have to go back and research some more. However, the research can be fun. It definitely keeps me occupied and busy. AA: You have just released a new novel, The House of Eve. Share with us what inspired this story. SJ: The House of Eve was inspired by thoughts of my grandmother. My grandmother got pregnant out of wedlock with my mother at age 14. She hid the birth of her child from everyone. I remember my mother telling me that she did not know her mother was her mother until she was in the third grade. It really got me thinking about families, women, sexuality, and giving birth. That is how the House of Eve began to take shape. I started thinking: How is this situation possible? What does that do to a child? The question of why and what if is what drove the story. AA: How would you describe The House of Eve? SJ: The House of Eve is a beautiful redemptive story of two women, Ruby and Eleanor, that explores what it means to be a woman, a mother and how much one is willing to sacrifice to achieve their goals. It is also a story of classism, colorism, socioeconomics, and what it means to be a woman in this country. AA: What is one of the best things you enjoy about being an author? SJ: I would have to say that talking to readers and book clubs is one of the best parts of my job as an author. When we talk about it and discuss it, it can be so fulfilling. When I write, I am writing from inspiration, the story flows through me, and I am putting it down on paper. The reader often sees things that I have done that I don’t realize that I did. AA: What are words of wisdom that you have learned over time as an author? SJ: Discipline, hard work, and don’t give up. Do and honor what you say when it comes to your writing. Don’t let anyone define who you are as a writer, and keep going. AA: What would you say to inspiring authors? SJ: I would say to first hire an editor whether you decide to self-publish or traditionally publish. You want to make sure what you are
submitting is as strong as possible. Have some hustle. Be ready to put in the work and have a grind. I would also say to have a really good website; it is your calling card. Make sure that what you are saying is on brand for who you are. And finally, write. Show up and do what you say for the actual book. The craft of writing the novel is one of the most important things on the journey to publication. AA: The House of Eve is an instant New York Time Best Seller making you a New York Times Bestselling Author. Share with us how you feel about this phenomenal accomplishment in your career. SJ: When I found out my novel, The House of Eve, hit the New York Times Best Seller list, I was in the hotel lobby in Jackson, Mississippi. This was one of the best things that happened to me during February. I have kept a vision board for as long as I can remember. In the top left corner of each of my boards was becoming a New York Times bestselling author. It was the goal when I was standing on cobblestone streets hand selling my first novel. It was the goal when I published my second and third novels. I had high hopes for Yellow Wife but fell just a wee bit short. My daughter wrote: to my New York Times best-selling mom on my Mother’s Day card last year, and I put it on my desk as a reminder of my goal. With God, all things are possible. All you have to do is have faith, even in the darkest days and keep going. The dream has come true. Hi, I am New York Times bestselling author Sadeqa Johnson. AA: March is Women’s History Month with a theme of “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories”. How do your stories touch women’s lives in a special way? SD: In my books, If you can’t see yourself, you can see someone in your family. I always want women to be able to see themselves in my stories, whether I am writing contemporary or historical fiction. AA: What is next for Sadeqa Johnson? SJ: I am always striving to do something different with each book and take it up a notch. I am working on another historical fiction novel set in the 1940s. There is a woman whom I have come across in history that has not gotten her just do, and I want to give her flowers. That is all I can share for now, but know that I am going to weave her into the story. AA: How can we stay connected with you? SJ: You can stay connected with me via my website and on social media. www.sadeqajohnson.net www.facebook.com/SadeqaJohnson www.instagram.com/sadeqasays/ The House of Eve is available for your reading enjoyment in audio, e-book, and hardcover print. This awarding winning book is available where books are sold, including Quail Ridge Books www.quailridgebooks.com.
46 THE HEAT SEEKERS MAGAZINE
