Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Book Interview with Demetrai Johnson and a Give Away

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!!


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