Q & A Interview With Novelist Alretha Thomas

An author, playwright, producer and director, Alretha Thomas is making her name through her pen. Award winning plays and wanting to help her community, Alretha’s background is as diverse as her personality. She started at the age of ten, when her 5th grade teacher picked and read her short story assignment in front of the class – that simple, loving act empowered a new writer. Continuing in high school, her numerous original oratorical conquests on the Speech Team led her to a journalism concentration at the University of Southern California. Upon graduating, Alretha soon realized that her interest in journalism was not heartfelt. While at the taping of a live sitcom, the producer noticed her and encouraged her hand at modeling. Modeling didn’t mean much to her, but it did lead her to acting and a NAACP Theatre Award Nomination (1993) for BEST ACTRESS. She feels that this acting stint gave her more fuel to write, and particularly, a better understanding of character development.

Alretha left acting and began to write full time. Her church gave her an outlet to fulfill her writing desires through their Liturgical Fine Arts Department wherein Alretha penned twelve theatre pieces - the community response was overwhelming. This led to full length plays outside of the church including Alretha’s play, Sacrificing Simone (2007) which had a successful run at Stage 52 in Los Angeles and was called “an inspirational crowd pleaser” by the Los Angeles Times and her most recent work, the ground breaking One, Woman Two Lives, starring Kellita Smith (The Bernie Mac Show), directed by Denise Dowse, which garnered rave reviews from critics and audiences. In between plays, Alretha’s first novel "Daughter Denied" was launched in 2008.

Excerpt:

In what environment did you start putting “Dancing Her Dreams Away” together?

“Dancing Her Dreams Away,” had an unusual evolution. I actually had planned to write the sequel to my debut novel, “Daughter Denied.” By the way, I’m not sure why I come up with these titles that feature double “D’s.” LOL. The sequel to “Daughter Denied” was going to be named “Daughter Denied Again” and I finished the novel early last year. It numbered over 300 pages. Unfortunately, after getting feedback and giving it an objective look, it was a mess. It had no heart and structurally it was just off and unsalvageable. I had written the novel from my head and not my heart. It was painful, but I trashed it and almost gave up on writing. But the dream would not die, if you will, and I took some time to reassess my writing endeavors. I decided to take a stab at another book and committed myself to writing something that I could connect to. I reflected on my life and realized I have had some very interesting experiences. One of which, was the time I was pursuing acting and I needed a night job. So like the character in my book, I got a job as a dance hostess in a taxi-dancing club. They still exist and were very popular in the 20’s and 30’s. It’s a place where men pay by the minute to dance and talk with women. There’s no nudity, touching, or alcohol. At least not on the premises. LOL. Like the character, I was only 21-years-old and like the character, I was desperate to be this famous actress, because I needed something to complete me, validate me. Growing up in an abusive situation, I had no self-esteem and like Shelia, in “Dancing Her Dreams Away,” I thought being a famous actress would complete me. Because I could tap into those feelings, I decided that would be the book I would write. A book about a young woman who has no sense of her real self, determined to become a famous actress, and her determination coupled with her desperation, makes her vulnerable to situations that could possibly be life-threatening.

And how did you arrive to conclusion it should be put into a book?
As mentioned earlier, my ultimate goal was to write a second novel and I had planned to write the sequel to my debut novel “Daughter Denied,” but ended up writing “Dancing Her Dreams Away.”

What were your doubts at the time of penning and putting a well conceived,magnificent characters -- Shelia King and Gregory Livingston III -- together?
In reference to Shelia, I did have some concerns regarding how she would be portrayed, because she is definitely very similar to me when I was her age. I questioned where I was going to take her on the journey and how deep I would go. As a writer, people always assume you’re one or more of the characters in your book and usually they’re correct. You may not be an exact version of a character, but usually there are some similarities. Like Shelia, I worked at a taxi-dancing club while pursuing acting and like Shelia; I ended up abusing alcohol and drugs. I thought a great deal about how I would approach Shelia’s alcoholism and I knew that if I wrote it true to form people would wonder how I knew so much. It’s my hope that people will find act three of the book educational. I also had doubts about how to present Shelia. There have been comments about Shelia being too naïve. However, in writing her, I wanted to convey that it’s not her naiveté that gets her in trouble, but her desperation to make it as an actress. She sees things, but she chooses to turn a blind eye so that she can get what she wants. However, as she soon learns, there’s a price to pay. Gregory, on the other hand is totally fictional. I mean, I’ve dated and encountered men who were single and secretive, but not on Gregory’s level. It was fun writing him, but challenging as well because of who he turns out to be. I argued for days with a friend of mine who questioned my choices about Gregory, but I had to be true to myself and the character. I want to say more, but I don’t want to give away the story.

What would you have done differently assuming you did not complete the book?

