I’m so thrilled to present bestselling author and filmmaker Briana Cole to the platform and share her amazing journey! I first came across Briana’s work when I watched her TUBI original movie The Marriage Pass based on the bestselling novel. When The Marriage Pass was released, the book club I’m in decided to make the book our monthly read! When I reached out to Briana for the first time, I realized that we were already FB friends and the rest just flowed! It was inspiring to chat with her about the highs and lows of being a creative, the most challenging book she’s written, and the influences that impact her work.
What inspired you to become a writer? When did you start?
BC: “My inspiration to be a writer came from my love of reading. I’ve always been an avid reader and as a creative person, I used to have in my mind different ideas for my own stories. I’ve been writing since I was about six and from that point, I knew I had found my purpose. Being a writer allows me to have so much fun. I can exercise my creativity, spin crazy plots, and make memorable characters. There is no limit and I love that freedom.”
As a filmmaker and author, what is the most important lesson you’ve learned from both professions?
BC: “Definitely having tough skin. It can be a cut-throat industry with lots of disappointments, rejection, missed opportunities, and closed doors. Plus, you have to come to terms with the fact that once your work is out there, everyone will not like it (and won’t have any problems telling that to your face). It can be discouraging, but you have to keep at it because you have a gift. What’s for you will come and your work will find its audience.”
In your career in writing, what has been the book that challenged you the most so far?
BC: “I think my most challenging book had to be “Behind Her Lives” for a couple of reasons. One, it was my first full-length story in the psychological thriller genre. So I was having to challenge myself in that space. Also, in the middle of writing this book, I suffered a great loss with the death of my younger sister, She was my best friend and because her death was unexpected, it shattered my world. I spiraled into depression and did not know if, or how, I was going to be able to recover from the tragedy. I couldn’t even find the heart to write. But I found my way through and that book was therapeutic for me. It was a challenge to write from such a raw and deep place in my heart while dealing with my grief.
More importantly, I wanted to use this story to explore how we can hide behind this image or identity of what we want to present to people, sometimes masking our true selves from others; whether it’s fear, a defense mechanism, or something else entirely. Through this story, I wanted to highlight the mental health stigma and increase awareness on something we don’t often realize until it’s too late: You never really know what someone else is going through. Yes, this was a challenge, but since this book is the most authentic version of myself, it’s also my favorite.”
What has been the ups and downs of transitioning your books to film? What advice can you give authors who want to see their books in visual form?
BC: “I would say getting used to writing in a new medium. I’ve been writing books all my life so that is what I’m used to. Film is a completely different ballpark and you have to understand the structure, mechanics, and the film industry as a whole. I had to do a lot of research because I wanted to be as knowledgeable as possible in this new space. My advice to new authors who want to see their books in visual form: READ SCRIPTS! I mean, devour them. I read scripts like I read books, lol. You can find scripts with a simple internet search. I also find it helps to read the scripts while following along with the movie or show, just so you can see how the words translate on the screen.”
How do you practice self-care and balancing life & business?
BC: “I have to admit that this is something I still struggle with. 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, to make sure things get done, I have to make some sacrifices (like sleep, lol). Thankfully, I have a phenomenal support system which most certainly helps! I also have to practice self-care by doing things NON-WRITING RELATED that makes me happy. For example traveling. For my birthday in 2023, I needed a getaway so I took a solo trip to Aruba for 4 days. It was an opportunity for me to unplug and just relax without being “on” all the time. And even when I can’t vacation, I still like to do small things for myself at home, even if it’s just leaving the kids with their dad and taking myself out to dinner at a nice restaurant or going to get a pedicure.”
Name 3 fun facts about yourself!
1.) I am a Disney fanatic!
2.) I used to be a champion equestrian and though I haven’t been on a horse in a few years, I still love the sport.
3.) I love musicals, my favorite being “Wicked” so I cannot WAIT for the movie to release.
What is a film or book that still inspires you as a writer today?
BC: “For books, definitely anything by some of my favorites: Victoria Christopher Murray, Kimberla Lawson Roby, ReShonda Tate Billingsley… too many to name because I have a lot of “favorite” authors and books, lol. For movies, I enjoy my classics such as Boomerang, The Wood, The Best Man, Poetic Justice, Set It Off, Waiting to Exhale, How Stella Got Her Groove Back… But not just my black films. Some of my favorites that I’ve seen too many times to count are Face Off, Overboard, and every episode of all 7 seasons of Golden Girls. It really just depends on my mood and genre. I know you said just one but that’s soooo hard to narrow down. “
What is one piece of advice you would give to a person who hasn’t found their passion yet?
BC: “I would tell that person to start looking internally to discover what lights their fire. What do you think about a lot? What are you doing when you feel your happiest or most at peace? What could you enjoy doing all day, every day whether you made money or not? And finally, it’s okay if you haven’t found your passion just yet. Don’t feel as if you’re behind, missing out, or that it won’t happen. We all step into our purpose in different seasons of our lives and when it’s the right time, it’ll happen how it’s supposed to.”
Name one memorable experience in your writing journey, big or small, that you were proud of.
BC: “Oh goodness, soooo so many. But I’m going to speak on a recent experience because it’s still fresh in my mind. In February 2024, I was a guest on the RidinOutAllDayPodcast thanks to the success of my movie “The Marriage Pass.” About a week after our interview, the two hosts called me and told me they were going to help promote my movie by putting my poster and some movie clips on a billboard in Times Square over Superbowl weekend. I flew up to New York just to see them unveil the poster. That experience was EPIC! “
What are your favorite scriptures/affirmations?
BC: “One of my favorite quotes is by Mae West: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” Two others that I live by are “You can’t pour from an empty cup” and “Imperfect progress is better than perfect procrastination.” As far as scriptures, THE ENTIRE BIBLE!”
About Briana Cole
Briana Cole is an entertainment creative in both the book and film industries. Authoring ten novels, including three that are being adapted to film, Briana has also published under Carl Weber with her pseudonym Brielle Montgomery. Briana was a Staff Writer on season 2 of “Lace” a TV series streaming on AllBlk. She is also the Screenwriter and Producer for a number of films currently streaming on TUBI and Peacock, including The Marriage Pass (a Tubi Original) and Pseudo, a movie she wrote and executive produced which was acquired by Damon Dash. In addition to this, Briana is an actress, and she has been recognized in a number of popular blogs and magazines, the most prominent being Sophisticate’s Hair Magazine, Publisher’s Weekly, BuzzFeed, Popsugar, Deadline, BlackNews.com, and Sheen. In her “spare” time, Briana enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her three boys. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Website: www.brianacole.com
IG/FB: @brianacoleofficial
X (formerly Twitter): @bricoleofficial
TikTok: @brianacole3
Oprah "Zip" Bradford 