The Gift of Story Telling

Interview by Angela Anderson

Sadeqa Johnson is a Philadelphia native and lifelong avid reader. When she was younger, reading a book a day was nothing for her. Sadeqa was also no stranger to writing. She entered a writing contest in seventh grade and won. She even wrote poetry and plays while she was in college. In her twenties, she started exploring writing a novel.

Before becoming an author, Sadeqa worked as a public relations manager working with several highly acclaimed authors. In working in the industry, she realized she had a story within to get out. The ideas for the story begin to take shape. It would be a story based on what she knew, but with twists and turns. However, in following her dream and pursuing her writing career, Sadeqa discovered it was not all peaches and cream. In fact, it was not easy; she received numerous rejection letters from agents and publishers. Writing her first novel, Love in a Carry-On Bag, took over ten years, but she was determined to bring her work to life. Fast forward, through hard work, perseverance, and determination, she has written four other books, including her debut historical fiction novel, Yellow Wife, and an instant New York Times Best Seller, The House of Eve, which is also a Reese’s Book Club pick.

Sadeqa’s novels have received starred reviews from Kirkus and Library Journal. They have been featured in top reads, including NBC News.com and Reader’s Digest.

Public speaker, writing coach, Kimbilo Fellow, and New York Times Bestselling author Sadeqa Johnson is trailblazing the literary industry with her imprint of timely stories with substance.

Angela Anderson: How would you describe your writing journey?

Sadeqa Johnson: I was the girl who could not get a publishing deal despite working in the industry. I sold my first book, Love in a Carry-on Bag, out of the trunk of our Nissan Armada. I stood on cobblestone streets until my feet ached, hand-selling my book. But I never gave up. I knew with hard work, prayer, discipline, a vision, and an unwavering belief that this was what I was meant to do.

AA: What do you enjoy about fiction stories?

SJ: Fiction stories can take you anywhere; that’s the beauty of it. It transports you to another time and place. It gives you an experience that you would not normally have.]

AA: How do you decide when to answer the call to a new story to write?

SJ: I feel that often times as a writer, the story will choose you. During this time, you have a short window to fulfill it and say yes. If not, it will choose another author.

AA: You started writing contemporary fiction and later transitioned into historical fiction. What do you enjoy about historical fiction?

SJ: I am drawn to historical fiction because I feel charged, to tell the truth about American History, whether grim or happy. Some of the characters in my historical fiction novels are often based partly on real-life heroes. My goal as a writer is to always shine a light in those dark places in history.

AA: What is the research like for you for your historical fiction novels?

SJ: It starts with an idea then I will research for a while. The research leads me in the direction of what’s happening in the story. When I start, I often feel like I have all these beautiful Christmas ornaments but no tree to put them on.

I do the heavy research up front. When I feel like I know the beginning, middle and end, I can move forward with writing the story. Sometimes in the middle of writing, things will come up so I may 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.