Lila Johnson's Blog - Posts Tagged "writing"
Saying Goodbye
As I tie up loose ends to my new book, the excitement mounts to the day that it will make its debut.
In the course of that excitement, I received some sad news. My first editor, Charli Coon, died earlier this week. She assisted with my first book, You Need Love Like I Do and partially with my new book.
Her death did not come as a surprise to some because she had battled poor health for some time. She and I became connected through my sister, working together through email, snail mail and once on the telephone.
Charli was a great asset and will be missed. Her death is a reminder of the importance to compliment and thank those who support us in our efforts, as often as possible.
May her spirit rest in peace-Amen.
In the course of that excitement, I received some sad news. My first editor, Charli Coon, died earlier this week. She assisted with my first book, You Need Love Like I Do and partially with my new book.
Her death did not come as a surprise to some because she had battled poor health for some time. She and I became connected through my sister, working together through email, snail mail and once on the telephone.
Charli was a great asset and will be missed. Her death is a reminder of the importance to compliment and thank those who support us in our efforts, as often as possible.
May her spirit rest in peace-Amen.
Finally!
I can't believe it's all over. My new book, The Fat Girls Club is finished. After numerous revisions, countless readings, several sleepless nights, it's all over.
With the help of my editor, for three days, we read each chapter and every line of the book aloud.
The story is now in the process of formatting and afterward, another reading before completion.
Each step is exciting, placing the story that much closer in the hands of my readers.
Although writing is a lonely business, it's an exciting one as your characters come to life telling the secrets of your heart.
I look forward to sharing those secrets soon.
With the help of my editor, for three days, we read each chapter and every line of the book aloud.
The story is now in the process of formatting and afterward, another reading before completion.
Each step is exciting, placing the story that much closer in the hands of my readers.
Although writing is a lonely business, it's an exciting one as your characters come to life telling the secrets of your heart.
I look forward to sharing those secrets soon.
All Things-Paris
As words like le Tournesol, le Metro and le Croissant zip pass my brain through the use of French audio, I'm entertaining myself and possibly my downstairs neighbor.
Why so much madness? I plan to return to Paris, France again in the fall. More research for the second book in The Fat Girls Club series and the need to escape and land softly on the grounds of one of my favorite places in the world.
As Angela, Nicki and Sissy explore, grow and of course get into a bit of mischief, they pull me into their world and as their writer I must find a way to bring them back to reason. At the same time, I'll have a chance to expand my "little grey cells" and become a better person because of it!
Au revoir!
Why so much madness? I plan to return to Paris, France again in the fall. More research for the second book in The Fat Girls Club series and the need to escape and land softly on the grounds of one of my favorite places in the world.
As Angela, Nicki and Sissy explore, grow and of course get into a bit of mischief, they pull me into their world and as their writer I must find a way to bring them back to reason. At the same time, I'll have a chance to expand my "little grey cells" and become a better person because of it!
Au revoir!
Paris is still...Paris
A deep yawn, a heavy sigh and eyelids that want to close for a long, deep sleep.
I'm still in recovery mode after my trip to Paris. My five days whisked by so quickly that I thought I was dreaming. With each morning, I spent it either writing in the lounge of the Victoria Palace Hotel at 5:30 in the morning or I was chasing down subways to my next destination.
Sometimes disappointment would set in as I revisited a diner that I enjoyed last year and upon this visit, the service was poor and the food bland. A shop that I purchased several scarfs from last year, this time around the clerk chatted on the phone and looked at me in surprise to find me waiting for him to finally cash me out.
But I did not allow those things to distress me and continued to search out my subjects to research for the book. The Pantheon was just as majestic as its photos as Saint Chapelle is breathtaking.
The 15 stained-glass, 50 foot high windows are enough to make you say a little prayer. If I could, I would have spent two hours just in the Upper Chapel with the 1,100 scenes surrounding me.
I found my way through back streets with twists and turns to find The Abbey Bookshop run by a kind French-Canadian gentleman.
I stepped into a world of art, history and wealth when I visited the chateau Vaux Le Vicomte and Fontainebleau.
A train ride to London placed me at the doorsteps of the British Library. With a collection that extends to 160 million items, it continues to grow on a daily bases. To view the works of Bach, Handel, Jane Austin's writing desk and glasses or the lyrics to the Beatles song, Help is priceless.
So my five days of research were full of disappointments but the good, the wonderful and the beautiful surpassed the bad. I have collected postcards, tickets, papers, pages of notes, several thick, beautiful scarfs and chocolates and delightful, sinful macarons from Laduree.
