Interview with Lakisha Johnson

Author of When the Vows Break

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I am from Memphis, TN (born and raised) and I currently reside in Olive Branch, MS; which is literally, a few minutes from Memphis.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

While my current city, isn’t far from my hometown, we chose it because of the small town feel it gives us. We never thought we’d leave the city limits of Memphis but we love it.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

To be honest, curiosity because I never had plans to become a writer. Growing up, writing wasn’t something I used to dream of being but one night, I was sitting at home and began to jot down some thoughts (in my phone). I didn’t think much of it but it wouldn’t leave me alone, so I continued and 30 days later, I had a book. No idea what to do with it, once I was done but I’d written a whole book. The rest, is still being written.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Christian Fiction with a twist of realness. I say that because I believe in being transparent and real, no matter the topic. Sure, all of my books are Christ centered and while I leave my heart on the pages, I also need the person reading it, to feel God and understand the message. I can’t do that by writing in a way that’s hard to comprehend.

In 2017, I didn’t release a book and at first, I thought, maybe this isn’t what I should be doing. What I didn’t realize was, it was God shifting my writing from Women’s Fiction to Christian. In January 2018, I published my first, full Christian novel and it was the best thing I did.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Women and men of all ages. Those who are Christians, who may be suffering with their faith, new to Christianity, have lost their way, those who’ve gone through grief, sexual abuse and etc. Although, I’ve written on topics, I’ve never experienced personally, God allows me to reach the heart of the reader, spiritually and this is why, I believe anybody will connect to them.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

Writing isn’t for wimps. There are a lot of things you learn, along this journey but this one is definitely at the top of my list. Writing takes dedication, patience, hard work, money, tough skin, passion, time and did I say patience, money, tough skin … LOL! Writing, for me is satisfying and it’s also a part of my ministry but it didn’t happen overnight. No matter how easy it looks, it’s not but it is something I don’t regret. Yet, I had to learn, by sometimes failing; that this isn’t a profession to take lightly. Writing and publishing is hard but it’s also worth it.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

How much space do I have? LOL. Seriously, if I could go back, I’d tell myself …
Pray about everything. Take your time and enjoy the ride. It won’t payoff, at first but it will eventually. Your work will seem in vain but you’re helping somebody. Don’t allow anyone else to dictate your worth or your story. Not everybody is going to like what you write but the majority will. It’s your story, tell it in your words.

If I had to give the old me advice, I’ll sum it up with … TRUST THE PROCESS!

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

Millions, globally. I want to reach the mother who is suffering with grief after losing a child. I want to reach that woman or man who’s yet to overcome being sexually abused. I want to reach the girl who has abandonment issues, from a father who didn’t love her. I want to reach the pastor who is being chased by the demons of his/her past. I want to reach the CEO who is battling depression. I want to reach the wife who stays up crying, after everybody is gone to bed. I want to reach the sister who cuts herself because she doesn’t feel loved. I want to reach the young man who is contemplating suicide.

My reach is broad because with every book, I release, I pray it will reach the right person, no matter their location, race or creed; letting them know, God hasn’t forgotten about you, you can be healed, you can be restored and there is joy after sorrow.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

My biggest challenge is learning how to reach new people. Every day there are new ways to market and with things changing, day to day, it can be hard to keep up with it. Sometimes, it can get frustrating, but I won’t give up.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Being able to research, study and grow. In July, I republished my very first book series from 2012/2013. In rewriting those books, I realized just how much my writing has evolved, over the years. My new self, reading over the books, from my old self; I said, “Self, these books sucked.” Well, they didn’t really suck but let’s just say, I thank God for growth. A growth that didn’t happen, by chance but it’s because of my ability to be stretched beyond where I’m comfortable. Most of the topics, I’ve published, I’ve never personally experienced yet, studying and learning has allowed me to be able to tap into those spaces, to help others. This has also helped with marketing. I am learning, through researching, how to create marketing that is cost efficient, effective and profitable.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

For writing and publishing, it’ll have to be second guessing myself. This is a huge fault that I haven’t been able to let go of, YET. I don’t know why but I’m very hard on myself because when you’re writing and publishing books for the world to see, you want everything to be right and well received. This isn’t always the case because no matter how many times you edit, you still may find an error and there’s going to be somebody who doesn’t like it.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I am currently in the process of finishing a series, titled Shattered. My plan is to release book 2 by the end of October and the final book in November.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I am self-published.