Tell me a about yourself.
My name is M/R {Memoirs
Rhonda} Johnson. I was born and raised in the Nation’s Capital Washington,
DC. I am a motivational speaker and Author of the forthcoming
book/workbook Memoirs Of An Addict: Fact or Fiction the book of HOPE and
Survival living life with co-occurring disorders.
As a person who has co-occurring disorders this book has given me purpose to educate. Recovery is a PROCESS and it is POSSIBLE. I am also the creator of several social networking groups on LinkedIn, {A.T.T.} Addiction the Truth, and Certified Peer Specialists {United} on Facebook. Most importantly I love to write.
What got you started in writing?
I was sitting here reminiscing of when I began writing. I
remembered when I was in 5th grade one of my teachers
encouraged me to write to prevent me from getting in trouble. I would
always have to write I will stop talking 100 times over and over. This teacher might have known I
was experiencing issues because I was angry a lot. She saw I had a
creative spirit and encouraged me to express my feelings in words. This is when
I believed my love for writing began.
How and where do you write?
Most of the time I write at home. Home is my place of
peace.
Do you prefer a lap top or do you prefer writing freehand?
I prefer to write in freehand. I have excellent penmanship.
It is only because of the convenience I use the computer more. You can bet and believe I have paper, pens and pencils
everywhere.
What's your favorite part about writing?
The best part about writing is I get to share and express
my innermost thoughts. My writing can be used to relieve stress or to share
words of encouragement that can make someone’s day.
Your least favorite part about writing?
My least part of writing is my creative spirit
that may not be grammatically correct.
How do you come up with your characters?
My characters Mary/Pumpkin evolved when I was in
treatment for my co-occurring disorders. Mary/Pumpkin became a coping mechanism
to deal with the death of my parents. Understanding the different personalities
of each character gave me a better understanding of who M/R Johnson is and what I
as a person must do to stay focused on my own recovery journey.
Why would readers want to get to know them?
The characters Mary/Pumpkin is one
person with two different personalities. They have a dual diagnosis {Co-Occurring
disorder} of depression and addiction and are suicidal. Yet, that
is not their story. Mary/Pumpkin is a survivor who lives
every day with HOPE.
Why would readers want to know them is plain; the reader will gain knowledge on co-occurring disorders, how each character evolved, and what professional treatment was obtained for their disorders.
Each character’s purpose and story will give the reader insight that no matter what a person goes through there is HOPE! Whether it is death, grief, addiction, or a mental health disorder, the reader will be encouraged to Never Give UP!
What types of marketing do you do to promote your
writing?
I have been building my platform for the last two
years to introduce my book. As far as marketing I am a big fan of business
cards. I use social media and whenever the chance arises, to
speak in public. I always take the opportunity to mention that I have a
forthcoming book concerning co-occurring disorders.
How do you schedule your writing time?
Wow, It seems I am always writing. I try to commit at least
5 hours a day to work on my book, or my webpage, emails and social media.
When do you write?
I write at night. It seems that is my most creative
time. The world is asleep. There are no noises or distractions; most importantly, no one is calling my name. Lo!
What are you currently working on?
I am currently on the revision stages of my book/workbook.
I am in the process of presenting it to my editor so this baby {my book} will
be born in the winter of 2014 or my 50th birthday gift, February 1, 2015.
What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to
publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?
I would express to a beginning writer never give up
on your dreams but understand there is a process to writing. For new
writer it is important to do the research, learn from your
experiences of trial and error, attend writing conferences and
workshops and always ask questions. Have a great editor and I would
also encourage the writer to learn the craft of your genre.
***
Thanks Rhonda!
Learn more about Rhonda:
