Angela Thomas is a renowned author known for her powerful and impactful writing. Her work has touched the hearts of many and has been recognized as one of the most talented writers of our time. But when did this talented wordsmith first begin her journey as a writer? In this article, we will dive into the early beginnings of Angela Thomas’ writing career and explore the events that paved the way for her success. From humble beginnings to becoming a household name, let’s uncover the story behind when Angela Thomas began writing.
Angela Thomas is a name that has become synonymous with powerful storytelling and representing the underrepresented voices in literature. Her debut novel, The Hate U Give, took the world by storm, rising to the top of the New York Times bestseller list and being adapted into a successful film. But when did this talented writer first put pen to paper?
Angela Thomas was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, where she grew up surrounded by a large family and community. From a young age, she showed an interest and talent in writing, often creating stories and poems to share with her friends and family. However, it wasn’t until her early twenties that she began to take writing more seriously.
After graduating from high school, Thomas attended Belhaven University in her hometown, majoring in creative writing. It was during her time at university that she began to explore different forms of writing and develop her skills. She also joined a spoken word poetry group, which helped her find her voice and gain confidence in sharing her work with others.
After graduating from Belhaven, Thomas went on to work as a youth pastor and later a recruiter for a Christian college. During this time, she continued to nurture her love for writing, attending workshops and conferences to hone her craft. However, it wasn’t until 2009 that she had her breakthrough moment.
In 2009, Thomas attended a writing workshop where she was encouraged to write about something that mattered to her. She chose to write about the fatal police shooting of Oscar Grant, a 22-year-old Black man, in California. This event sparked nationwide protests and discussions about police brutality and racial injustice.
This topic hit close to home for Thomas, who had grown up witnessing similar injustices in her own community. The workshop instructor loved Thomas’ writing and encouraged her to continue exploring this topic. This led to Thomas writing what would later become her debut novel, The Hate U Give.
At the time, Thomas was working as a community college admissions counselor and would spend her evenings and weekends writing. She also shared excerpts of her work on online writing forums, where she received valuable feedback and support from other writers. Through hard work, determination, and a passion for telling this important story, The Hate U Give was born.
Thomas finished writing The Hate U Give in 2012, but it took her seven years and countless rejections before the book was finally published in 2017. During those years, Thomas never gave up on her dream and continued to write and revise the novel. Her perseverance paid off when the book was met with critical acclaim and became an instant bestseller.
Since then, Thomas has gone on to write two more powerful and thought-provoking novels, On the Come Up and Concrete Rose. Both books have received praise for their honest portrayal of Black teenagers and tackling difficult issues such as poverty, systemic racism, and police brutality.
Not only is Thomas a talented writer, but she is also an advocate for diverse representation in literature and media. She uses her platform to promote and support other marginalized voices, highlighting the importance of representation and giving a voice to those who have been silenced for too long.
In addition to her novels, Thomas has also written for various online platforms and publications, including her personal blog. She continues to inspire and empower others through her writing, proving that words have the power to ignite change and create a better world.
Conclusion
So, when did Angie Thomas start writing? Although she has been writing since she was a young girl, it wasn’t until her early twenties that she began to take it seriously and pursue it as a career. Through hard work, determination, and a passion for storytelling, Thomas has become one of the most influential voices in literature today.
Her debut novel, The Hate U Give, not only topped bestseller lists but also started important conversations about race, justice, and representation in literature. With two more powerful novels under her belt and a growing platform, Thomas shows no signs of slowing down, and we can’t wait to see what she writes next.
If you want to learn more about how Thomas’ work has impacted society and sparked important discussions, check out this article: When Did Angie Thomas Start Writing?
References
- Angie Thomas (2021). About Me. [Online] Available at: https://www.angiethomas.com/about-me [Accessed 17 August 2021].
- Belhaven University (2017). Noted Author, Community Leader Angie Thomas Shares with Belhaven Graduates [Online] Available at: https://belhaven.edu/news/articles/noted-author-and-community-leader-shares-with-belhaven-graduates.htm [Accessed 17 August 2021].
- NPR (2018). ‘The Hate U Give’ Explores Racism And Police Violence In Angie Thomas’ Novel. [Online] Available at: https://www.npr.org/2018/02/28/589310942/the-hate-u-give-explores-racism-and-police-violence-in-angie-thomas-novel [Accessed 17 August 2021].
In conclusion, it is difficult to pinpoint an exact date when Angela Thomas began writing. However, her passion for writing can be traced back to her childhood, and she has since established herself as a successful author with several acclaimed works. Her unique perspective and powerful storytelling have captured the hearts of readers around the world. Whether it was the early years of her life or a later realization, one thing is certain – Angela Thomas has always been a writer at heart.