But the most wonderful gift of all is the blessing to be able to experience it all and to share those stories with others.
I'm still in recovery mode after my trip to Paris. My five days whisked by so quickly that I thought I was dreaming. With each morning, I spent it either writing in the lounge of the Victoria Palace Hotel at 5:30 in the morning or I was chasing down subways to my next destination.
Sometimes disappointment would set in as I revisited a diner that I enjoyed last year and upon this visit, the service was poor and the food bland. A shop that I purchased several scarfs from last year, this time around the clerk chatted on the phone and looked at me in surprise to find me waiting for him to finally cash me out.
But I did not allow those things to distress me and continued to search out my subjects to research for the book. The Pantheon was just as majestic as its photos as Saint Chapelle is breathtaking.
The 15 stained-glass, 50 foot high windows are enough to make you say a little prayer. If I could, I would have spent two hours just in the Upper Chapel with the 1,100 scenes surrounding me.
I found my way through back streets with twists and turns to find The Abbey Bookshop run by a kind French-Canadian gentleman.
I stepped into a world of art, history and wealth when I visited the chateau Vaux Le Vicomte and Fontainebleau.
A train ride to London placed me at the doorsteps of the British Library. With a collection that extends to 160 million items, it continues to grow on a daily bases. To view the works of Bach, Handel, Jane Austin's writing desk and glasses or the lyrics to the Beatles song, Help is priceless.
So my five days of research were full of disappointments but the good, the wonderful and the beautiful surpassed the bad. I have collected postcards, tickets, papers, pages of notes, several thick, beautiful scarfs and chocolates and delightful, sinful macarons from Laduree.
But the most wonderful gift of all is the blessing to be able to experience it all and to share those stories with others.
A Bump in the Pages
As authors, we hit a lot of speed bumps along the way in the attempt to get a story right. We try to create characters that readers will love and want to follow. We attempt to create a mood and a world that will draw you in and make the real one obsolete, at least for a few hours. Most of all we hack away here, and cut and paste there to give you the best story possible and yet…
For example, in my first book, The Fat Girls Club, I left a cliff hanger on the last page of the book to signal a sequel would follow. People thought it was the conclusion of the book stating it ended abruptly.
In, The Fat Girls Club Paris Bound, I ended the story on page 421 and immediately placed a teaser sample to The Fat Girls Club Queen of Hearts on page 422. Somehow it was missed and people thought once again, that the book ended abruptly.
I say these things to let you know that as writers we hit a lot of pot holes and sidewalk curbs while missing a few “turn right not left” signs along the way to great, good or decent writing. Just understand that as some writers turn to gin and tonic, others, a cigarette and yet another group like myself, a bowl of popcorn to drown our disappointments, we’ll continue to hack through the pages of our manuscripts to bring you the best we have to offer in the attempt to get better along the way.
For example, in my first book, The Fat Girls Club, I left a cliff hanger on the last page of the book to signal a sequel would follow. People thought it was the conclusion of the book stating it ended abruptly.
In, The Fat Girls Club Paris Bound, I ended the story on page 421 and immediately placed a teaser sample to The Fat Girls Club Queen of Hearts on page 422. Somehow it was missed and people thought once again, that the book ended abruptly.
I say these things to let you know that as writers we hit a lot of pot holes and sidewalk curbs while missing a few “turn right not left” signs along the way to great, good or decent writing. Just understand that as some writers turn to gin and tonic, others, a cigarette and yet another group like myself, a bowl of popcorn to drown our disappointments, we’ll continue to hack through the pages of our manuscripts to bring you the best we have to offer in the attempt to get better along the way.
14 Hours Later
THE FAT GIRLS CLUB
QUEEN OF HEARTS
When your mind and body has been on vacation, the last thing you want to do is return to the realities of life. The reality of work, family, home, bills and for some of us, relationships we would rather forget.
Angela’s soft snores distracted Sissy from her writing. She dropped her ink pen into the crease of the journal and looked up. Her eyes scanned the airplane cabin while taking in the activities of the other passengers who read, watched television or slept as her friend was doing. It had been a long and emotional day but a sense of restlessness kept her on edge. She put away the journal and looked up to find a rather handsome man staring in her direction. He gave a wink that startled her.
I know he’s not trying to flirt with me, she thought while giving him her sexiest smile. Sissy watched as he unfastened his seat belt and made his way in the semi-dark cabin to her row.
