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.
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
