Briana Cole
Briana Cole is an acclaimed author, motivational speaker, sex educator and actress. Her novels are known for exploring unconventional relationships and making readers question all expectations about love, lust, and monogamy – her latest release is Couples Wanted. An Atlanta native, she graduated cum laude from Georgia Southern University and is a proud member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Her motto and ultimate drive toward success is a famous quote from Mae West: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
Twitter: @BColeAuthor
Instagram: @BColeAuthor
Is there a genre of music that influences your writing/thinking? Do you listen to music while you write?
I listen to music depending on the scene I’m writing because it can get me in the mood. If I’m writing about a couple on a date, I’ll put on a love song, or if I’m writing about a death, I’ll put on a song to grieve. I find that it does help convey those emotions I’m trying to stimulate. Other times, I may prefer to write in complete silence. It depends.
Not all books are for all readers… when you start a book and you just don’t like it, how long do you read until you bail?
If I’m not excited about the book in the first 25%, chances are I’ll push it to the side for something else and I probably won’t rush to resume reading it anytime soon. However, because I typically read in my favorite genres (domestic suspense and psychological thrillers), I try my best to finish all the books I start. I really do. If only to make a fair judgment of the story in its entirety.
Is there another profession you would like to try?
I have always said if I had another chance, I would want to be a Disney Cruise Director. I am a huge Disney fan and I love to cruise. Plus, I feel I have the type of engaging personality that would be a perfect fit for that type of profession.
Do you have another artistic outlet in addition to your writing? Do you sew? Paint? Draw? Knit? Dance?
I sure do! I love to act. I have been acting since middle school when I was cast in my school production of “The Trial of Goldilocks.” Since then, I’ve participated in numerous school and theater productions, all the way through college, as well as some film and television projects. I feel writing and acting are two sides of the same coin, because either way I am bringing characters to life and immersing my audience in my stories, whether through my pen or through my performance.
What do you worry about?
It may sound trite, but I worry about not succeeding. I am very ambitious, and I have lofty goals I am striving to accomplish. So, I can admit, I do have that fear of failure because I don’t have a plan B. I’m putting all my eggs in this “creative entrepreneur” basket, and I worry that if I don’t succeed, then what?