Leaning on the seat beside him he whispered, “Hello. My name’s Jonas. You caught my eye earlier and I was wondering if you’d join me. The seat next to me is empty as well as the next.”
“And how did you get lucky enough to have two empty seats?”
“I paid to have the whole row,” he said before straightening.
His smile was the finest thing she’d seen in a while. She drank in his 6’2” athletic frame dressed in a dark blue polo shirt tucked into indigo blue jeans held up with a dark brown belt. His body, devoid of any fat or flab, was taunt and muscular. His round, well-scrubbed, hairless face held a pair of luminous eyes that peered out from thick, black lashes and eye brows that caused her to suck in her breath and slowly release it. Her eyes landed on his slightly protruding upper lip that initiated sinful thoughts. His hair was cropped low and clean, while his skin was drenched in a russet tone that made Sissy’s toes curl in her shoes.
“Why not. It’s not as if you could kidnap me.”
“I would if I could,” his languid voice hummed. “So, is that a yes?”
She unfastened her seat belt, placing her hand in his as he helped her step over Angela’s legs. His cologne seduced her nostrils with the most enticing scent of spicy red saffron. For a brief moment she wanted to slide into his arms and stay there forever.
When they arrived at his row, he stepped aside, allowing her to move past his seat to take the next available one. He sat and re-positioned himself before fastening his belt.
Jonas turned and looked directly at her. “So, tell me about yourself.”
From then on, the flight didn’t seem so long as they talked and laughed the hours away.
That's the intro to the third book in the Fat Girls Club Series that will debut next month. After fourteen hours of revisions, I finally sent the manuscript to my editor. After a year of writing the story, with many edits prior to the final revision, it doesn't get any easier to present your work to your readers. As an author, we always hope and pray that the next book is just as good if not better than the last. The one thing we must remember is, when you love the thing you do, no matter what the job, the joy of it pushes fear aside.
QUEEN OF HEARTS
When your mind and body has been on vacation, the last thing you want to do is return to the realities of life. The reality of work, family, home, bills and for some of us, relationships we would rather forget.
Angela’s soft snores distracted Sissy from her writing. She dropped her ink pen into the crease of the journal and looked up. Her eyes scanned the airplane cabin while taking in the activities of the other passengers who read, watched television or slept as her friend was doing. It had been a long and emotional day but a sense of restlessness kept her on edge. She put away the journal and looked up to find a rather handsome man staring in her direction. He gave a wink that startled her.
I know he’s not trying to flirt with me, she thought while giving him her sexiest smile. Sissy watched as he unfastened his seat belt and made his way in the semi-dark cabin to her row.
Leaning on the seat beside him he whispered, “Hello. My name’s Jonas. You caught my eye earlier and I was wondering if you’d join me. The seat next to me is empty as well as the next.”
“And how did you get lucky enough to have two empty seats?”
“I paid to have the whole row,” he said before straightening.
His smile was the finest thing she’d seen in a while. She drank in his 6’2” athletic frame dressed in a dark blue polo shirt tucked into indigo blue jeans held up with a dark brown belt. His body, devoid of any fat or flab, was taunt and muscular. His round, well-scrubbed, hairless face held a pair of luminous eyes that peered out from thick, black lashes and eye brows that caused her to suck in her breath and slowly release it. Her eyes landed on his slightly protruding upper lip that initiated sinful thoughts. His hair was cropped low and clean, while his skin was drenched in a russet tone that made Sissy’s toes curl in her shoes.
“Why not. It’s not as if you could kidnap me.”
“I would if I could,” his languid voice hummed. “So, is that a yes?”
She unfastened her seat belt, placing her hand in his as he helped her step over Angela’s legs. His cologne seduced her nostrils with the most enticing scent of spicy red saffron. For a brief moment she wanted to slide into his arms and stay there forever.
When they arrived at his row, he stepped aside, allowing her to move past his seat to take the next available one. He sat and re-positioned himself before fastening his belt.
Jonas turned and looked directly at her. “So, tell me about yourself.”
From then on, the flight didn’t seem so long as they talked and laughed the hours away.
That's the intro to the third book in the Fat Girls Club Series that will debut next month. After fourteen hours of revisions, I finally sent the manuscript to my editor. After a year of writing the story, with many edits prior to the final revision, it doesn't get any easier to present your work to your readers. As an author, we always hope and pray that the next book is just as good if not better than the last. The one thing we must remember is, when you love the thing you do, no matter what the job, the joy of it pushes fear aside.
