From Flight Attendant to Hollywood Heavyweight: T.J. Newman’s Remarkable Transformation
T.J. Newman‘s life has taken an unexpected turn over the past three years.
She went from serving peanuts and drinks to airplane passengers to rubbing elbows with Hollywood heavyweights like Nicole Kidman and Jerry Bruckheimer.
Her upcoming novel, “Drowning,” which tells the story of a jetliner that crashes into the ocean, has garnered so much attention that these industry giants were competing to secure its film rights.
This remarkable transformation has turned Newman, once a flight attendant, into one of the most sought-after talents in Tinseltown.
The Bidding Frenzy
The movie rights to her book “Drowning” sparked a fierce bidding war that attracted big names like Nicole Kidman, Alfonso Cuarón, and Steven Spielberg, as well as seven-figure offers from Apple and Bruckheimer, Paramount and Damien Chazelle, Legendary, Universal Television, and Warner Bros.
According to Newman’s agent, Shane Salerno, the bidding frenzy was so intense that he spent eight hours straight fielding calls and putting bidders on mute while answering calls from others.
Offers were coming in so quickly that they were being raised before they could even be countered.
Unexpected Challenges
Despite the excitement, Newman faced some unexpected challenges. She had to scramble to get ready for a last-minute Zoom meeting with Nicole Kidman and once had to confess to producer Jerry Bruckheimer that she had seen his film “Top Gun: Maverick” eight times.
In the end, Warner Bros. secured the rights to “Drowning” by offering $1.5 million upfront and another $1.5 million on the first day of production.
They also made Newman an executive producer.
From Flight Attendant to Hollywood Heavyweight
This payday is especially remarkable because it’s the second time in two years that Newman has been at the center of a hotly contested auction.
Her debut novel “Falling” also sold for $1.5 million to Universal Pictures, with Newman writing the screenplay as part of the deal.
It’s hard to believe that just a few years ago, when “Falling” was first achieving robust sales, Newman’s mother was urging her not to quit her day job and give up her free travel benefits as a pilot.
She warned, “You never know with this entertainment stuff,” but after “Falling” sold its movie rights, her mother changed her mind and agreed that Newman should pursue her new career full time.
Overcoming Rejection
Despite enjoying her financial freedom now, Newman hasn’t forgotten the rejection she faced in the past.
She once tried to make it as an actress in New York but had to move back to her parents’ home when that didn’t work out.
“It took me two decades to become an overnight success story,” she says.
As she became more invested in writing and penned her first novel during red-eye flights, Newman had to deal with publishers’ indifference.
By the time she submitted her manuscript for “Falling” to Salerno’s The Story Factory, she had already been turned down by over 40 companies.
Feeling like she had nothing to lose, she included a handwritten note that caught Salerno’s attention with its brashness.
She told him her book would be a best-seller and hoped he would be smart enough to see it. “It was a Hail Mary pass,” she admits.
Adjusting to Success
Despite her success, Newman is still coming to terms with her change in circumstances.
Whenever she boards a plane, she finds herself yearning to assist passengers by collecting trash or helping them store their luggage.
She has to remind herself that she can now relax and order a drink instead of serving it.
Newman’s Humble Beginnings and Love for Flying
T.J. Newman started her career as a flight attendant, where she developed a love for flying and storytelling.
She would often make up stories in her head during long flights, which eventually inspired her to pursue a career in writing.
Newman’s Breakthrough Debut Novel and Hollywood Success
Newman’s debut novel, “Falling,” was published in July 2020 and quickly became a bestseller.
Its film rights were sold to Universal Pictures for $1.5 million just a few months later.
Her second book, “Drowning,” which hasn’t even been released yet, sparked a fierce bidding war among Hollywood heavyweights, with Warner Bros. securing the rights for $3 million.
Newman’s Writing Talent and Unique Style
Newman’s agent, Shane Salerno, attributes her success to her ability to write captivating stories that are both suspenseful and emotional.
Salerno said, “T.J. writes the kind of books that people stay up all night reading. She has a gift for storytelling that is rare and remarkable.”
Newman’s Humility and Gratitude
Despite her success, Newman remains humble and grounded.
She expresses gratitude for the support and encouragement she has received from her family and friends.
In a recent interview, she said, “I’m just trying to keep my head down and keep writing.
I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to be where I am, but I also know that it could all disappear tomorrow.
So I’m just trying to stay focused and keep working hard.”
Newman’s Future Plans
Newman is already working on her third novel, which she says will be another thriller with a high-concept premise.
She also hopes to write for television and film someday and has expressed interest in adapting her own books for the screen.
