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Thursday, April 10, 2014

What Is My Passion Thursdays: Meet Betty Jean Nobles, Author, Playwright, Actor



Sharee and I met Betty Jean Nobles through previous What Is My Passion interviewee Jauntia Frederick. Here is Betty Jean Nobles in her own words.  Enjoy and leave us a comment below.



I was born to write and perform. After raising 3 children and 34 years of teaching, I am ready to fully embrace my dreams. My life has taken lots of twists and turns. I was born in Augusta, Georgia, during the time of blatant segregation. “Jim Crow Laws” ruled the south. Black folks stayed in their own area of town, creating their own style of entertainment. Everyday, my Mom sang spirituals and the blues from the bottom of her soul, as she braided my hair. Most evenings, after dinner, my Dad, gathered us young ones up, and told great stories about our ancestors, and humorous riddles about life. When Daddy wasn’t telling stories, he challenged us to compete against each other as storytellers. I was one happy child. Nobody at home ever told me “that little chocolate girls were not supposed to feel smart and beautiful, and Dream Big…!”

When I came to Philadelphia, I was a child filled with big dreams. My parents showed me love, mostly Southern Black Baptist style.  I began performing in front of large audiences around age seven. A short time later, I began perfecting my writing. During 7th grade, a 9th grade boy from my neighborhood, asked me to help him write a letter, so that he could make up with his girlfriend. Well, I smiled at what he had scribbled on his paper. Then, I decided to write what I thought a girl would want to hear. The next morning, I gave him a letter. During lunch, he ran up to me, gave me a big bear hug, and a dollar. I turned around still shocked from that big hug, and there were at least a dozen boys waving dollar bills, demanding letters. At that moment, I knew I was a writer. I became sort of a celebrity at school. For several more years, I continued writing for various teenagers, and singing with an adult gospel group. Those were my “Wonder Years!”

There came a time when I hit a curve. I stopped writing and performing. During that time, I learned the meaning of poverty, and having no voice. Education, activism and reading lots of good books created candid discussions about the impact of history, culture, and literature upon society. In the midst of one of those discussions, I felt a sense of affirmation. My soul got happy. I knew I had to return to my roots. This time I embraced my gifts. I started with the local free library, seeking out local writers’ groups, poetry sessions, jam sessions and open- mike nights. Finally, I owned my passion. 

Don’t be Afraid to “Take A Leap!” There is a great deal of support out there for writers and actors in the writing and theater community, especially among the younger writers and aspiring actors and filmmakers. I was pleasantly surprised on the set of an upcoming movie at the kindness I received from the director, younger actors and a spectacular veteran actor. 

Writing requires time and solitude. Maintaining relationships, especially intimate relationships can be extremely challenging. Some people close to you may not understand that writing is as much a part of you, as breathing. Sometimes, they misinterpret your absence. You might not get the support you expect from them. It’s not that they don’t love you. They just don’t understand.  Communication, respect and patience are crucial. You have to be compassionate, and work at any kind of relationship, no matter what your passion is. I refuse to let my dreams dry up just because I am growing older. Writing and performing is my purpose, my healing, my voice! 

Find out more about Betty Jean Nobles:
Visit website:  http://kandlelightproductions.org/

Check out My book, “A SMALL CANDLELIGHT,” -available online at BBOTW.com, barnesandnoble.com, amazon.com, and on Kindle.

A SMALL CANDLELIGHT,” is  a riveting story about a mother trying to cope with her son’s incarceration and her own feelings of guilt. This is a work of fiction, but it is based on my life.
Facebook, Linkedin  Google: Betty Jean Thompson Nobles
Please Like my Page on Facebook- “A Small Candlelight”

Background role in this powerful upcoming movie- Check out Trailer -“THE NORTH STAR,”   
The movie stars: Clifton Powell, John Diehl, Lynn Whitfield, Keith David, Thomas C. Bartley Jr., and Jeremiah Trotter.

18 comments:

  1. Thank you Rhonda and Sharee for allowing me to share a little about myself!
    God Bless!

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    1. You are welcome. It was great knowing about you. Keep moving forward.

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  2. Very interesting. A new insight into Ms. Betty. I have known Ms. Betty for many years. I met her through her daughter. From the very first I was impressed with her. She is a true role model and a Phenomenal Women! I have witnessed her love for family and her passion for education, writing, and acting. Her book is very good. Go out and get it! Ms. Betty is one of my Sheros (female hero)! I am so glad to see that she is following her passion and getting her just rewards! I will be looking for you in the movie Ms. Betty! Love you!

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  3. Oh my, Terri, thank you for those kind words. I appreciate you so much. You are a wonderful person. Meeting you has been a Blessing. I will let you know when there is a screening for the movie near us. May God Continue to Bless You!

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  4. Thanks for Sharing, you are an inspiration !!

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    1. Thanks Alicia! You are very kind. God Bless!

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  5. Very inspiring aunt betty shows me to never stop chasing your dreams!

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    1. Thanks James! It is never too late to reach for your dreams. I am waiting for you to step out and do your comedy, write a stage play or write for network TV.. You are a proven comedy writer. Love You Nephew!

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  6. This is wonderful. Sis. Betty: I am blessed to know you and your journey. You are an inspiration to me and so many others! May God continue to shine on you. Dea. Mooring

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  7. Thank you Dea. Mooring. God knew I needed your insight, patience and kindness to move forward in my journey. Thank you for your support.. You continue to inspire me. God Bless!

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  8. Captivating! I found myself glued to the screen waiting to see what happens next. Thank you so much for sharing this story with me. Can't wait to see the full movie. God Bless you on your journey. I am so glad we met at the book signing. Now I can ask a true star for your autograph.

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  9. It was a Blessing to meet you, Qdeezy! Thank you for the kind comments. I will let you know as more information comes out about the movie, "The North Star." There should be some exciting news coming out soon. It is really a good movie with a powerful message. Thanks again for adding Kindness to my journey. God Bless!

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  10. Hi Betty may I have your email address, I would like to converse about a play

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  11. Hello, I appreciate your support. At this time, I am working on a couple of writing projects, and helping a friend plan an event. Please contact me through this website or Facebook.
    Thanks!

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  12. Mom,

    You have always been a source of inspiration, love and encouragement. You have always been my role model. Thank you for all that you do to remind me to enjoy life and to use my gifts. Love you.

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    1. Dear Vivian, my beautiful, talented daughter. I am Proud of the woman you have become. Even as a child, you inspired me to keep going. Thank You
      Love, Mom

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  13. Hi Ms. Betty,

    I enjoyed reading this post! Rhonda and Sharee are continuing to share positive stories and I am glad that your story is one of them. I wish you much continued success!

    With lots of love,
    Juanita

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  14. Thanks Juanita! It is an honor to featured here. Rhonda and Sharee are rising stars just like you!

    Much Love,
    Miss Betty

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