We are delighted to be joined by actress, filmmaker, and author of ‘The Brink: A Memoir” Jaime Andrews who delves into her book which explores her childhood and teen-year struggles with depression, mental health, and substance use issues. It’s a darkly funny, emotional, and incredibly vulnerable look into the many trials and tribulations she overcame.
“My mom would rather I didn’t do that, she won’t even read it. She said ‘I lived through it the first time'”, Jaime laughed. “I knew it was a crazy story so it had entertainment value but I really wanted to put it out there because I know people who struggle could find value in it, it could give them hope to go on and overcome the things that I overcame and that so many of us go through.”
It was at 27 years old that Jaime first wrote The Brink and while she hoped to publish the book, she was also hesitant as she didn’t want it to tarnish her chances at an acting career, so she decided to put it on hold. It was during the pandemic while her first feature film ‘Division’ was in post-production that she decided to self-publish the book after realizing how little authors have to gain from working with a publisher.
In ‘Division’, which she wrote, produced, and starred in, Jaime plays an out-of-work actress who befriends a fan with opposing political views as a global pandemic and 2020 election loom. Speaking on the creation of the film, Jaime shared “I was so disturbed by the political climate at the time that I was inspired to write ‘Division’. The pandemic was still raging when we made it. We were going to wait until the COVID strictures eased a bit but it’s such a timely film and political that we didn’t want to wait.”
Speaking about her own journey with mental health and the lack of awareness and care artists may take as they pursue a competitive, emotionally taxing career, Jaime had much to say. “This business will drive you crazy so you have to do whatever you can to safeguard your mental health. Keeping yourself on an even keel can really help you get far and not get caught up with all of the rejection which makes you feel badly about yourself. Everyone talks about the glamour of the business but not how much work it is. People need to be aware and confident enough in themselves to handle that sort of situation and it’s not for everyone.”
In sharing her deeply personal journey and creative endeavors, Jaime Andrews truly inspires artists and non-artists to remain hopeful and resilient against any adversity they may face. You can purchase ‘The Brink: A Memoir’ on Amazon using this link: We are not gaining any compensation, monetary or otherwise, for the promotion of this book. It’s just really damn good and we think any actor and artists should read it!
