James Thomas, a born and bred Londoner of Jamaican descent, is an author and screenwriter. Across his career he has written short films and a feature length screenplays for several independent directors, producers and independent production companies, as well as working in Los Angeles as a script editor. He has been writing professionally since he was a teenager, and has written film reviews for several newspapers, Internet magazines and for Sky Movies 24. Until recently, James currently ran creative writing course for teenagers in East London, and has just completed his first novel My Name Isn’t Joe. James’ debut novel, a subtle work of literary fiction, tells the story of a young man full of personal demons, self-deprecation and a wicked sense of humour. This story of hope, betrayal, grief and love is told through Joseph’s sharp wit and darkly sensitive insight, as he looks behind the masks people put on everyday and questions why we choose to continue when so many of us ‘lead lives of silent desperation’. James studied Writing & Directing for Film and Theatre at City University, City & Islington College, Shoreditch College and has completed several writing courses with Raindance and attended writing seminars run by William Goldman, Robert McKee and Aaron Sorkin. A trained trainer and public speaker who has been interviewed by the BBC, and on Sky TV in regards to his writing, James’ varied job roles and life experience have helped shape his writing – he has been everything from a Corporate Business Manager to a KFC Cashier, he has travelled extensively across six continents (however, Antarctica still alludes him – or vice versa) and has endured tragic losses and enjoyed terrific wins. James’ love of film and books is only surpassed by his passion for writing, and his desire to touch others through this art form. Coming out soon: The Other Side of Love – a collection of short stories and poems on the unspoken aspects of life’s most potent emotion. To find out more about James Thomas go to: http://www.jamesthomaswrites.co.uk