Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Alretha Thomas

Book Title:  The Girl in the Blue Blazer

Released:  01/17/23

Genre:  Suspense/Thriller

Interview by Heather L. Barksdale

What inspired you to write “The Girl in the Blue Blazer”?

Thomas: When the #MeToo movement took off in 2017, I remember seeing the hashtag everywhere. Although I had empathy for the victims, I suppressed the thoughts and memories of my own sexual assault. When I was a little girl, an acquaintance of my mother touched me inappropriately numerous times and at one point tried to force his member into my mouth. As I continued to see the hashtag, I added my name to the list. It was then that I knew I would one day write a book that shined a spotlight on this issue. Five years later, I began writing The Girl in the Blue Blazer.

How did you come up with the names of your main characters?

Thomas: For my two protagonists, I wanted names that were easy to remember but that also fit their personalities—Pamela Carter and Elizabeth Westlake. I wanted my billionaire villain to have somewhat of an aristocratic name—Andrew Clifford III. I meditate on the character’s attributes and the names just come to me.

Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?

Thomas: I am a fulltime writer and actress. When I’m not writing, I’m auditioning and or acting. I am a series regular on Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living. I play Anastasia Devereaux. We film in Atlanta at Tyler Perry Studios once a year. It’s an amazing experience. My writing process starts with an idea. I turn that idea into an outline. I determine the end of the story, then I decide what my plot twists will be. After that, I complete the first draft. I have beta readers go over my work. Then I complete more drafts. When I have a final draft, I’ll send it to my developmental editor. After she goes through it and I address all her concerns, I complete another draft. Once that is final, I send it to my editor who proofs the book. Then I’m good to go! It’s about a six to eight month process. The Girl in the Blue Blazer had literary representation, but after not getting interest for a year, I decided to self-publish. Readers are loving this book.

If "The Girl in the Blue Blazer" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?

Thomas:  I’d love for The Girl in the Blue Blazer to become a movie. My dream cast would be:  

Pamela Carter as an adult - Jurnee Smollett.

Pamela Carter as a teenager - Arica Himmel.

Pamela Carter as a young girl - Mykal-Michelle Harris.

Elizabeth Westlake – Kiki Palmer.

Sandra as a teenager – Coco Jones.

Sandra as an adult – Gabrielle Union.

Andrew Clifford III @ 25 – Andy Powers.

Andrew Clifford III @ 50 - Colin Firth.

When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?

Thomas: I never get writer’s block. Writing comes easily to me. However, great writing takes time. So even though the ideas and words flow, I spend a great deal of time fine-tuning and

making my writing shine. For writer’s struggling, I suggest reading a good book. It will inspire you to write.  

Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?

Thomas: Never give up! If you want a traditional book deal, go for it. However, if that doesn’t happen, self-publish. It’s all about getting your story out to the world. Write what you love, not what you think is trending.

What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?

Thomas: My favorite genre is suspense. One of my favorite books is Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris.

What are you working on next?

Thomas: I am in the throes of marketing The Girl in the Blue Blazer. Early next year, I plan to launch a new suspense book that also has the then and now set up with two protagonists that are mysteriously related.

Interested in checking out the book for yourself?

Find it for purchase here or on Kindle Unlimited

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