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T. J. Newman

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T. J. Newman
Bornc. 1984
EducationIllinois Wesleyan University (2006)
Notable work

Torri Jan Newman (born 1983 or 1984),[1] better known as T. J. Newman, is an American author and former flight attendant.

Early life

Newman grew up in Mesa, Arizona.[2] She studied musical theatre at Illinois Wesleyan University,[3][1] graduating in 2006.[1]

Career

Following her studies, Newman moved to New York City to pursue an acting career, but was unsuccessful.[3][4] After two years, Newman returned to her parents' home in Phoenix and worked at Changing Hands, an independent bookshop, until 2011.[1][3] She worked at Virgin America and Alaska Airlines until she was furloughed during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.[5]

In July 2021, Newman published her debut novel Falling.[6] The novel was rejected by 41 agents before being accepted by Shane Salerno.[6][7] It debuted at #2 on The New York Times bestseller list.[6] The film rights for the novel were sold to Universal and Working Title for $1.5 million, with Newman set to write the script.[8]

In June 2023, Newman released her second book, titled Drowning: The Rescue of Flight 1421.[9] A bidding war for the movie rights to the novel took place in March, with figures such as Nicole Kidman, Alfonso Cuarón and Steven Spielberg expressing interest.[10] That November, it was announced that a film adaptation of the book would be directed, adapted and produced by Paul Greengrass for Warner Bros.[11][12]

In April 2024, Newman signed a multimillion dollar deal with Little Brown after previously publishing through Simon & Schuster.[13] Her first novel with Little Brown, Worst Case Scenario, was released on August 13, 2024.[14]

Influences

Newman has cited Michael Crichton's work, particularly Jurassic Park, as a major influence on her work.[15][14] She said in August 2024, "the types of stories I tell are aspirationally like Top Gun: Maverick."[15]

Personal life

Newman's mother and sister are also flight attendants.[3][4] Newman lives in Los Angeles.[14]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Egan, Elisabeth (June 30, 2021). "A Flight Attendant Drafted Her Novel on Cocktail Napkins. It Took Off". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on November 25, 2022. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  2. ^ Bland, Karina (May 16, 2021). "What would happen if ... ? Flight attendant's idle question grows into a novel". The Arizona Republic. Archived from the original on December 7, 2022. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d Flood, Alison (May 4, 2021). "'Jaws at 35,000 feet': the flight attendant whose debut thriller sold for seven figures". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on June 5, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  4. ^ a b Boykin-Patterson, Eboni (July 2, 2023). "Former Flight Attendant T.J. Newman Makes Millions Writing Your In-Flight Nightmare". The Messenger. Archived from the original on July 2, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  5. ^ Sampson, Hannah (June 7, 2023). "A flight attendant was furloughed. Now she's a best-selling novelist". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  6. ^ a b c Holliday, Kayla (July 15, 2021). "Falling Author TJ Newman Reacts to Her Spot on the Bestseller List: "I Never Dreamed This Big"". Vanity Fair. Archived from the original on June 5, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  7. ^ Baker, KC (May 24, 2023). "From $35K a Year to 5 Seven-Figure Deals: Flight Attendant-Turned-Author T.J. Newman is Living Her Dream". People. Archived from the original on August 22, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  8. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (March 21, 2023). "As T.J. Newman Is Set To Adapt Debut Novel 'Falling', Her Follow-up 'Drowning: The Rescue Of Flight 1421' Drops In Hollywood". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on November 30, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  9. ^ Rancilio, Alicia (May 30, 2023). "T.J. Newman returns with a novel that's on par with summer movie blockbusters". Associated Press. Archived from the original on September 28, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  10. ^ Lang, Brent (April 18, 2023). "Anatomy of a Megadeal: How Flight Attendant-Turned-Novelist T.J. Newman Sparked a Hollywood Bidding War for 'Drowning'". Variety. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  11. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (November 28, 2023). "Paul Greengrass To Adapt, Direct T.J. Newman Novel 'Drowning: The Rescue Of Flight 1421' For Warner Bros". Deadline. Archived from the original on December 8, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  12. ^ Rubin, Rebecca (November 28, 2023). "Paul Greengrass to Direct Adaptation of T.J. Newman Novel 'Drowning' For Warner Bros". Variety. Archived from the original on December 8, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  13. ^ Fleming Jr, Mike (April 29, 2024). "Book Biz Shocker: Flight Attendant-Turned-Phenom Author T.J. Newman Makes Jump To Little Brown". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  14. ^ a b c Faherty, Theodore (August 12, 2024). "T.J. Newman's newest thriller is a must-read, and continues her reign as the best in the genre". USA Today. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  15. ^ a b Britt, Ryan (August 8, 2024). "Reintroducing T.J. Newman". Esquire. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
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