Lakisha Johnson (Memphis, TN)

LaKisha Johnson is a girl after God’s own heart; doing what she believes to be her purpose..writing. In addition to being a self-published author, she’s also a wife of 15 years, mother of 2 and native of Memphis, TN. She comes from a huge family and has always been the go to girl whenever someone needed a poem written or read, an acknowledgement that would convey just what they were thinking or even an occasion written for that special day. She’s an all-around talented lady that makes everything she touch turn to gold. She has 2 degrees from Southwest TN Community College both in Information Technology and has worked in the corporate field for over 15 years. She is also a dedicated blogger, delivering a devotional blog 5 days per week entitled ”Kisha’s Daily Devotionals.”

LaKisha wants readers of her books to step outside the box and read with imagination. She wants them reeled in from the front cover to the last word, enjoying every second in between, asking for more. She doesn’t proclaim to be the best writer or even author in the world..she just proclaims to be blessed because her motto is ”God’s purpose is bigger than any problem!” 

About her book,
Shelby is a career woman turned housewife who enjoys the friendships that have been built with her 5 best friends; Camille, Lynesha, Raylin, Kerri and Chloe. They are all career women with different businesses, husbands and even children but something is missing and they can’t seem to find it at home, in a store or even in a book. So, they search for this missing piece in the beds, arms, cars and even offices of other men who don’t mind paying for what Dem Dam Divas can offer. They enjoy the thrill of sneaking, creeping and even vacationing on someone else’s dime but they soon find out that all good things come to an end. What happens when it becomes too much? From secretly wanting someone who doesn’t want you, loving only to not be loved back and being caught up in a dream that you’re about to be awaken from; will it be worth it in the end? Will they regret their actions or stand by them? Will they finally question whether this secret is really worth keeping? 


When did you first decide you wanted to become an author?
I never actually decided but I finally realized, it was destined for me. See, I started out writing posts on my Facebook page (just my thoughts) and on the days I would miss posting something, I would get an inbox message asking for them which is what led to my devotional blog and eventually my devotional book. After the devotional book, which I self-published, I never thought I would write a fiction book but it happened and I couldn't be more excited.


How did you decide on the idea for your 1st book? 2nd book? 3rd book, etc?
My first book, Doses of Devotion, came from my devotional blog. I took some of the devotionals I had originally posted and turned them into a book of encouragement for those who may need it. My second book, A Secret Worth Keeping, was actually a spur of the moment thing, as I never planned to write this type of book, but sitting at home one night looking at pictures I had recently taken at our girls night out and the idea popped into my head. I started writing and the rest is history. 


How long did it take you to complete your first book? What was the process like?
My first book didn't take long at all because I was writing about God and encouragement and it was easy because I truly believe that God has given me an amazing gift and I just happen to share it with others by writing it down. The first thing I had to do was create an outline that would allow the book to flow. I also had to study a lot because I can never write about something I don't know about because then I would be lying. The next step was putting it all together, proofing it and finally self-publishing it. 


What’s so rewarding about writing books and being an author?
To me, it's the fact that people are reading and sharing your work (and some even love it). I enjoy writing because I use it as an escape to share my thoughts. My devotionals are used to share my understanding of God's word and my fiction writing is my imagination living on the wild side. 


Was there ever a time you felt like giving up?
I can honestly say no because giving up is waving the white flag in defeat and I shall not be defeated. If I give up then those who think I can't make it win. If I give up, those who wish I would fall, win. If I give up then I show my children, my nieces and nephews and all those who encourage me daily that giving up and giving in is easier than going on and I cannot do that. Are there times when it gets hard? Yes but I push through it because I have too. I have a family that depends on me and I have to keep going for that one person who is thinking about stepping out on faith. 


There’s more to being an author than writing a book. How do you manage to handle the business side of things?
With a lot of prayer, faith, family and friends. Writing is only one step because after you've written the words you have to then do the work to get it noticed. For my fiction book, I have a publisher so I have help on the business side but there is still a lot to manage and I am thankful to have a wonderful support system in my family. 


Do you have an editor or do you edit your own books?
For my devotional book, I along with my sister edited it. For my fiction book, it was edited through the publishing company, Delphine Publications. 


Who does the cover art for your book(s)?
For the devotional book, I used Createspace through Amazon and for A Secret Worth Keeping, it was the pubishing company. 


Do you ever encounter writer’s block? How do you get past it?
I wouldn't call it writers block but starting on part 2 of A Secret Worth Keeping, I've been stuck on the first few chapters, reading them over and over because I want part 2 to be greater than part 1. I'm not stuck on what I want to write but I'm being extra hard on myself because I want to ensure it gives the readers what they want and ask for.


How often do you write?
Everyday. I write my devotional blog on wordpress and I try to write a few pages, a day, on the fiction book. 


Tell us about your last book signing.
My last book signing was actually my book release party for A Secret Worth Keeping and it was amazing. The turnout was way more than I could have ever expected. The place was filled with family and friends and even a few new faces I met and it was great. 


Beside social media, what other methods are you using to get the word out about your book(s)?
I utilize a lot of blogs, other websites who feature authors and promo blitzes through book clubs. I also use the internet to search other ways to promote, I email book stores, magazines and radio stations. If there is a way to promote, I try to find it.


As a Woman of Color, what inspires you the most?
My faith. I say that because the bible tells me in Hebrews, 11:1 that my faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. So, I am inspired by the fact that as long as I have hope in the things that I ask of God then there is a possibility they can come to pass. 


Who is your biggest influence?
My biggest influences are my grandmother who still encourages me, to this day. My mom who raised 7 children as a single parent yet she endured and never gave up. My sister who has been fighting a terrible disease (Trigeminal Neuralgia) yet even through unbearable pain she encourages others. My husband and children who are always there even while I ignore them when I'm writing. And all those, family and friends who encourage and push me to go on.


Have you ever done something in the past you regret? How did you get through it?
I don't have regrets simply mistakes that I've learned from and yes there have been a few but they have made me the strong, determined woman I am today.


How do you get through the tough times in life when life throws what it throws at you?
By understanding that nothing last. I've had my share of tough times and I'm still having some but they can't last. So, I pray and I even encourage myself because no matter how tough my problem gets, it's no match for my purpose. 


What is one goal you want to accomplish for yourself in 2013?
One goal that I've set to accomplish for 2014 is completing part 2 of A Secret Worth Keeping as well as a devotional book for Youth and Young Adults.


What do you have planned next?
I plan on visiting a few book festivals, meeting with book clubs and finishing up part 2 of A Secret Worth Keeping. 


How can readers and others in the literary community reach you?
I can be reached on all social media and via email. 

Facebook - KishaDJohnson
Instagram - kishajohnson
Twitter - _lakishajohnson
Email - [email protected]

And on my blogs

kishasdailydevotional.wordpress.com and [email protected]