Book Interview with Demetrai Johnson
1. This is a little different than most the books we feature on
our site. Can you tell us a little more about it?
My Spiritual Thoughts & Words of Remembrance is a book
of poems and letters written for comfort, relief, and encouragement in some of
my life’s most trying times.
It is broken down into two parts
My Spiritual Thoughts are poems written based on my feelings
and emotions at certain periods throughout my life. So, each work written has a
meaning behind it and two of the poems are actually songs.
Words of Remembrance are poems written in remembrances of
loved ones and friends whom passed away. Some were written as messages to
family members from their love ones. I was able to write the poems on their behalf to their families.
Writing it as if they were actually talking to their family. Letting them know
that everything is ok now.
Example “Cry No
More” is a poem written for my family as a message from my Uncle Mike. I was asked to do a poem
for his home-going service. While I was going through my
crying stage, the title “Cry No More” came to mind. As I was writing the poem, I realize I had to make sure I didn’t cry
when reading it. I wrote this poem as if my Uncle was
telling us not to cry anymore. He wanted us to know that he was ok and that he
was pain
free. He was letting us know that we will see him again and how to it can be
done. Needless
to say I was able to read it without crying.
What inspired you to write it?
My Spiritual Thoughts & Words of Remembrance isn’t the
first book I written; however, I felt led by God to make it the first to be
published. I also felt that it was time for me to share my thoughts spiritually
and emotionally.
This seems like a deeply personal project. Was it hard
to share it with the world?
Yes it was a personal project! The three letters are most
definitely personal. They were written in 2014 the same year that it was
published. I felt like it needed to be written to share those special moments I
had with them.
No it wasn’t hard for me to share My Spiritual Thoughts
& Words of Remembrance to the world. It was written to in the hopes of
helping others. The hardest part about writing the book was choosing which
poems to share for the My Spiritual Thoughts section. The letters were kind of
hard to write as well because I was crying while writing them.
Is this something that non-religious people can enjoy?
Yes, I
believe that my works can be enjoyed by all people whether they are religious or nonreligious.
Are there any other works you have available?
Yes, a video which I produced using one of my poems. Titled
“Peace Is What Martin Wanted to See”. Actually, this poem isn’t in the book.
The video can be viewed on my website www.demej.com or on YouTube under Deme J
Expressions.
What does the future hold in store for you and your writing?
The publication of future inspirational books.
Do you have any favorite authors or poets that inspire
you?
No I don’t have a favorite author or poet. I pretty much
read whatever keeps my attention including inspirational books.
Tell us a little more about yourself.
I’m a native of Charlotte, NC and a graduate of Johnson C.
Smith University.
It was during elementary school I discovered my talent for
writing. As a matter of fact I wrote my first poetry book, children’s book and
rap song during that time.
I enjoy writing, singing, acting, photography, working in
front and behind cameras, as well as helping others.
Check out these links to learn more about Demetrai's book:
We are also giving away a keychain with her book cover to one lucky winner. To enter to win, please comment here or over on our facebook page!!