All is Well
Things haven't changed much since I posted of my brain tumor.
I continue to travel all over the country with my work as a travel nurse. I'm in my twentieth year and I still love it. My work as an author keeps me up until the wee hours of the morning, like now at one a.m. as I try to get my characters, Angela, Nicki and Sissy under control in my new novel, The Fat Girls Club Hawaii Five-NO!
A return trip to Maui, Hawaii has been paid for and next month I depart to celebrate and enjoy my belated birthday gift to myself and conduct the research for the new book. I look forward to seeing my former co-workers as I revisit my old stomping grounds.
My heart has mourned the loss of my maternal grandmother whom I loved dearly. I can't be sad because she is where she has always wanted to be, with her Lord, Jesus Christ. Just a few days ago my dear aunt died suddenly. I can't shed any tears for her because she lived her life to the fullest and for that, I applaud her.
I continue to exercise although at times I question myself-why? I take in all the warmth of the days of summer knowing they will soon end. I eat ice cream and frozen custard with abandon.
So you see, nothing much has changed. I celebrate life, all the good and bad of it. I celebrate living because like a child, I want it all.
I continue to travel all over the country with my work as a travel nurse. I'm in my twentieth year and I still love it. My work as an author keeps me up until the wee hours of the morning, like now at one a.m. as I try to get my characters, Angela, Nicki and Sissy under control in my new novel, The Fat Girls Club Hawaii Five-NO!
A return trip to Maui, Hawaii has been paid for and next month I depart to celebrate and enjoy my belated birthday gift to myself and conduct the research for the new book. I look forward to seeing my former co-workers as I revisit my old stomping grounds.
My heart has mourned the loss of my maternal grandmother whom I loved dearly. I can't be sad because she is where she has always wanted to be, with her Lord, Jesus Christ. Just a few days ago my dear aunt died suddenly. I can't shed any tears for her because she lived her life to the fullest and for that, I applaud her.
I continue to exercise although at times I question myself-why? I take in all the warmth of the days of summer knowing they will soon end. I eat ice cream and frozen custard with abandon.
So you see, nothing much has changed. I celebrate life, all the good and bad of it. I celebrate living because like a child, I want it all.
No More Words
When people tell me that they want to write a book, my answer is, "It's hard work." I don't want them to think its a game, or something to take lightly because it isn't. Self-publishing is even harder. When you haven't enough support and all the work; writing, editing, publishing, setting up book signings and promoting, falls on your shoulders and back, the weight makes you think twice.
Recently, I faced a one, two punch when someone who was suppose to assist with the formatting process of the book, backed out, I threw up my hands and said, "I give up!" You see, I'm exhausted. My health has taken a few punches. I work full time, write full time and must hire people who are tops in their field to maintain my website, or professionally edit my work or design my covers. It all takes money and time.
Yes, I'm exhausted. After I debut my fifth book, I will shut down for awhile. My friends say that it won't last long. "Writing is in your blood," they say, "You can't stay away from the creative process."
Maybe that's true but for now, I'm a little beaten and broken. For now, I need to retreat into a few books and my Turner Classic Movies with a little popcorn on the side. For now, I just need to breathe.
Recently, I faced a one, two punch when someone who was suppose to assist with the formatting process of the book, backed out, I threw up my hands and said, "I give up!" You see, I'm exhausted. My health has taken a few punches. I work full time, write full time and must hire people who are tops in their field to maintain my website, or professionally edit my work or design my covers. It all takes money and time.
Yes, I'm exhausted. After I debut my fifth book, I will shut down for awhile. My friends say that it won't last long. "Writing is in your blood," they say, "You can't stay away from the creative process."
Maybe that's true but for now, I'm a little beaten and broken. For now, I need to retreat into a few books and my Turner Classic Movies with a little popcorn on the side. For now, I just need to breathe.
Aloha
The Hawaiian word means hello or goodbye. It can be used in the spirit of love, affection and kindness. During the research for my new book, The Fat Girls Club Hawaii Five-NO, I immersed myself in the lifestyle of Maui and all that it offered.
Hiking with newfound friends lead me to high ridges to look at plants and trees that I’ve never seen before. Walking deep in Haleakala Crater provided views to its uniqueness. But it wasn’t until I sat high above the clouds at Haleakala’s summit to view a majestic sunrise, my belief in God was confirmed. For nine months I explored, observed and tasted many things that make Maui, Lani and Oahu the unique islands that they are. And now the new book will be released later this month.