There’s no way I could even let myself think about not completing the book. I am a true writer and when a book has been conceived, and I carry it to full term, it has to be born!

Let’s talk about your previous projects before “Dancing Her Dreams Away.” “Daughter Denied,” I understand was a dream project for the fact it was your debut novel and a sequel was expected. With such a compelling story how come we did not see a sequel? What happened?

"Daughter Denied" was my first child, and I had always dreamed of writing a novel about a young girl who endures hardship, but grows up to be a successful woman. It is inspired by my childhood. Readers fell in love with the protagonist Tina, and wanted me to write a sequel, and as I mentioned earlier, I attempted a sequel, but just could not connect to it emotionally. I’m hoping that in the near future I may be inspired to write the sequel.

You acknowledge leaving acting and devoting your full time to writing. Tough decision, and what was the motivation?

The last time I set foot on a stage or in front of a camera was in 1991. I was going through a lot emotionally and spiritually and needed time to step away from acting. I needed to get grounded and rooted in my walk with God. I was drinking more than I cared to and needed to take stock of my life. I joined a 12-Step Program, got back in church, and a few years later started writing plays for my church. They were such a hit that I also began writing plays for the community and the rest as they say is history.

Let’s talk about plays and the theater arts. What plays are you working on now besides your devotion to writing?
My last play was “One Woman, Two Lives,” and it starred Kellita Smith of “The Bernie Mac Show.” It debuted in 2009 in Los Angeles and Upland, California. It was a huge hit and it’s my hope to bring it back to the stage. Additionally, I have written a play called “Mommie and Clyde” about a couple who grew up together and who have spent their entire life participating in get-rich-quick schemes. Clyde thinks he’s finally hit the lottery when he meets a rich woman and convinces her to marry him. However, he has plans for the honeymoon, deadly plans, if you get my drift. I love this play. There are four characters. Clyde and Belinda. Belinda’s brother Zack and Katrina, the wealthy woman. It’s basically a romantic comedy. I would love to have this play produced.

Based on your experience now in the literary world, what would be your advice to would be writers and sending the message in terms of the craft?

Never give up and that’s difficult to do, because there is so much competition and rejection. Believe in yourself and the story you’re telling and be open to constructive criticism. I am still growing as an author and a playwright. I’m a work-in-progress.

How are the reviews and the book on the shelves?

The reviews for “Dancing Her Dreams Away” have been fantastic. Mostly five-star and people get the story. Here’s a few snippets.

“Alretha creates a storyline that's believable. The reader will keep turning the pages to see what happens to Shelia's dreams. Wonderful second novel from Ms. Thomas.”
Ladies of Color Turning Pages Book Club (Los Angeles, California)

“Dancing Her Dreams Away is filled with romance, drama, suspense, and mystery that will keep you glued to the pages. Ms. Thomas has done a wonderful job in developing the characters. This one is a must read!!”
Divas Read 2 Book Club (Dallas, Texas)

“You won't be able to put this book down and after reading it, you will have much to think and talk about.”
Real Women Read Books (New York, New York)

“Kudos to Alretha for another literary winner. She has definitely showed her ability to tell a good story and lead the reader to think in the process.”
Conversations Book Club (Jackson, Mississippi)

Book sales are okay, but there’s always room for improvement. Please, please, readers, get your copy of “Dancing Her Dreams Away.” I thank you in advance. The book is available now on www.Amazon.com.

Like the book portrays, how about a movie deal?

I would love for “Dancing Her Dreams Away” to be optioned for a movie! Please spread the word and let me know if anyone is interested. It would make a fantastic film. I could see the actor Idris Elba playing the role of Gregory Livingston III and perhaps an unknown for the part of Shelia. It would be a dream come true, and I would love to help pen the screenplay and be apart of the movie making process from beginning to end. From your lips to God’s ears!

You can get more information about me and “Dancing Her Dreams Away” at the following online locations: TWITTER, FACEBOOK, "DANCING HER DREAMS AWAY"

Synopsis:Shelia King, a fun-loving grandma’s girl, needs to keep her days open for auditions in the hope of landing a role that will catapult her to stardom. With the threat of eviction looming, she scrambles to find a night job and convinces the owner of a hostess club to hire her. Now she’s a dance-partner-for-hire by night and struggling thespian by day. When her agent pitches a topless role, fearing her grandmother’s disapproval, Shelia declines. But after setbacks and considerable thought, she agrees to meet the producer. Gregory Livingston III is rich, suave, ridiculously fine, and the panacea for Shelia’s career woes. At first sight she shapes plans to win the role and his heart. She gets both and works hard to give an Oscar worthy performance. However, when the movie wraps, nothing can prepare her for the startling revelations about Greg’s past and the aftermath of a dream gone awry.