Originally from Chicago, but currently resides in Atlanta with her biggest-supporter-her husband and their spoiled but playful dog-Winston. She received her Bachelor's of Arts degree in Business Communication, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
Marian began her writing journey with poetry and weaves this inheritance from her mother into the pages of her debut title, Color Me Jazzmyne. Her music inspiration became evident listening to her father play in various live bands as a multi-percussionist. Although, she contributes her husband being a lover of Jazz as the backdrop for the melodious tones of her main character, Naya Moná. One can often hear the smooth sounds of Jazz and Rhythm and Blues bouncing softly off the walls of his car radio.
It was during her college years that Marian first experienced the joy of seeing her thoughts in print. She wrote for the Collegian-a college paper, as the Sports Editor and later moved into the position of News Editor. Some twenty-years would pass before Marian would see her journey to authorship begin to take form.
In 2009, Color Me Jazzmyne was released. The title was re-released in November 2009 after Hudson Publishing stepped to create the amazing cover readers see and enjoy today. November also marked the release of the audio book for Color Me Jazzmyne published through Hudson Publishing. Marian has had to over come many obstacles with tears, determination and focus but it appears to have finally paid off in April 2010 as she witnessed Color Me Jazzmyne land a #1 position on Amazon.com's bestseller list. It had previously reached a #2 position. Her journey continues as she works to release her second book in the winter of 2010.
The Author behind the Message
Many have heard Marian speak passionately about child abuse, rape and the lasting effects both can have for generations to come. Her message is simple: prevention is possible but we must first understand the characteristics of child molesters in order to actively teach and protect our children. She hopes that her book although fiction, will motivate and inspire communities, individuals and parents to become engaged in the issues of child abuse rather than react its after affects.
Get to Know.....
The Characterics of a Child Molester
97% are male
91% are hetosexual
91% consider themselves to be religious
75% are married or formerly married
65% earn a middle income or above
48% are college educated
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1997
Getting Involved
Marian has worked with the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy contributing 15% of the proceeds of her book to help children get on their journey to becoming survivals. She looks forward to working with other Advocacy centers and welcomes the opportunity to speak at charity events that focus on child abuse.
Speaking BIO
The Writer's Forum at Georgia Perimeter College-Discussing the topic- "What is took to get published"-November 2009- Featured Guest Speaker
Bestsellers Bash Panel Discussion at Cascade Community Library-Discussing Several Topics Including- "What it means to be a bestseller"-April 2010-Guest Speaker
Lunch & Learn Seminar at the Concourse-Discussing the topic- "How to Page Forward Your Writing Thoughts in 2010-July 2010- Featured Guest Speaker and Conductor
Destiny Daughters a program focused on helping young girls established goals - Workshop-"How to Page Forward Your Writing Thoughts to Find the Author Inside"-August 2010
BK Media Entertainment
"Marian L Thomas of Color Me Jazzmyne was a guest on my show BK Media Entertainment at blog talk radio. We had a fabulous discussion about her writing career, what drew her into writing as well as her current debut novel. Marian is an amazing woman with som much to offer. I was excited to find out that she offered her services to the local shelters to speak with abused women and children."- BK Walker Listen to Interview Now
Sample of Radio Shows:
Ban Radio With Ella Curry
April 13, 2010 - 9:30pm E.S.T
The Chris Treece Show
April 13, 2010 - 12:00pm E.S.T
Real Talk with Tanya White
February 11, 2010 - 7:00pm E.S.T
Author Speaks with Michele Green
January 17, 2010 - 9pm E.S.T
The Red Rivers Writers Show
January 14, 2010 - 6:00pm E.S.T
Live Chat with Adrienna Turner
January 9, 2010 - 11:00pm E.S.T
Catch that Book Radio
October 7, 2010 - 12:30 pm E.S.T
Live Chat with Martha Out the Box
September 1, 2009 - 9:00pm E.S.T
Award-Winning Morning Show
with Tron Simpson
August 14, 2010 - 11:30am E.S.T
The Diva Toolbox-Writer's Inspiration
"I recently interviewed Marian about her book, Color Me Jazzmyne on my Internet radio show, The Writer's Inspiration. Marian discussed how Color Me Jazzmyne is a work of fiction, but revolves around the issue of abuse--mental, physical and sexual and how it is critical to promote open dialogue about this subject that is so often swept under the rug. As Marian points out, women will never be free from abuse until people are willing to talk about it and deal with it. I found Marian to be an engaging speaker and very knowledgeable about the subject of her book. She was also very gracious in sharing how she promotes Color Me Jazzmyne, which I know will be extremely helpful to emerging writers. I would love to have Marian on my show again to promote her next book!" -Leslie Kohler
Sample of Print Features
Black Perl Magazine
May 2009 Online Edition
Skirt! Atlanta Magazine
March 2009 Print Edition
CrossRoadsNews-Read Now
September 2009 Print & Online
Edition
Publishned Online Author Interviews:
Conscious Discussions
April 9, 2010
Literary-Magic
April 27, 2010
Cate Masters
May 10, 2010
Articles Published by Author:
"How to Publish Yourself-April 2010
"Page Forward Your Writing Thougts- May 10, 2010
Be More Than a Writer- May 17, 2010
Television
The Writers Notebook TV Show-May 15, 2010
Synopsis:
How do you tell your son that your father is his? That is the question that Naya Moná must answer as she confronts a son she hasn't seen since birth. Filled with a jazz singer's heart, a flair for Rhythm and an ear for Blues, the drama in her life unveils as she is forced to go back into her past. Back to the time when her father's touch is no longer innocent, her friends aren't who they appear to be and the love of her life is nothing more than a pair of perfectly polished black leather shoes. A true must read!
Meet the Characters:
Get caught up in the drama that becomes the journey as Color Me Jazzmyne introduces you to:
Misty-The "revolving door" type of friend that you want to love, hate and throw away the key on.
Chris-The true "lifetime" husband. Chris is perfect even with his perfectly polished black leather shoes on.
Big Fred-The larger than life voice-To him money makes the world of music go round and round.
Color Me Jazzmyne takes you on a rollercoaster ride filled with drama, life, relationships and just a hint of reality.
You have to be ready for this!
Online Retailers:
Amazon.com
Barnes & Noble.com
Books-A-Million.com
Other Formats:
Digital- Kindle
Audio Book - Audible.com | Tower.com
Distributor:
Lightning Source
Wholesaler:
Ingram
Baker & Taylor
Wholesale Discount: Y
Book Details: