Marian L. Thomas’ first book was 20 years in the making.

Thomas, a Lithonia resident, began formulating ideas for her book, “Color Me Jazzmyne,” while a sophomore in high school.

Now at age 37, Thomas’ story of a woman meeting her adult son for the first time is on bookshelves at Borders Bookstore and available for purchase on Barnes & Noble’s website.

She has a book signing on July 18 at the Borders Books in Douglasville and her book is being well-received by critics.

Thomas said it is exciting to fulfill her dream of being an author.

“When you write something, it’s like putting yourself out there,” she said. “There is a joy in knowing you accomplished something. Writing has always been my passion.”

“Color Me Jazzmyne” is the fictional story of a jazz singer named Naya Mona, who was raped by her father. In the tale Mona recounts her life to her son whom she is meeting for the first time.

Thomas said the 292-page book is the tale of the struggles of all women.

“Her life is compared to a box of crayons,” she said. “The book tells the color of Jazzmyne.”

Thomas began writing the book last year after a conversation with her boss at work about an early draft of the novel.

“He read a manuscript and he loved it,” she said. “Then he was on me every day about writing it. That pushed me to get the book done.”

In the About the Author section of her book, Thomas tells readers that throughout her life she would write a page or two of “Color Me Jazzmyne” and then walk away.

“Get started in some other color in my life and then I would remember this story,” she said.

During the time she was sporadically writing the book, she married her husband of 10 years, Bernard, graduated with a degree in journalism from DeKalb College, and received her business degree from Jones International University.

The book, which is published by L.B. Publishing in Snellville, hit shelves in February.

Jeneke Lesak of RebeccaReads.com said “Color Me Jazzmyne” is unconventional, yet fascinating.

“Thomas definitely cuts to the core of serious subject matter: rape and incest and the cutthroat world of the music business,” she said. “The shocking reality of it all, mixed with Jazzmyne’s relaxed and melodious voice, makes ‘Color Me Jazzmyne’ a true reading pleasure.”

Carol Hoyer of readerrviews.com said that Thomas’ book is one that every woman should read once.

“Ms. Thomas’ first-time book, ‘Color Me Jazzmyne,’ is easy to read and follow, while at the same time gives one the opportunity to re-check their colors.”

Thomas said it feels strange to have fans now.

“I was in the hair salon getting my hair done and a lady came in and told me she liked the book and read it all in one day,” she said. “You want critics to like your work, but you want readers to enjoy the book.”

In order to appease her fans and continue the story that has been sitting in her head for decades, Thomas is working on a sequel to “Color Me Jazzmyne,” “Jonathan’s Colors.”

“It’s about the life of [Naya Mona’s] son,” said Thomas adding that it should be done be January 2010.