Thomas Green, Jr.

Interview by Kisha Green

Bestselling Author & Screenwriter

I love discussing sex, dating and relationships and after watching a film on Tubi AKA Black Netflix but with commercials called Irreconcilable Differences, I know I had to find out more about where the story came from and discovered it was by a man the same last name as mine, WooHoo! Thomas Green, Jr. based the movie off a novel of the same name. So my curiosity was piqued to find out who was Thomas Green, Jr. was. He was the Essence Magazine’s bestselling author raised in the South Bronx, where he began his writing career as a reporter for the New York Post, Westchester Gannett Newspapers and the great City Sun, an African American weekly newspaper. He has covered all levels of sporting events, from high school to professional and covered news stories.

Then he started to write novels but not basic stories of love but romantic tales involving professional athletes, taking both male and female readers into another side of the lives of ballplayers, their need for steady, real love. Other authors have touched on pro athletes as main characters but none has the credentials to impress readers like Thomas. His books involve drama and the emotional rollercoaster that many couples go through so that could be the reason for his loyal readerships. He uses his many varied experiences playing ball and trying to fall in love. Stories from a man’s point of view, yet a different kind of love story, hard yet loving.

To date Thomas has penned the novels Love’s Home Run, Courting Miss Thang, Player No More, The Christmas Party and nine others, as well as having ghostwritten over 30 books. In addition, Thomas has written, produced and directed the feature film, Irreconcilable Differences.

Kisha Green: What is one word to best describe your writing style?

Thomas Green, Jr.: Descriptive

KG: Who is the target audience for readers of your work?

TGJ: Anyone who loves to read! I used to say I target those who love romantic love stories, but I came to understand as a businessperson the more people I market to the more sales. As an avid reader, I realized folks who love to read would buy a book with an interesting storyline. In addition, let me tell you, there is no better feeling than meeting a mystery reader, or a Sci Fi fan who says they really enjoyed my book.

KG: Describe your writing life.

TGJ: I write every day. I naturally love the process, fleshing out characters, building scenes and moments. My dad was a writer, he wrote all the time, and although I have held many jobs, I never wanted to do anything else.

KG: What is your greatest literary accomplishment?

TGJ: My first book, my baby, Love’s Home Run. Told the story I wanted to tell. Publishers doubted it. 34 rejection letters. Self-Published her in 1997, and she sold like good weed on a college campus. I was ignorant, authors who I knew offered no advice, and yet I sold 1,000 books, my first print run, in three months with no Facebook, no Instagram and little marketing. I did book signings anywhere and everywhere; pure hustle. It was a great learning experience.

KG: What has been the greatest lesson you have learned since becoming a published author and advice would you give an aspiring author?

TGJ: Readers know when you care. After I wrote my first sports love story, Love’s Home Run, I got 34 rejection let ters from publishers, most saying sports romance won’t sell – even though there was a woman doing it (her’s were corny lol).

KG: Tell me about your latest release and what made you write it.

TGJ: Love’s Train is a breast cancer love story. The lead character’s husband leaves her the first time, he sees her chest breastless. Sad and mourning, she believes there is no way a normal man would ever love her again, even when she meets a man who likes her enough to be patient.

KG: How has Covid-19 affected your literary career?

TGJ: Found more time to write and read, yet have not done a book signing or book fair since 2018. Looking forward to promoting the new book in October.

KG: What are some other projects that you are working on besides being an author?

TGJ: I also write screenplays. I wrote, produced and di rected my first feature film, Irreconcilable Differences. Prepping to shoot The Making of a Man in March, releasing the novel simultaneously.

KG: Lastly, what book did you read that made you fall in love with reading?

TGJ: The Junk Pitcher. It blew my little mind. I was eight and was not into the biographies we had to read in school. Then I found this wonder in the library and it blew my mind – fiction with sports! Who knew that was possible. Not me lol. Moreover, I was set for life.