Philana Marie Boles

My name is Philana Marie Boles and I am a published novelist turned screenwriter.

I am the bestselling author of Little Divas (HarperCollins Childrens), a middle grade novel, as well the YA novel Glitz (Viking). Currently, I am adapting both for motion picture production.

My adult novels include In the Paint (HarperCollins/Amistad) and Blame It on Eve (Random House/Ballantine Books).

I have a BFA in Creative Writing and Theater from Bowling Green State University and I have worked for Spike Lee’s Brooklyn based film company (40 Acres & a Mule Filmworks) and Glamour magazine (as a media relations assistant).

As the founder and creative director of P. Marie Talent, a performing arts content group for kids and teens as well as REMKRE, I have worked as brand development and management consultant for creatives.

I would prefer to be a full time writer, but despite incredible reviews and decent sales that has been challenging to achieve. So, I have become very passionate about using my writing talent and skills in other ways and to help others…

With 19 + years of creative entrepreneurial experience, I have worked as a freelancer and staff journalist and also established P. Marie Talent, a diversity driven talent development and consulting group.


For over seven years, I championed up-and-coming talent on their creative journeys and equipped them with the skills and professionalism to launch and navigate careers in the professional arts.


Under my development and brand management, my talent performed, modeled, or appeared on the stages of such national brands as NBC, ABC, HBO, Nickelodeon, Disney, BET, Showtime, Tru TV, Netflix, Walgreens, Zales, Sony Pictures, KidFash Magazine, Aerie, Discount Dance Magazine Toledo Lucas County Public Library and more.


Working to develop talented kids for on-screen and print opportunities allowed me to work as creative director for photo-shoots, fashion shows and public awareness events as a producer and now magazine publisher.


In addition to dozens of professional photoshoots and fashion shows, I conceptualized and served as Creative Director and PR Representative for events including:

“Prom Promise” (an anti-drinking-and-driving Prom campaign in partnership with Dillards Department Store)

Events, school visits and live appearances featuring singers from MTV’s number one hit show “Making The Band”

“A Conversation With Misty” a public speaking event and book signing featuring world renowned ballerina from American Ballet Theater, Misty Copeland.


In addition to writing more books for children (and adults), I am committed to consulting (including developmental editing) and managing creative goals for myself and others in partnership with REMKRE, home of Little Divas Magazine and a growing list of creative professionals.

Throughout my career I have appeared as an invited author at:
The Baltimore Book Festival

Miami Book Fair International

Indiana Black Expo in Indianapolis

Southern Kentucky Book Fest

Amigals Literary Retreat at Mariah Carey’s “Camp Mariah”

and more…

In addition to writing, I am an inspirational speaker and conduct school visits, writing and confidence workshops, and keynote speeches including college commencement addresses.

Having lived in New York City for twelve years after college, I grew up in Northwest Ohio.

I am now a Los Angeles based writer.

For more, visit .

CRITICS REVIEWS OF MY WORK:

“Artfully told… the story delicately tiptoes through the territory of the heart.” -Black Issues Book Review


“With its many twists and turns, it is impossible to predict the outcome of Boles’ often humorous novel.” -Romantic
Times


“A nicely diverting and even thought-provoking read.” -Booklist


“I never once got bored with this extraordinary novel from a very promising author.” -The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers


“An easy title to recommend.” -School Library Journal


“There’s enough wish fulfillment here to delight starry-eyed music lovers and enough cautionary realism to
reassure a worried Gramma.” -Kirkus


“Readers who want to know what‘s behind the glitz of the hip-hop fantasy world will identify with Ann Michelle
in both her excitement and her disillusion.” -Bulletin of the Center for Children‘s Books


“Hip Hop fans will love Glitz. Actually this is a great choice for all music fans.” -The Happy Nappy Bookseller


“Girls who dream of stardom will find this sometimes glamorous, sometimes grim musical journey just to their
liking.” -Voya


“A cautionary tale of an innocent teen lost in the world of hip-hop.” -Booklist


“With characters that leap off the page and a story that‘s full of heart, Glitz will take you on an unforgettable
adventure…” -Cheryl Renee Herbsman, author of Breathing


“Glitz takes readers on a wild ride reminding them that, all that glitters isn’t gold, but the journey to finding our
real selves is often worth it.” -Paula Chase Hyman, author of So Not the Drama.


