I’m ending my celebration of Christian authors who attended the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat with an interview with Pamela Nance Johnson. I recently spoke with her about her nonfiction story, ‘Free Indeed.’
Tell me about your latest release.
My chapter is “Free Indeed” featured in the anthology titled The Day She Left, A Survivor’s Diary, Volume 2 is a compilation of life accounts, shared stories written by women who have overcome the stigma associated with hurt and pain.
Why did you decide to write it?
An author friend who knew part of my testimony shared the opportunity with me. I decided to take advantage of the platform to step forward and share my authentic self, being more transparent than ever, without guilt or shame. It goes along with a graphic quote I read: “One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through, and it will be someone else’s survival guide.” I wanted others, especially women, to know that, with faith we can move past our past. I gave voice to the hidden feelings, and it gave me a release to move toward freedom, thus my title chapter. I became inspired to write in elementary school. I loved reading, and later throughout school years, creative writing would be of great interest as well. As a member of my high school’s newspaper staff, I explored journalism as a reporter and sports editor. Thus, a love of reading birthed my inspiration to write. I wanted to see my name on a book cover jacket and have people read what I’d written. Since my teen years, I’ve kept a diary/journal and have written my thoughts, recorded life events, prayers, songs, devotions and whatever came to mind. I never gave up the dream to become a published author, even when I didn’t know where to start. In 2017, I searched the internet for Christian writing seminars. I truly believe it was by divine design that I was led to the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat.
What do you want readers to learn from the story?
I want readers to know that no matter what they are facing, if you pursue a real, personal relationship with God and step out in faith, God will open doors and make ways on your behalf. It’s not just Sunday morning cliché or rhetoric from the pulpit. However, you must make a move when God says move. Yes, He will speak to you if you have discernment to hear His voice. I want readers to know it’s okay to not be okay but move forward anyway, even if you’re afraid. I decided that I deserved a better life, and while it was a difficult decision, Day She Left experience has been the best thing I’ve ever done.
What do you want readers to learn from your life?
I’m a work in progress even now. I try to live out my faith as I navigate through life. No day is easy, but with God on my side it’s so much better. In these past few years, I have realized that I have liberty and freedom in Christ. I am no longer bound by my past decisions or actions. I have forgiven myself and others, but it took time. I refuse to just exist. I want to LIVE! It’s never too late to be what God has called me to be, to pursue my dreams and use the talents He’s given me.
What can readers expect from you if they attend CBLR?
Although my literary debut was in the 2019 CBLR Back in the Day anthology, I have not attended CBLR as an author officially. This will be my first book fair. I will have copies of the book and Free Indeed merchandise. I am also a member of the CBLR Praise Team. I love music ministry. I also plan to assist Dr. Velma Bagby with her CBLR workshop. We met in 2019 and have been Kingdom Sisters ever since.
What’s something readers would be surprised to know about you?
I love music ministry. I’ve had the opportunity to be featured guest blogger and podcast speaker for author Denise Walker. I really like writing devotionals based on real-life application of scripture. I started a natural hair journey in 2016, and I love embracing my crown. I am also an advocate of self-care using faith and fitness as my mantra. Healthy and fit looks different on every body, I want to live out all my appointed days healthy and strong. My favorite exercise is boxing.
What books have you read lately and loved?
I just finished The Adoption Surprise by Zoey Marie Jackson and almost done with Something Good by Vanessa Miller.
What books are you excited to read?
I need to finish Island Queen by Vanessa Riley, and I have many others on my Kindle and on shelves. My library has expanded because of attending CBLR for the past five years. I have to be more intentional and pack a book for my commute to work (train ride) and keep the Kindle charged.
What’s next for you?
I plan to compile my devotionals into a 30-day book with an accompanying journal. It started for me when I’d share a song link, a scripture and sometimes a written prayer while I was on the bus commuting to work. I posted on Facebook almost every day before the pandemic shutdown. I saw the need and got great feedback. I want to do more of that. I have an interest in writing a children’s book in the future.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
It’s been quite an amazing experience for me, and I’m just getting started. I had the opportunity to write a feature in an internationally published Ordained magazine. I’ve gotten other speaking engagements as well. The CBLR network of authors and readers introduced me to the many levels of opportunities available in the world of Christian literature. I learned that even if I am afraid, do it anyway. Write anyway, tell my story anyway, there is someone waiting for me to complete my assignment. Again, it’s not just cliché, it’s the feedback I got from readers who related to my story or know someone else who has experienced something similar. I want to remain humble so through it all God gets the glory.
Use my affiliate link to purchase your copy of The Day She Left, A Survivor’s Diary, Volume 2.
To learn more about author Pamela Nance Johnson, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Pamela N. Johnson – The Day She Left VOL 2 (pamelanjohnson.com)
I am Pamela Nance Johnson on Facebook
Email: pamelanjohnson@gmail.com
Website: https://pamelanjohnson.com
