I recently reviewed the new book Do You Take This Woman by author RM Johnson. In addition to the review of the book I also had the opportunity Mr. Johnson. The interview covered a range of questions on various topics that I feel would be of interest to those who have read his 7 books, and to those who have not. Before I go further I would like to thank Mr. RM Johnson, Ms. Nicole De Jackmo, and Simon & Schuster for both the review and the interview.
The following is the interview, it is my first and I hope you enjoy it.
Michael Vass: For those of my readers not familiar with your writing, how would you describe it?
Mr. RM Johnson: My writing is to the point, socially conscious, and respectable. I try to paint us a real people, not stereotypes of ourselves. My books are not saturated with overdone, insignificant sex scenes for the sake of selling a book. I write stories that people can relate to, that they will enjoy, learn from, and hopefully ponder, long after the cover has been closed.
Michael Vass: How would you compare this book to your other books?
Mr. RM Johnson: This is a much faster paced book. There’s not as much narrative, or description in this book than my last novel, and not nearly as much as my first five. The book is relationship based, and is not steeped in as much social commentary. This novel is more about entertainment and intrigue, than education or enlightenment. Not to say it isn’t as enjoyable or satisfying as my previous works, it’s just different in those respects.
Michael Vass: What was your inspiration for the book Do You Take This Woman?
Mr. RM Johnson: This was first an idea for a film script. It was actually going to be a comedy, but I decided it would be of more use to me as a novel. As I ventured through the writing process, many things about the story changed, resulting in what’s in print today—a tragedy.
Michael Vass: In your opinion are African American women today more like Carla, Me’Shell, or something different?
Mr. RM Johnson: African American women are African American women. There ain’t no other woman like her in the world. Take that the way you like, good or bad, and I think there’s a little of both in there, but I love them to death. Wouldn’t trade them for a pot of gold, even if I thought I could get it.
Michael Vass: What were your inspirations growing up?
Mr. RM Johnson: As a child I wanted to be a commercial artist. After graduating from high school, I believed I would be a filmmaker. After my five years in the military, and one semester of college, I knew I would become a novelist. Richard Wright’s BLACK BOY was the book that did it for me. It’s something that everyone should read, regardless of age, race, or gender.
Michael Vass: Are you working on another book, and if so what could you tell us about it?
Mr. RM Johnson: Currently, I’m working on THE MILLION DOLLAR DECEPTION. This is the sequel to THE MILLION DOLLAR DIVORCE. Other than that, all I can say is that all the questions from the first book will be answered, and new questions will definitely arise at the end of the new one.
Michael Vass: What are your thoughts on the current Black culture in the U.S.?
Mr. RM Johnson: I’m sorry, but I would have to write another entire book to answer that question.
Michael Vass: What would you suggest to future writers?
Mr. RM Johnson: Believe in yourself. Write every day. Write what it is you want to write, but consider the market. Writers can not be naive enough to think that just because they are skillful, people will dig in their pockets and support them. Selling a book is just like selling anything else. You must give the reader/consumer a reason to want it. If a writer’s particular target market, let’s say black folks between the ages of 18-32 don’t like period pieces, that writer should understand that if he wants to sell a number of copies, maybe he should not write the story that he planned on setting in the year 1921. I’m not saying that selling copies should be the only thing considered when writing a novel, but it is something that should be thought about along with every other element of writing that book.
Michael Vass: What challenges have you overcome to reach the success you have today?
Mr. RM Johnson: Many, many challenges. I tell people, you don’t just go to college, get a degree in novel writing, step out and become a successful novelist. There is no tried and true formula. There’s a lot of sacrifice involved. Many of my friends who are authors, major authors have left jobs to devote all their efforts to writing novels. And this was before they were even making much money from their books. I did the same thing. There’s no sure thing about this profession, especially early on. You write the best book you can, promote it, and hope people will support you.
One of the challenges I’ve faced was to continue to call myself a writer when I was at a very low point in my career. I pretty much had nothing, and I mean NOTHING. But as a opposed to finding a job, and giving up on my dreams of becoming a successful novelist, I only took on the type of work that would allow me to continue writing. I entered a masters program in creative writing, telling myself that I would teach writing and earn money that way, as opposed to selling insurance, or washing windows, something that would take me away from what I loved. Sometimes the most challenging thing is to simply endure.
Michael Vass: What one thing would you like my readers and the public to know?
Mr. RM Johnson: As everyone changes, I too, change. I know my readers have noticed, because on the rare occasion I chose to read a passage from one of my past novels, I can see how my writing has evolved. A long time ago, after my first book, I used to tell readers every one of my books will not be the same. Writing is a creative process. Producing the same book over and over again, be it with similar characters, or subject matter, even writing style, would be more like manufacturing. With each book, I grow, as well as with each experience in life. I will write a variety of different books over the course of my career, but will remain constant is the effort and enthusiasm I put into those books to try to make them as entertaining and fulfilling to my readers as possible. Stick with me. You won’t be disappointed.
I want to note that all links found in the interview are made by Mr. Michael Vass. The intention for these links is to provide information to the reader. There is no other intention implied or made. If any is drawn then it is the fault of Mr. Vass alone.
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