“In the tradition of Judy Blume and Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Boles’ first novel for youth is a joyful, honest story of
girls’ friendship, family and love.” ~ALA Booklist”


“Little Divas sends a positive, empowering message to young girls about everything from how to deal with
divorced parents to how to negotiate the rules of friendship.” -Jane Heller, national bestselling author of Sis Boom
Bah and An Ex to Grind“


“Little Divas was a joy to read!” ~Patty Gary-Cox, Co-Executive Producer of “That’s So Raven”


“The strength lies in the Boles’ preteen heroines, who are authentically conveyed.” -Bulletin for the Center of
Children’s Books


“Little Divas is a must-read novel!”~ -Cincinnati/Hamilton County Public Library


“In Little Divas, by Philana Marie Boles, comes a positive and friendly reading experience…” -Ebony Magazine


“Little Divas is perfect for your preteen girls.” -Black Expressions Book Club


“Boles does an outstanding job at keeping this book at an age appropriate level, yet still making it interesting
enough for older readers as well.” -Black Butterfly Review


Following are Reader Reviews from HarperCollin’s First Look, a program to preview books for those who make a difference–the readers.

This is what readers had to say about LITTLE DIVAS:


“This novel is all about relationships, roller-coaster emotions, and a girl who is resisting growing up. A very well-
written, yet compact, book dealing with lots of common issues girls of all races across our country face.” -Judy
(Owensboro, KY)


“Little Divas was such a fun book to indulge in! I always enjoy books about real-life situations because I can relate
to them so well, and this one is no exception. If you’re looking for an enjoyable, fast-paced read, this is the book for
you!” -Katelyn (Mercer, PA)


“Little Divas was a great book. It showed how friends do make a difference, even if they are family. It also shows
how important it is to not make judgments on anyone on how they look. This book is great for all those about to
turn 13!” -Meghan (Oak Lawn, IL)


“Little Divas by Philana Marie Boles is one of the cutest books I‘ve ever read! If you‘re a younger reader, you can
read it and wonder about what will happen when you‘re older. Older readers can look back and laugh at how they
were when they were in 7th grade and learning the facts of life. This book was really great, for Philana Marie
Boles‘ first YA novel she did a great job—I can‘t wait to see what she thinks up next!” -Cristina (Boston, MA)


“Little Divas is about twelve-year-old Cassidy Carter who in moves in with her dad after her mom goes to Africa
to ‘discover herself.’ Cassidy finds herself facing issues that are brought with the preteen years. Boys, a new school,
and sex. Along with her cousin Rikki and her new friend Golden, Cassidy finds out what it is to be a true diva. Ms.
Boles creates a down-to-earth story that is perfect for any preteen girl.” -Lillian (Evansville, IN)


“When summer rolls around for these three little divas the summer is anything but relaxing. This book by Ms.
Boles is sure to keep you hooked up to the very last page! Especially when things turn for the worse when they are
caught at a swimming party by their aunt! Will the girls still be together? What’s with the boys? HER DAD IS
DATING? These are just a few questions that will be buzzing through your mind when you read this excellently
written piece of work.” -Alicia (St. Louis, MO)


BOOKS RECOGNIZED BY:






Honors and RecognitionMy publications have been featured in or recognized by: -Ebony Magazine
-Ebony Magazine
-Today’s Black Woman
-Sister 2 Sister
-Black Beat
-Essence
-Black Issues Book Review
-American Library Association’s “Recommended reading” List
-Cincinnati Library’s “Must Read” list
-Black Expressions Book Club
-Miami Book Fair International
-Baltimore Book Festival
-Southern Kentucky Book Festival
-Indiana Black Expo
-YA READ IN (NYC and Los Angeles)
-“Children’s Book of the Year” nominee African-American Literary Awards Show
-Amsterdam News “Editor’s Pick for Young Readers”
-The Brown Bookshelf’s “28 Days Later” literary campaign