to share this experience because I was very discouraged after my series of unfortunate events. I couldn’t see how things were going to turn around. What I didn’t realize is that GOD was working it out the entire time. Not only did I learn a few lessons, I received the idea for my fourth book! Subscribe to my email list for updates.

Bianca Williams is an award-winning author. She was born and raised in Baltimore County, MD. She discovered her love for creative writing at college while pursuing a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Finance & Management. After graduating at the top of her class, achieving a 15+-year career in finance, and co-founding an event planning company, Bianca began penning her autofiction series. When she isn’t writing, Bianca is using her platform to empower women in life, business, and relationships. Know the Plays, or get Sidelined is her signature slogan. Learn more about Bianca at https://www.bwillbooks.com.

Author Scores Second Honor with NFL Romance Inspired by Her Life

Sidelined: The Penalty written by Bianca Williams is honored as a Finalist in the 2018 Best Book Awards – Fiction: African American

 The coveted award competition had over 2000 entries in various literary categories from large publishing houses and hundreds of independents. See the full listing at www.americanbookfest.com.

 “To receive the 2017 Best Book Award for my debut novel, Sidelined: The Draft, was a special honor. To be recognized for my second book, was simply fantastic! I stayed true to myself and wrote the book that I wanted to read. I’m pleased that it’s resonating with people,” said Bianca Williams.

 Sidelined: The Penalty is the second installment of a sizzling trilogy about love, friendship, and half-truths. The fast-paced, page-turner is currently available on Amazon.com. The much-anticipated series finale, Sidelined: The Contract is due out in the fall of 2019.

 Editorial Reviews

“By stepping outside the typical romance style, Williams has created a uniquely structured and unexpected novel of love and betrayal.” -The BookLife Prize

 About the Author

Bianca Williams is an award-winning author. She was born and raised in Baltimore County, MD. She discovered her love for creative writing at college while pursuing a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Finance & Management. After graduating at the top of her class, achieving a 15+-year career in finance, and co-founding an event planning company, Bianca began penning her autofiction series. When she isn’t writing, Bianca is using her platform to empower women in life, business, and relationships. Know the Plays, or get Sidelined is her signature slogan. Learn more about Bianca at https://www.bwillbooks.com.