Feature #51: G. E. Johnson, Indie Author

Name: Gerria Johnson (Pen Name: G.E. Johnson)

Current Job Position Title: Indie Author

Company Name: G.E. Johnson Media

Contact Information:
info@gejohnsonmedia.com or at my website: http://www.gejohnsonmedia.com/ ; Facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/gejohnsonfans ; Twitter http://twitter.com/writermom2011

Special skills: writing, self-publishing; career background in business & finance

Describe your job story:
I am the author of the Amazon best seller "Love & Wrath: The Beginning" and the newly released "Love & Wrath II: Confessions" with audio accompaniment.

What did you want to be when you were a child/ teenager?
I actually wanted to be a doctor all through childhood. It wasn't until my first semester in the Pre-Med program at Vanderbilt University that I realized that it was not the career for me.

Are you doing your dream job?
Yes, I believe that I am. I have always been an avid reader and in my teens, I started to write poetry and then prose. In my early 20's, I made a resolution that I would write for a living. After actually putting that resolution on hold for more "practical" plans, I have found my way back to the original plan.

What do you like MOST about what you do? What do you like the LEAST?
What I like most about being an author is the freedom to create. When you develop a story, you are free to venture as far away from reality or as close to reality as you dare. What I like least about writing is the editing process. It's a tedious process, but necessary.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In the next 5 years, I see myself with several more books on the market and also more involved in other forms of media. I also see me more deeply immersed in non-profit projects that revolve around community development.

Are you happy with where you are in life?
As the Apostle Paul says in Philippians 4:12, I have learned to be content in all circumstances, both in poverty and prosperity. Do I strive for higher levels of achievement and greater prosperity? Always, but during the journey, I am determined to enjoy God's gifts of peace and joy.

What more do you want to do with your life?
I'm looking forward to going as far as God will take me. I have lots of ideas for creative projects and as I mentioned before, I have plans to get into community development through non-profit efforts in the areas of public services and affordable housing.

What drives/motivates you?
I believe that we all have purpose for our lives and I am driven by the desire to fulfill my purpose to the best of my ability. I am motivated by a need to create an honorable legacy for my daughter and to leave behind that legacy as a foundation for her life as well as for her children and her childrens' children.

What else do you do?
Right now, I am writing full time. Along with my published works, I also provide content for two blogs and serve as a volunteer for the WoMen's Literary Cafe, an organization designed to bring together authors, readers, bloggers and other members of the literary community. I also handle all of the marketing and promotions for my books.

What is your advice to those who are seeking employment and have no hope?
Never give up! Keep searching and stay prayerful for an open door. In the meanwhile, do some thinking about ways that you can use your own hands to create wealth. If you have a gift or talent, seek out ways to turn those things into income producing activities.