About the Author
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A Renaissance Man
Jones is far more than just an author. His diverse array of talents and interests paint the picture of a true renaissance man:
- Photography: He honed this skill to finance his medical education, revealing an artistic eye that would later influence his vivid storytelling.
- Culinary Arts: An accomplished chef, Jones brings the same creativity to the kitchen as he does to his writing.
- Martial Arts: As a black belt, he embodies discipline and focus.
- Family Man: Known for his great humor and heart of gold, Jones is a devoted son, brother and a fiercely proud father.
Breaking Barriers
Jones’ life has been marked by groundbreaking achievements:
- He traces his ancestry to several U.S. Presidents, a lineage that adds depth to his understanding of American history and society.
- As the first Black stockbroker hired by Morgan Stanley in Nashville and later in Richmond Va, Jones faced and overcame racial barriers in the financial world.
- Despite initial discomfort from some clients, he proved his worth, with many attributing their financial success to his expertise.
A New Chapter in Literature
Now, Anthony P. Jones is embarking on his most ambitious journey yet - revolutionizing the thriller genre. In an industry that has long overlooked Black authors in this space, Jones is determined to carve out a place not just for himself, but for future generations of Black thriller writers.
His unique life experiences, coupled with his innate storytelling ability, allow Jones to craft thrillers that are not only page-turners but also rich with authenticity and diverse perspectives. As he continues to challenge norms and push boundaries, Anthony P. Jones is not just writing thrillers - he’s redefining what it means to be a thriller author in the 21st century.
Anthony P. “Tony” Jones was born in Kenbridge, Va. From an early age, he wanted to become a doctor and also joked about one day writing a book. After graduating from Central Senior High in Victoria, VA., Tony attended Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans for three years before being accepted to Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN.
Tony spent six years in management with two national firms in Nashville, TN. He then went on to become a stockbroker with Morgan Stanley, where he planned to remain until retirement.
Tony admits that he was never much of a reader, finding it a bit arduous, though he liked to purchase books. Not long after leaving medical school, he picked up a thriller someone had left and found himself hooked. Reading was still difficult, but the contents were too compelling to stop. At age thirty-five, Tony was diagnosed with dyslexia and for the first time realized why he found reading such a chore.
A short time later, Tony began sharing a story that was in his head with his mother. As a teacher, she had always felt he should have pursued the arts and encouraged him to write the story down. After fifteen years as a broker, he could no longer ignore the call of becoming a writer and left Morgan Stanley to concentrate fully on his first novel “Operation Smokeout.” He enrolled at the University of Virginia to concentrate on creative writing. During that time, he self-published “The Book of Why Is It(s)?” He also provided contract work for New Millennium Studios for the novel adaptation of “For Real”.
Tony is a volunteer with James River Writers and has served as the Secretary, Board of Directors of the Hurston/Wright Foundation. Tony is a self-proclaimed gourmet cook, sings in his church’s choir and enjoys martial arts (he is a black belt in Kempo). He enjoys photography, golf, reading and a good cigar. He is also a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
Tony currently lives in Richmond, Va. He has four children, Nicholas, Morgan, Alex and Cassidy for whom he is eternally grateful to for allowing him to pursue his dream.