Selisa
Lyn Johnson
Long Way from Home
Tell
your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now,
where you went to school etc. Let them get to know the personal you.
I was born and
raised in Evansville, Indiana. I moved to Columbus, Georgia in 2005 and I
continue to live there. I graduated from Central high school in 1983, a year
late because I took time off to have my son, Adrian. I also have a daughter,
Latricia. I am a grandmother, and I am raising two of my grandchildren, Javonte
and Christian. I was diagnosed with a bipolar disorder when I was 19 and my
struggles with that illness prevented from pursuing my lifelong dream of being
a published writer. Two years ago, Adrian and I finally begin the process of
getting some of my books published.
What
inspired you to author your book?
When I was 17,
I was pregnant, all alone and scared. I was able to go to a Home for Unwed
mothers and try to get my life back. A lot of Marie’s experiences were mine and
I just mirrored them in the book.
 |
| BUY NOW ON AMAZON |
Where
did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?
Marie was at
the home for privacy, so I wanted something to not show her total self.
Who
has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?
There’s
not one particular influence I’ve felt, but a lot of different ones. It’s like every time I read a different young
adult novel, I come away with something that affects me personally and it adds something to the way I write like me
taking more chances with my characters.
 |
| BUY NOW ON AMAZON |
What
were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?
I was in the
middle of writing this book when I had to go to the hospital for a Mania
episode in December of 2020. After I got home, it was hard to just pick up
where I left off.
Tell
your readers about your book.
Marie has left her home in Carsonville,
Indiana, a small town, to come to the Evansville Christian Girls Home in
Evansville, Indiana, a sizable city. She has plans to live at The Home until
she has her baby and puts him up for adoption.
 |
| BUY NOW ON AMAZON |
Who
is your target audience, and why?
I don’t have a specific target audience
because Marie’s struggles are universal, and I want everyone to see the
pregnancy through Marie’s eyes.
If
you were going to give one reason for anyone looking at your book to read, why
should they buy it?
I think it’s
an interesting dilemma of a girl wanting to do what’s right for her baby but
being pulled apart by emotions she thought she would never feel. I think they
should buy it because it’s honest and it tells the heart-wrenching struggle
Marie faces as she makes a life changing decision.
What
do you consider your greatest success in life?
My two children. When I look at them, I have no regrets about
my life.
What
one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your genre?
I try to write from the teenager’s
viewpoint and not preach. I think it’s important for them to see others have
been in their situation and how they were able to overcome it.
 |
| BUY NOW ON AMAZON |
How
do you overcome writer’s block?
I usually put down what I’m writing and
start on something else, because I’m always just blocked on that first manuscript.
What
one piece of advice do you have for new authors.
Just hang in there and keep making an
effort to get your work published. I started writing in high school and I’m now
56 and just getting out there. I never really tried to get published before that,
but when the opportunity arrived, I was ready.
Tell
your readers anything else you want to share.
I really enjoy writing and seeing my
characters come alive. I wish I could share with everyone the joy I feel at
reading my books. Hopefully, everyone will give my books a chance, and I’ll be
writing for years to come.
 |
| BUY NOW ON AMAZON |
.
