TCU alumna Jennifer Brown-Thomas does not take no for an answer.
At the age of 25, she has already published her first book, "Blissful Lies", and directed her own film based on the book. She has another book and film on the way, and plans the launch of a girls clothing line and perfume.
On Saturday, she returned to campus to sign copies of her book, "Blissful Lies," at the TCU Bookstore.
“I love seeing people read the book," Brown-Thomas said. "It’s an amazing feeling.”
"Blissful Lies" explores the lives of a tight-knit group of friends who realize that, despite growing up together, they still have a lot to learn about each other. Each has a secret of their own, and before they know it, they will have to take responsibility for them.
"Blissful Lies", the film adaptation, was filmed in 17 days, while Brown-Thomas was still a senior at TCU, she said.
“We had a lot of personal issues happen kind of in a really short period of time, and that prompted me to need an outlet for something creative,” Brown-Thomas said.
Brown-Thomas graduated with a degree in strategic communication, and said TCU’s great faculty and support system helped her with her career.
“You’re a part of something bigger here, and I think that helps you realize what you want to do with yourself,” she said.
Brown-Thomas said she spent a lot of time on campus, working in the library and taking classes.
“Being at TCU is such an amazing experience, and it’s such a tight-knit community,” she said. “I met a lot of amazing people, and I am still friends with a lot of my professors.”
In fact, Brown-Thomas pays homage to TCU in the novel "Blissful Lies," mentioning TCU landmarks such as Beasley Hall and professors such as Chantel Langlinais.
The professors at TCU are “really pro-active and really care about how you are doing,” Brown-Thomas said.
Right now, Brown-Thomas is focused on getting her book distributed throughout the U.S., also striving toward a distribution deal for Target and Walmart.
“I’m hoping to get it in Barnes & Nobles cross-country,” she said.
Brown-Thomas's movie was shown at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival and has been picked up for worldwide distribution.
"Blissful Lies" is on sale at the TCU Bookstore and on Amazon.