Q&A with Tiffini Johnson discussion

This book is particularly special to me. It required a great deal, both emotionally and mentally, and holds a special place in my heart. The writing of it was quite interesting, too, and so are its characters! I invite your curiosity: ask me anything concerning the book!

Hi,
I'm twenty-five pages in, and I'm surprised by several things: you've captured the "voice" of a ten year-old girl so well. It "sounds" authentic, which draws the reader in, enables the connection.
I am immediately aware that some dreadful thing has occurred, "That's what reminded me of this one secret." I know what has happened, I just need to know how and why. The circumstances. And yes, the rape of innocence is one of those tragic facts of life that draw readers' attentions immediately.

Your voice is wonderful; your narrative is moving and childlike. If I had any suggestion to make it would be this. I was aware that the narrator drifted from past to present when this could have been avoided. I think it is a problem... That's an easy fix (if you agree). Beyond that I noticed a few small details that should/could be improved on before you query. It is rough out there.
That being said, I am very impressed. Very. I will look forward to finishing the book. That's an honest statement. You're an extremely good writer.
Best,
Patrick

Hey!

So glad you seem to be enjoying it. The why may not become evident, and that is on purpose. Child abuse rarely has a reason. Even when it does (the abuser was abused, etc), I don't like giving that room as I feel it (a) sounds like I'm making excuses when I am NOT and (b) detracts from the pain of the victim. The book's purpose wasn't the examine why or how abuse starts: it's to examine the effects of it on the child.

I have had to argue the tense changes in the past. But those, too, are deliberate. Most children, when they speak, do so without regard for tense shifts (for instance, they might say, "Yesterday, my teacher said I need to do my homework but I forget." This is a rough example off the top of my head, but it involves tense shifts within the sentence. I felt that this was realistic mirroring of a child's language. However, I do see how that could confuse a reader and am taking the advise under consideration ;-).

Thank you for the compliments. It is nice to hear!

I just finished this book and gave it 5 stars. I will be recommending it to my book group.

I'm curious as to author pic on the back cover......is the story based on fact?

:)

The book's intent was to bring attention to abused children, and to highlight the fact that each child has a creative way of coping with such trauma. Since the book was written in the first person narrative of a ten-year-old, I did not feel that a photo of an adult (even myself, the writer) really went well: the photo of me as a child writing, however, fit the book perfectly.

Thanks for the review, too, and the fan add: they are very much appreciated!

Hi,
Your note on tense is well taken. You're correct, children exhibit the most charming speech..what?..idiosyncrasies?
I think the major point is, I am fully in the story with your protagonist. Let me finish reading and then I'll get back to you. Again, I like it very much.

Thanks Patrick, that is encouraging :).

You needn't be encouraged so much as you should be proud :)

WHY isn't this book carrying the imprint of Random House or Penguin, or...? It's as good as nearly anything out there. You really ARE a writer :)

:)

I'm a control freak. It's a choice I made: I like being in control of all aspects of the book (cover design, even marketing, etc).

But I am glad you like it!!

Ahh...well I'll pass it along...the place where they can go to BUY it.
One of these days you'll wind up like the authors of The Shack, lol. (Terrible book, I thought). It's still on the NY Times best seller list. God, what? Eighty? Ninety-million copies sold?

Great! Have you finished the whole thing already?

Nope! Laughing. I'm a slowwwww reader 'cuz I fall asleep five minutes after I sit down and start reading. Don't feel bad. The very, very best authors I read suffer the same humiliation at my hands.
I'm on about page 70. It is so, so sad, but fascinating. You captured Anna so perfectly.
Where is the story going, I wonder????

I finished the last few chapters of The Character tonight.
I read a great many books, Tiffini. Some of them are by great authors; award winning writers. Most are novels, not memoirs (which I assume The Character is not). Everything about your book ranks it in my library among those I have enjoyed and profited from most.
I am so impressed with your ability to have told a story that is emotionally close to my heart. Your crafting is second to none. I will find some of your other books and expect the same, as well as spread the word about this heart-wrenching, exquisite story.
With highest praise,
Patrick

Thank you Patrick!! it is so nice to read about people who have enjoyed and gained something from the book.

I hope that you wouldn't mind posting this review to Amazon--or here. Either would be good :).

My other books, though special to me, are different. The other published ones are told in third person and were written when I was a lot younger. "The Character" is the one that is special---for a whole lot of reasons.

It has really made my morning, reading your thoughts of it! Once again, thank you!

Oh gosh, I have never written a real review, but I will give it my best shot. If it comes off as dumb, I won't post it either here or at Amazon. I will, however, say it was extremely well-written as well as moving.
You are a talented writer. No doubt about it.
Now, tell me a story about...? Something really unique...like maybe a GIRL who crosses the Pacific in a lifeboat with a tiger? Or an aged geisha recalling her childhood :) 1st person pov. You do great in that approach.