During the last three days, I was sequestered in a hotel room with nothing more than the basics; food, water and DVD’s of the original Hawaii Five-O. When I emerged back into the real world after submitting the manuscript to my editor, I was introduced to more changes that were going on in the world. It was no longer one submerged in constant reports of COVID-19 but of deaths, race riots, curfews and the National Guard called to duty.
I’m not going to discuss my views on the above because they are my private affairs. All I want to say to you, my readers, is to remain safe, stay healthy and be mindful that all lives matter despite what race, creed or color they are.
“Gratitude is the sign of noble souls” -Aesop
Hiking with newfound friends lead me to high ridges to look at plants and trees that I’ve never seen before. Walking deep in Haleakala Crater provided views to its uniqueness. But it wasn’t until I sat high above the clouds at Haleakala’s summit to view a majestic sunrise, my belief in God was confirmed. For nine months I explored, observed and tasted many things that make Maui, Lani and Oahu the unique islands that they are. And now the new book will be released later this month.
During the last three days, I was sequestered in a hotel room with nothing more than the basics; food, water and DVD’s of the original Hawaii Five-O. When I emerged back into the real world after submitting the manuscript to my editor, I was introduced to more changes that were going on in the world. It was no longer one submerged in constant reports of COVID-19 but of deaths, race riots, curfews and the National Guard called to duty.
I’m not going to discuss my views on the above because they are my private affairs. All I want to say to you, my readers, is to remain safe, stay healthy and be mindful that all lives matter despite what race, creed or color they are.
“Gratitude is the sign of noble souls” -Aesop
Breakout!
Hello everyone! First things first. I want to say the past two months were hectic ones. As I worked a contract that handled the last vestiges of the Covid-19 virus, the hours became long and tiring. It was nothing to work 21 hours, rest one day and return to it all over again. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining because that is what we, as nurses, do. The medical profession, in times of war and disease in years past, have worked the non ‘standard hours.’ Couple that with a part-time job while working on the manuscript of my sixth novel, well, you get the picture.
So, for two months I had to step back and breathe. Things began to change and I had to make some decisions that were for the best. As I complete the final book in the Fat Girls Club series, I will step away from writing. Self-publishing is tough despite what you may have read or heard. You are the author, editor, publisher, advertiser, seller and bookkeeper. Behind it all, you have to be your own cheerleader, believing in your work and self. I guess I’ve just run out of steam.
This holiday weekend, I hope you do as the title of this article says—breakout! This is also the title of one of my favorite songs by the group, Swingout Sister. Get out there and have a great time with family and friends. Hug and kiss one another while shouting with all the air you have in your lungs that you are grateful to be alive and healthy. Let the sun kiss your lips and wash its energy all over you.
And me? I’m heading to South Carolina to find myself again. It was the first time I worked as a travel nurse, twenty-four years ago. I dared to place my writing in front of people as a freelance newspaper writer in Orangeburg, SC and I developed a passion for photography in the same area. I need the sand on my feet and the smell of the ocean. I look forward to finding my favorite lighthouses along many shores and taking the stairs to the top. The need to explore has taken a hold of me so I plan to follow the path of discovery.
Have a wonderful, safe and fantastic Fourth of July!
So, for two months I had to step back and breathe. Things began to change and I had to make some decisions that were for the best. As I complete the final book in the Fat Girls Club series, I will step away from writing. Self-publishing is tough despite what you may have read or heard. You are the author, editor, publisher, advertiser, seller and bookkeeper. Behind it all, you have to be your own cheerleader, believing in your work and self. I guess I’ve just run out of steam.
This holiday weekend, I hope you do as the title of this article says—breakout! This is also the title of one of my favorite songs by the group, Swingout Sister. Get out there and have a great time with family and friends. Hug and kiss one another while shouting with all the air you have in your lungs that you are grateful to be alive and healthy. Let the sun kiss your lips and wash its energy all over you.
And me? I’m heading to South Carolina to find myself again. It was the first time I worked as a travel nurse, twenty-four years ago. I dared to place my writing in front of people as a freelance newspaper writer in Orangeburg, SC and I developed a passion for photography in the same area. I need the sand on my feet and the smell of the ocean. I look forward to finding my favorite lighthouses along many shores and taking the stairs to the top. The need to explore has taken a hold of me so I plan to follow the path of discovery.
Have a wonderful, safe and fantastic Fourth of July!
