Dr. Georgianne Thomas is a Renaissance woman. She is an activist, scholar, musician, educator and writer.
In between her current role as adjunct professor at not one but two institutions of higher learning — Atlanta Metropolitan State College and Clark Atlanta University, Dr. Thomas found time to add one more accomplishment to her extensive resume by penning her first book, Guide to the Second-Time Bride. According to Dr. Thomas, her book became her testimony, which she now believes is “a blueprint for the woman who is entertaining the idea of marrying for the second time.”
Why did you write this book?
I wrote this book as a guide and a blueprint for the woman who is entertaining the idea of marrying for the second time. I want her to consider carefully the prospect of remarriage in relationship to the goals and dreams she set for herself. In other words, has she healed from the last marriage, has she fulfilled any of her own goals and aspirations, and is she in a healthy relationship with herself and her children?
What’s the story behind the title?
The story behind the title is my personal story of marrying for the second time for what turned out to be for all the wrong reasons. I offer to the reader several surveys for consideration before taking that next step to remarriage.
What do you hope readers will glean from reading your book?
I hope readers will take seriously the prospect of remarriage and discuss all the issues indicated in the surveys such as questions of faith, financial, and fidelity.
How long did it take you to write this book?
I originally penned the book in pamphlet form in 1976. My story was featured in an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution the same year. My sister, Paquita Young James, encouraged me to expand the pamphlet after she found a copy of it in the house after our mother died. I decided to rewrite it in March 2016 and it was officially published by Taylor and Seale Publishing LLC, September 2016.
What was your regimen to complete the book?
I went to Starbucks, Cascade Road, three to four times a week, found me a table and just wrote. I did not talk with anyone or get to know the regular chess playing, well-heeled and established clientele at that Starbucks (I acknowledged them in my book as the Ph.D. Starbucks) until I finished all my corrections and the book was to be published.
What separates you from others in your field? What is unique to the experience that you create?
Mr. Steve Harvey has a plethora of books and articles addressing love issues, dating game issues, and sex and the single woman concerns. My book is for the woman who has been married and who is now divorced or widowed. She is in an arena all by herself. Her journey is coupled with heartaches, headaches, pain and suffering and perhaps joy in her distant past. I offer her an opportunity to focus on her inner self and have several family conversations before she agrees to wed for the second time.
For those considering entering this arena, what skill sets do you recommend mastering? What traits are most conducive to success?
I recommend the reading of this book from beginning to end because it will serve as a tool for remaining single or deciding to remarry, especially the chapter on the Remarriage Maze Journey.
How do you map out your goals? How do you measure your success?
I am a foot soldier from the civil rights era (see www.footsoldiers1964.com). My life was mapped out for me by God Almighty in 1960 when I was transformed by a white man, who chose to burn my arm with a cigarette as we marched for freedom during the civil rights marches in Atlanta, October 1960. My community became my passion. My daughter is my success story.
Who do you consider to be your peers in your field? Who do you see/use as examples to emulate?
I cross many fields of endeavor as an educator, an entrepreneur, a mother, a Christian, an author, a musician, etc. I can only hope to emulate the great talent found in many sectors of my community, as well as those on the world stage. I can only pray that my ancestors are smiling.
Name two of your top role models: one from your industry and one from outside of it.
The founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Sojourner Truth, W.E.B. Du Bois and Dr. Earle D. Clowney. I cannot count.
Name three books, works, performances or exhibits that changed how you view life and/or yourself.
The books, The Moses Code, Things Fall Apart, A la recherche du temps perdu, The Color Purple ; the exhibit, Without Sanctuary, lynchings in America and Della Reese’s performance at the Chicago Regal when I was about 12 years old.
Why do you consider continued learning important?
Life is continued learning, from the time you rise to the time you fall asleep. There is something new to learn every day of your life.
What affirmations do you repeat to yourself that contribute to your success?
The Lord’s Prayer and affirmations that speak to the law of attraction.
Please define your personal brand.
Georgianne Thomas, passionate, innovative, and committed to excellence for her community, family, and friends. See www.drgeorgiannethomas.com
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
I would work with the United Nations for World Peace and Tolerance, one nation at a time.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
To forgive myself more.
Purchase the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Second-Time-Bride-Georgianne-Thomas/dp/1943789312
