My Guest, a Truly Positive Lady, Sue Johnson

As another week begins, the hot weather continues down here, today we can expect 30c in the shade, so my guest, this week sitting around my pool is going to fry! So before I introduce her, here is the first sentence!

''The roller coaster of life was gathering speed and I was getting itchy feet'' Chapter 1, Astral Travelling, The Avatar and Me by Richard Holmes

 
 
 
 
 

Now please welcome to my pool terrace the lovely Sue Johnson, a wonderful lady who puts the positive into positive ! Sue's first none fiction book, Creative Alchemy was published last week in a blaze of publicity. Despite it being a hectic time, Sue, still found time to lounge around my pool and tell me all about her writing. Go on Sue, finish your champas and then take it away.....
 

Thanks Pauline, it's nice to sit here in the hot sunshine and chill for a moment or two. August 2011 saw the launch of my first novel ‘Fable’s Fortune,’ published by Indigo Dreams Publishing. www.indigodreamsbookshop.com I am currently awaiting Indigo’s decision on novel number two!
 

Last week was launch day for my non-fiction book Creative Alchemy: 12 steps from inspiration to finished novel. My inspiration for writing this was because I read somewhere that for every 100 novels that are started only one is completed. Many prospective writers are deterred by destructive comments (often from friends and family) and negative messages from the past.

Since 2001, I have been running writing workshops – many of them for users of the mental health services. My biggest task has been to encourage students to ignore these negative voices, to believe in themselves and the story they wish to tell – and just go for it and not stop until they’ve achieved their writing dreams.

I am happy to report that I’ve witnessed many successes for which I can claim no credit – one of them being the lovely Sue Watson. All I have done is to provide exercises to kindle a spark and then offer support and encouragement when the creative fire starts.

This was my reason for writing Creative Alchemy – which has been described as a ‘course in a book’. I wanted as many people as possible to be able to achieve their writing ambitions. The book is pocket-size, non-scary, and contains advice and exercises to keep writers on track.

Creative Alchemy: 12 steps from inspiration to finished novel by Sue Johnson
is published by HotHive Books www.thehothive.com. Intro offer £6.99.