My Year of Living Dangerously Continues!

I am currently feeling the most excited that I’ve felt since my first novel was published in 2011.

The reason is that I’ve focused on what I really want from my writing – and I’m going for it with all my heart and soul. I realised I didn’t want what everyone else seems to be chasing – an agent and a big publishing deal. I can see that these things come at a price and I don’t want to be pigeon-holed or tied into someone else’s production schedule or agenda.

I have a list of books that I intend to publish over the next year under my Toadstone Press imprint. (A toadstone – for those who don’t know – is a precious jewel said to be found in the heads of very old toads. The possession of one is said to give the person protection from all evil, wealth and creative energy). As one of my power animals is a toad – this seemed to fit the bill.

I don’t care if my various projects attract no interest or if people think I’m crazy. My energy and focus is on ‘doing.’ However, I have a feeling that because I feel so much better spiritually having made the decision, that this will work out.

The books will be a mixture of novels, poetry and publications aimed at helping other writers. My (very short) book on Synaesthesia is now published.

I have republished ‘Apple Orchard, Lemon Grove’ on Kindle and in paperback.

I have updated the cover of my ‘Writing Success’ book and have outlined two more books in the series.

In addition, I have produced a Kindle version of ‘A Solstice Tale’ which is a novella that was runner-up in a competition a few years ago organised by ‘Prediction’ magazine.

I’m now looking forward to publishing even more books in 2019 and to helping and encouraging even more writers.

More news soon.

Synaesthesia: tasting words in a rainbow of sound

I am very fortunate to have lexical-gustatory synaesthesia. (I taste words). I have written a very short book about it – another ‘Year of Living Dangerously’ project. I created this because I wanted to – not to fit a particular market. I hope readers find it informative and easy to read.

To celebrate Halloween the book is free on Kindle from 31 October – 2 November.

Love & blessings!

Writing Success: poetry, flash fiction & short story exercises

I have just published edition two of this book – which has been one of my best-sellers. (Interestingly, it was something another writer advised me not to do because she didn’t think it would sell!) I have now revised the cover and have planned a series of ‘Writing Success’ books aimed at helping other writers. Book two will be out early next year and is based on my ‘Sensory Workout’ workshops.

The moral of the story is – if you like an idea then stick with it. Ignore what anyone else says. They are not you and you are not walking the same pathway as a writer as they are.

The book is FREE on Kindle from Monday 29th – Wednesday 31st October – just right for the run-up to NaNoWriMo.

A Town Like Evesham

Local singer-songwriter Colin Pitts, Evesham poet Bob Woodroofe and I have united to produce a CD of poems and songs called ‘A Town Like Evesham.’

The CD is available from The Almonry Tourist Information Centre, Evesham, Jellypicklejam café and by getting in touch with Colin at www.colinpitts.co.uk or Bob at www.greenwoodpress.co.uk or email me at sue.r.johnson@outlook.com 

The Evesham Cafe Collection

Evesham Festival of Words photographer, Angela Fitch, and I have joined forces to produce a book of poems, recipes and images featuring some of the beautiful cafes in Evesham.

The work has involved visits to the various cafes (and drinking coffee and eating loads of cake), meeting the lovely owners and – in my case – being inspired to write a poem about the experience.

We unfortunately couldn’t fit everyone into this book – but if this one sells there will be scope to do another one next year. Copies are on sale at The Almonry Tourist Information Centre, Evesham, Jellypicklejam café, Brew Bear café  and other featured cafes. You can also order a copy from me by emailing sue.r.johnson@outlook.com

15 Minute Coffee Break Exercises – Writing Magazine

I am very happy that Writing Magazine are publishing my 15 minute writing workouts on their web page. Check these out and give them a try. Please get in touch and let me know if you find them helpful.

Get that writing muscle moving!

Twenty Five Things About Me

1. I have lexical-gustatory synaesthesia (I experience some words and names as a specific taste).
2. I was born in Kent.
3. I am left handed.
4. My birth sign is Aries.
5. I hate being called Susan.
6. I love dark chocolate – although it tastes of the word ‘late’ and I’m never late for anything!
7. I’m scared of deep water.
8. I don’t like snakes.
9. I prefer silver jewellery to gold.
10. I love Italy – and Italian food.
11. I don’t like shoe shops.
12. I love handbags.
13. I love charity shops.
14. My favourite subjects at school were English, History, French and German.
15. I trained seriously for athletics – 800m – when I was in my teens.
16. I love trains – one of my dreams is to go on the Orient Express.
17. I once met Winston Churchill.
18. I love visiting National Trust properties.
19. I love cooking and eating Indian food.
20. I’m often awake and writing during the night – I sometimes think I’m nocturnal.
21. I love black cats.
22. I wear a lot of velvet.
23. I love rings.
24. Glastonbury is one if my favourite places.
25. I’d love to live in Cornwall.