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.

5 Steps to Overcome a Breakup

Getting over a breakup is definitely easier said than done. I should know. I literally cried every day, multiple times a day, for about two years before the pain stopped. Two years? Yes, two years!! But we all experience pain differently. Can you recall how you handled your last breakup? Does it cause you to cringe?

My constant weeping was embarrassing, but it was needed. It was during that tragic period that I learned patience, unconditional love, and most importantly, forgiveness. You want to know how I did it? See below, the 5 steps I used to overcome a breakup.

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1. Spend time loving yourself. Redirect your focus from the heartbreak to things that you enjoy. Book a trip, go to the spa, read a book, or binge on a fun series with your favorite cup of tea. Whatever makes you happy, do that.

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2. Give yourself some time to grieve. Don’t rush the process. Don’t beat yourself up because you can’t ‘just get over it’! Cry, get mad, and scream if you have to. Repeat the five stages of grief until you’ve conquered acceptance. Time really does heal all wounds.

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3. Be brave, open, and honest with yourself. Face the ugly truth and accept that you’re hurting. Don’t feel ashamed. It’s okay to admit that you still love your ex. It’s the only way to truly let go and move on.

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4. Take accountability for your actions. Analyze your mistakes and let them serve as a reminder for when you get that phone call (because you will get that phone call). Don’t sacrifice your path to healing for more hurt. Stay strong.

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5. Turn your pain into your purpose. Go through the pain and grow from it. Dig deep and let the disappointment of the failed relationship fuel you. Write a book, a song, or a script. The best creative work throughout history was born out of suffering.

Bianca Williams is an award-winning author of the Sidelined Series. Know the Plays, or get Sidelined is her signature slogan.

Five Love Tips from Five Amazing Women

When people hear my signature slogan, Know the Plays, or get Sidelined, they think I'm a love expert. The truth is my work is a product of my own search for answers from women who looked like me and could relate to my experience. I wrote Sidelined because it was the story I wanted to read as I navigated my way through this thing called love. Great love advice can sustain you during your relationships most challenging moments. Hopefully, these candid love tips from five amazing women will resonate with you and give you guidance on the love you want to attain.

1. Love doesn’t look the same for everyone: “People love in different ways. You may have a man who brings you flowers every Monday but doesn’t give two hooty-hoots about Valentine’s Day. Just because he doesn’t give you a Valentine doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you!" - Jada Pinkett Smith

2. Love allows you to be true to yourself: "If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away. If he doesn’t want you, nothing can make him stay. Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior. Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache. Stop trying to change yourself for a relationship that’s not meant to be. Slower is better. Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy." - Oprah Winfrey

3. Love requires openness: "Love is love, and a lot of times, people might be in the situation they're in because they put barriers up. Like, some people only want to date a model or an actor or an athlete. You're only limiting yourself. Open up to what's out there because God made us all." - Tamera Mowry

4. Love entails ebbs and flows of understanding and willingness: "As a newly married person, as much as I would love for my husband to buy into the 'my way or the highway' philosophy, you realize it's all about compromising and finding some sort of middle ground that everyone can live with." - Gabrielle Union

5. Love prompts growth, together and as individuals: "If you’re with the right person, it brings out the best version of you." - Beyoncé