10 minute read
Briana Cole
Briana Cole: Multti-talented Entertainment Mogul
Interview by Lissha Sadler of Hardcore Grind
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Intro: Briana Cole is a multi-talented entertainment mogul in the book and film industries. An Atlanta native, proud mother of three, and active member of the illustrious Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated organization. Known as The Literary Drama Queen, Briana is the author of the nationally acclaimed Unconditional Series and has also penned several novels under her alternate pseudonym, Brielle Montgomery. In 2019, she launched Blacktion, a digital, interactive magazine spotlighting black creative entrepreneurs. Adding to her many accolades, Briana is a co-Screenwriter and Associate Producer for the pulp urban noir film Gutta Mamis: Money Bag Tales and Trap Soldiers. As an actress, she has been in several community theater projects, commercials, movies, and tv shows, including Fatal Attraction and Trois 3: The Escort.
Favorite Quote: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” ~ Mae West
Lissha Sadler: A black woman who can write is powerful. What does the power of your pen mean to you? What intrigues you the most about writing and storytelling?
Briana Cole: The ‘power of the pen’ is the ability to provide a source of peace and escape. I think that requires unique talent. That same power also intrigues me the most about writing and storytelling. Stories are meant to be immersive, and the good ones can draw in readers and transport them to other lives, if you will, where characters are living, breathing creatures that you could pick out of a lineup or hear their voices in a crowd. It’s being able to control those narratives creatively, making my readers laugh, cry, get angry, become aroused, love, hate, and love some more, all with my words.
LS: How does your creativity flow? What keeps you going? Do you ever get discouraged, and why?
BC: My creativity can ebb and flow in various ways, depending on how passionate I am about what I’m writing. Sometimes, it’s easy, and I can’t seem to write fast enough to keep up with the flow. Other times, I may have to stimulate my creativity, either with music or sitting down in a place to put me in the right frame of mind (the lake, a park, etc.). I can get discouraged when the words aren’t flowing as I want them. It’s like I can see it in my mind, but the words are not translating onto the paper as well as they’re playing in my head. When that hap pens, I have to step away for a moment to give myself a break. Otherwise, my words will sound flat and forced. What keeps me going is my determination, for sure. I have a story to tell. If I don’t tell it, the world will never hear it. So if that means pushing through the challenges, then so be it. Because when I type ‘The End,’ that will make it that much more rewarding.
LS: What writers have influenced you the most and why?
BC: Oh, so many, but I have a good four off the top of my head. Kimberla Lawson Roby, of course, because she is the Queen of Plot Twists. Roby also has a knack for jaw-dropping scandal and memorable characters that keep me up at night. I try to emulate Roby’s talent for creating unique twists that suspend readers on a roller coaster of emotions. Like her, my intention is for my audience to expect the unexpected.
Also, my Soror Victoria Christopher Murray. Each of her books feels almost as if I am watching a movie keeping me on the edge of my seat. I use her work as a reminder to achieve that perfect balance of show and tell to create immersive and evocative realities.
Then there is Terry McMillan, who is amazing with her character development. I can become so engrossed in her stories because not only are they entertaining, but her characters are so real and relatable I think of them as friends and family. She can write them off the page in such a way that I am rooting for them. When I write, I keep Terry McMillan in mind and bring the same humanity and authenticity to my characters. Like her, I want my characters to speak to readers, and whether you love or hate them, you are invested in their stories and outcomes.
Finally, there is Dr. Maya Angelou, who can craft poetic prose that sounds almost musical. She has a way of putting together words that speak directly to emotions and has an underlying depth that will resonate even after you finish her piece. In my writing, I try to channel my inner Maya Angelou with my word usage, keeping my language smooth and poetic while carrying enough depth to make you think.
LS: Authors have become the pioneers of the African American community. How does that make you feel to be one of the elites?
BC: I have to admit, I don’t think I’m there yet. But I am getting there. I want to inspire my kids and other young black women to strive to make a name for themselves in the creative industries. That is what is so fulfilling about what I do. And I can only hope my passion shows through in my work.
LS: Your latest book, “Couples Wanted,” is a change from what you usually write. Can you talk about that story and its birth?
