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.”
“And you’re the inspiration for one of my characters.”
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!
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.
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.
A Warm Literary Welcome
Author's new book receives a warm literary welcome.
Readers' Favorite announces the review of the Romance - Contemporary book "Sidelined" by Bianca Williams, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0998514608.
Readers' Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the "Best Websites for Authors" and "Honoring Excellence" awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.
"Reviewed By K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite
Single mother Bryn Charles can't believe her luck when she signs Shane Smith, Nighthawk player and NFL superstar, to organise a kick ass event. She's never been one for jocks, but there is no denying that Shane has a body to die for, and Jen, Bryn's friend, has hooked designer Oris Odili and intends to ensure he knows exactly how to show off all of his best features. Shane seems to find himself drawn towards Bryn, his advances becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. But dating an athlete is way down there on Bryn's list; besides, when he's not flirting, he's yelling, cursing, or acting like a spoilt rich kid. A relationship with the pompous man was the furthest thing from her mind. Then it happened, she found herself and Jen in his room, in his bed. Although it was innocent enough, Bryn couldn't forget the image of him removing his shirt, and from that moment on this picture ran like a sporting event replay. Just when it seems she's about to win, there comes a game changer, one that may leave her forever on the sideline.
Sidelined: The Draft by Bianca Williams is a page turning, stress filled romance, with tries, fouls, and of course goals, or in this case perhaps agendas would be more to the point. Written in the present tense, it follows Bryn and her surprising infatuation with NFL superstar Shane Smith, a spoilt man-child. The story is heavily character driven and easy to follow, whether you're a fan of sports or not. The characters are developed, and I often found myself getting frustrated at some of their actions. Ms Williams shows poise and talent for creating atmosphere throughout her plot. This is the first book in the series and, given the ending, it's easy to understand why."
You can learn more about Bianca Williams and "Sidelined" at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/sidelined where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.
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