Brenda L. Thomas currently resides in Philadelphia, PA. She is an Executive and Personal Assistant, author, and now also an Executive Producer of her movie. Her memoir, Laying Down My Burdens, was published in October of 2007. Brenda is rather modest. She has also been a celebrity personal assistant and has been a guest on various well known TV programs. Enjoy her Tuesday Nook stop!
Andrea: I noticed that you've been heavily promoting Laying Down My Burdens. What it is about, and is it non-ficition? Is there a lesson attached to the story?
Brenda: It’s a non-fiction memoir based on a 15 year period of my life wherein I was a victim of domestic violence and drug addiction. My ex-husband wouldn’t allow me to write. However, once I was free from that marriage, I went onto write several Essence bestselling novels and now, my personal story, Laying Down My Burdens.
Andrea: Were you concerned about what people would think who read it?
Brenda: The courage came from wanting my granddaughters to know that they didn’t have to fall victim and suffer like I did.
Andrea: What would you say who people who criticize domestic violence victims for taking "too long" to leave an abuser? Do you feel that mental and physical abuse equally damaging?
Brenda: People have interesting takes on DV and I believe it’s because of their own experiences. We’ve all been exposed, whether as a perpetrator, victim or witness and hence that’s were our opinions grow from. And yes all of its equally as damaging and usually comes as a package deal. Too often women try to identify out by saying, “Well it wasn’t that bad for me.”
Andrea: Were people shocked that a high profile personal assistant and successful author had been abused?
Brenda: Very shocked, but the funny thing was everyone always thought my novels were my story, especially Sasha, in Threesome and Fourplay. Then when I released 'Burdens,' people didn’t want to believe it was me. Some people actually don’t.
Andrea: From where did you draw your strength, when you were in an abusive relationship? How did you find courage to leave?
Brenda: My strength came from my family and friends, always telling me I didn’t have to live like that. But I had to believe it for myself. My parents always prayed that I’d live a better life and through their faith and my own I was able to take the baby steps to leave. In the end I was tired of seeing my children suffer.
When people ask where did I get the courage, my response is that I never knew I had courage. I just wrote a story I needed to tell.
Andrea: Did you choose to self-publish?
Brenda: Yes, after being with Simon and Schuster, I knew that for this book I had to have full control.
Andrea: Can you share anything about your upcoming movie, how readers can stay up-to-date, and how and when it will be produced?
Brenda: The movie will go into production in 2014. We’ve released the teaser on You Tube and will preview the trailer on Nov. 9th in Philly. The best way to stay up to date is www.brendalthomas.net or email me at brendalthomas@comcast.net. I’m also linked to all social media sites.
The You Tube teaser:
Brenda: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlYFCFSA9Vk
Andrea: Purchase information for your book:
Brenda:
http://www.amazon.com/Laying-Down-Burdens-Brenda-Thomas/dp/0979762200/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382377287&sr=8-1&keywords=laying+down+my+burdens
The ebook version will be available in 2 weeks, or if they’d like it personally autographed, they can email me at brendalthomas@comcast.net. We can do it through PayPal and I’ll mail them a copy.
Additional information:
If you are located in PA, Brenda will be having a screening of the movie trailer. Attendees can also meet the cast and crew. RSVP is required by November 4rth.
Saturday * 9th * November * 2013
7:00 p.m.
Chickie's & Pete's
4010 Robbins Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19135
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