Today we’d like to introduce you to Ted Johnson.
Hi Ted, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started out as a criminal attorney in Chicago and moved to Atlanta over 30 years ago. I have tried over 100 murder cases throughout my career. I began to journal/diary about my life and then my cases. An acquaintance read my diary and encouraged me to share my stories with the world. So, I published my memoirs “FACES I HAVE SEEN” A MEMOIR OF MURDER Vol. 1 & 2. Lulu Press. Each book contain 25 short stories of murder cases I handled over my career. Thereafter, I began to write stage plays. I have always been intrigued by the theatre from my days in Chicago as I volunteered at the renown Goodman theatre as an usher. My plays have travelled to NYC, Washington DC, Dallas/Fort Worth, Indianapolis to name a few cities. Typically, I travel with and Atlanta cast. Thereafter, I along with writer/actors Ed Gadrix and David Rucker III. I penned a Sag Feature Film entitled “HERE COMES THE SUN” starring Terri J. Vaughn released in 2023. In 2013, I wrote and released “Atlanta Law” with writer Charles Saunders. Both films may be viewed on the streaming platform TUBI. My inspiration comes from the likes of James Baldwin, Ernest Gaines, August Wilson, Frank McCourt, Alice Walker and so many others. I dare refer to myself as a writer but instead a Griot. A plain old story teller.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been a labor of love. My law practice has been the biggest financial contributor to my productions. As with most productions, money is the fuel that allows writers, actors and artist to pursue their passions. I was blessed to work in a profession where I could finance my own productions. Of course, I had assistance from the community at large and some of my legal colleagues who were encouraging of my productions. Being a novice to the arts, I had to learn everything from the ground up. What a learning curve, but, I never saw my journey as work. I can’t explain the satisfaction of seeing a creation of your imagination breathe through the mouths of actors entrusted to tell your story,
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My stories are morality based. I like to explore the character flaws of others. To tell a story of imperfect people and allow these very people to correct themselves after much conflict . My stories typically involve everyday people struggling with the internal good and bad spirits that resides in all of us. Which will prevail, good or evil? The one you feed, as the story is told. I enjoy not only writing stories of conflict. I equally enjoy the actors portraying each character. As a college kid over 40 years ago, my English teacher said that I could be a good writer if I wasn’t so full of @#!%! I laugh every time of think of her assessment of me. I think if she could only have heard the reason or excuses I had to listen to from those accused of murder. What would she think.
What does success mean to you?
For me success is the production of my latest play, film or endeavor. My daughter once asked me, what if no one liked my stories. I told her, I didn’t care. I write stories for my satisfaction. If people enjoy my stories fine. Success for me is an internal standard that you should measure with your own measuring stick. To allow others to define what success is for you gives them to much power. On the contrary, people really have very little idea of what success is for themselves.
