Meet Doris Johnson

We recently connected with Doris Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Doris, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?

Years ago, I didn’t know that writer’s block was a thing. I had no idea how impactful being unable to assemble words and put them into action was on my creativity. I make sure that I have put myself into the place of the characters that I have created. And it can be an emotional journey, which it good. For instance, if I am writing about the sadness of losing a loved one, or a funeral scene, I use music. I might use Donny Hathaway to set the tone. In this day and age, I am able to create a play list for each project. And I listen to it, and listen some more until I completely am able to identify with my character. Music has always been my “go to.”

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I do so many things that it’s really difficult to narrow them down. I write books. And the most exciting part about being an author is that I am able to be a part of my dreams, or coat what hurts me, angers me, and makes me happy…mostly with a hint of sarcasm. I can create my own systems, and color my moods in blue OR pink! In other words, I can say what I want to say and enjoy the fact that I have created something…something that I can be proud of. I sew because this is how I decompress, all the while designing something just for me. I don’t look like anyone else when it time to walk into a room. A real room. I advocate against domestic violence because my pain may provide someone else with the key to unlock their story…to set someone free. I didn’t really have that when I was a victim. I had doors shut in face, and was often ridiculed. These things were and are still my guiding force. I podcast because it is my opportunity to entertain freely! I entertain myself sometimes with the things I say. I host the radio show, not only to provide laughter but to provide information. My show gives many people a platform to tell their story. And I love that! I have cried on many occasions. I participate in a support group for people with epilepsy because I have epilepsy. In doing so, I can help others while helping myself.
New things! I am writing more books, including a children’s book about a girl navigating life as “different.” She has epilepsy. I am so excited about this! I am excited that many of my books will be in a store in the next few weeks. Yayyy! I have other events that I am excited about but are so early in the development stage that I feel it best to share them at another time. But yayyyy!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

SEPARATION: My journey, like your journey, will never be the same as anyone else’s. It’s important to know that. For me, one who used to compare how terrible my life was, only hindered my growth and finding my purpose. Pull yourself to the side and look straight ahead, that way, you will only see what is in front of you…your future.
ACCEPTANCE: Don’t be too proud to accept and receive the available help intended for you and your journey. Life is like building a house. Of course, you have tons of bricks, but you can’t build without having someone to pass you a brick every not and then.
PRIORITIZE: I am not very organized, but the system that I am using is helping me to get stronger. Create a TO LIST so you can achieve any goal (big or and small)…so you can monitor what you have done and how you can do more. I write down everything I do. Don’t obsess like me though.
And just so you know…you won’t always have support of the ones you hope will see you grow and develop. The best decision you will ever make is to decide to have it! (for yourself) Oh Yeah! and celebrate the small things with ice cream or a new pair of shows!

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

I have many challenges! One of the bigger ones is learning to live with epilepsy. Many people call me a warrior while others have no idea what happens to me when I am reminded of my limitations by episodes, or convulsions. There are different auras everyday. And I have good days and bad days where rest is needed, but I don’t want to. I just want to keep going.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

DaNai Johnson
Anthony Morgan

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