Jeanne Johnson
From the tender age of six, Jeanne K. Johnson has been entranced by the power of storytelling, crafting whimsical tales of adventure and imagination. Her childhood narratives vividly transformed her surroundings: the family basement became a haven for fantastical blue horses, while an imaginary cousin from Hawaii sent her exotic attire, and a dragon named Puffer roamed the enchanting land of Honeylee.
A natural storyteller, Jeanne’s talent blossomed in third grade when she won first prize for her story, “The Lonely Christmas Tree.” This early accolade ignited a lifelong passion for writing. Throughout the years, she penned several intriguing manuscripts such as “Growing Up and Not Liking It,” “When Did My Life Turn Stupid?” “Dreams of Death,” and “Love is an Overused Word.” Her debut published work, “My Search for Air,” was warmly received, though it didn’t climb the bestseller charts—a relief to Jeanne, who cherished her anonymity and the independence it afforded her. Jeanne’s prose often navigates the intricate dance between life’s absurdities and its subtle splendours, with Death—a mysterious entity shadowing all—playing a formidable role. Her insights are undoubtedly enriched by her master’s degree in Thanatology, cementing her fascination with life’s finite journey. Beyond writing, Jeanne reveals a more serene side. Her hobbies include reading, gardening, and crossword puzzles, and she shares them with family and like-minded friends who appreciate life’s peculiarities. For Jeanne, writing is essential; it transcends mere passion, serving as a vital window into the complexities of existence, inviting readers to explore alongside her, one story at a time. |
My Search for Air
Fiction
Plainsville, Pennsylvania, is a town as dull as it sounds, and for high-spirited Lilith Brown, it is a torturous existence. Coming of age during the late Victorian Era, Lilith finds herself questioning the prevailing ideology of social stratification and its resulting inequities. Thirteen-year-old Lilith is lucky to have two like-minded women in her life who, unlike her parents, encourage the young girl to reach her full potential. But although their minds may be strong, the injustice they must fight against is stronger still. Lilith's ideals are thwarted when a ruthless businessman, Gregory Wentworth, takes an interest in the coal mining industry, and she is forced to learn the hard truths of greed, intimidation, and harassment. As she fights against injustice, she, and those around her, suffer serious consequences. Lilith questions whether there is any justice in a world where the rich and powerful can prey on the weak without suffering any consequences. Is there any winning a battle where the enemy controls all the resources and weaponry? "My Search for Air" examines the subjectivity of morality, the concept of sin, and the meaning of forgiveness. Are those in power today still reaping the rewards at the expense of the vulnerable? |
The Nearly Departed
Mystery, thriller, suspense
It is 1975 and fifteen-year-old Julie Ann Wilson is living the good life. Her future is bright. It has to be. She is a good girl, a smart girl, a fortunate girl. Nothing can stop her--except death. So begins Julie's journey with death in the cemetery where she resides with The Discontents--those like her who cannot move on to their next place. She is persuaded to return to her life, learn her story, and hopes to be released. She awakens to her Forever Summer at the family's lake house. But the idealistic Forever Summer turns dark when a wealthy widower moves into the community. Is he the friendly. charismatic man he appears to be or someone more sinister? Julie is determined to find out, which leads to dark. unforeseen consequences. Can Julie save herself and undo the past or is she doomed to remain in In-Between Land? The Nearly Departed explores the dark side of humanity and the resilience of the human spirit. |