BC: Couples Wanted was a fun and compelling story to write. Like all of my books, it contains some Briana Cole signatures, so you know it’s a part of the same “universe.” However, I wanted to touch on different topics that will stimulate conversations and increase awareness about specific communities. The story is about an adventurous newlywed couple, Bridget and Roman, who meet a swinging couple, Corrine and Patrick, and decide to give it a try. However, Corrine and Patrick become almost possessive after the encounter. As their stories intertwine, both of our couples begin to learn more about each other, and ultimately, themselves. This story was birthed from one of my what-if scenarios. What happens when things go wrong in an unconventional relationship? Where is everyone left standing when the dust settles? In true Briana Cole fashion, this story will entertain and educate and leave readers with a lot to discuss even after the book ends.
LS: How have you grown as a writer over the years? What do you know now that you didn’t know when you started?
BC: I have grown tremendously as a writer over the years. I have learned the importance of building my audience to have longevity in my field. It’s not enough to just put out a good story, but I need people to read these stories. So, I spend a lot of time branding myself so that people trust me, my brand, and the quality of my work.
LS: If you could change anything about the literary industry, what would it be?
BC: I would make traditional publishing more accessible to independent authors. I would also provide independent authors with more bestselling lists, awards, and accolades.
LS: What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
BC: I have a few things. 1) The best writing is rewriting. I once read a book called “Shitty First Drafts.” The author discussed getting out of your ‘editor’ mode and staying in the ‘creative’ mode to get your story written. He says your first draft will be horrible, and that is okay; get the words out. That has been something that has resonated with me for years. Even my Soror Author Victoria Christopher Murray calls it “vomiting on the page.” Don’t try to make that first draft perfect because it’s not supposed to be. Just get the story on the paper. It’s so much easier to polish it up later. 2) Be disciplined. I used to write when I felt “inspired,” which led me to procrastinate. Pretty soon, years had gone by, and I hadn’t written anything. It takes discipline to be a great author, which means writing even when you don’t necessarily want to. Make it a habit to write consistently. 3) Rejection is okay. Several publishers and agents rejected me before I found my fit. The rejection letters I received were motivating. Plus, it allowed me to shop around and find the perfect agent and publisher for me. Everything happens for a reason, and a ‘no’ can mean ‘not with me’ or ‘not right now.’ 4) Keep pushing because the world needs your story, and only you can write it.
LS: You are a very accomplished author and actress, adding the titles of a co-Screenwriter and Associate Producer. What made you step into the film industry?
BC: I was bit by the acting bug at 12, but I started theater. I stepped into the film industry as a way to marry my two passions of writing and acting. To me, they’re like two sides of the same coin. In both industries, I can tell a story and bring characters to life, either through my pen or through my performance. I can also appreciate how both outlets strengthen each other when creating my narratives.
LS: What has it been like to live the Hollywood life? What are some of the challenges you have faced during this journey, if any?
BC: It keeps me busy, that’s for sure. But it’s a good dynamic. Often times, I am juggling writing one book, marketing another, writing screenplays, auditions, taking acting classes, photoshoots, outlining new ideas, and pitching, just to name a few things. For example, when I finished making my movie, I went about planning this elaborate red-carpet movie premiere (which was amazing)! But I’ve prayed for this, so I am undoubtedly enjoying the ride and looking forward to the following levels.
My biggest challenge during this journey is finding the time to do everything. I have my hands in a lot, and between all of my business ventures, my full-time job, being a mommy, and everything else in between, I have to squeeze in every second I can. Plus, I have to make some sacrifices (like sleep, lol). Thankfully, I have a phenomenal support system which most certainly helps!
LS: If you could change anything about the film industry, what would it be?
BC: I would provide more resources and opportunities for independent filmmakers, such as getting their movies made on shoe-string budgets and distributing platforms to get their films seen. The market is so competitive, and right now, many great filmmakers and screenwriters are getting lost in the shuffle.
LS: Moving forward in your career, what can we expect from you next??
BC: So much! Next year, I will be releasing my movie, Pseudo, and I’m already in talks with some people on another feature film and a TV series I’m writing. Plus, more book releases. But this is only the beginning. My company, Brenaissance, is a game-changing experience, and I’m priding myself on being more than books. Movies, plays, non-profit organizations, speaking engagements, scholarships, you name it. If it’s in the creative space, I want to have a hand in it. It’s only up from here!
