Check Out Margaret Johnson-Hodge’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Margaret Johnson-Hodge.

Hi Margaret, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my writing journey when I developed a love of reading at an early age. At four, I enjoyed picture books. By six, I was reading The Long Island Press, the local newspaper in my hometown. Though I didn’t understand most of what I read, I loved finding out about people and things. I was twelve when I read Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” which inspired me to become a writer. Twenty-eight years later, that novel I started at age 12 became my first published work with St. Martin’s Press– “The Real Deal,” garnering me “Author of the Year” and a great review from Publishers Weekly. They published my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th novels as well: “A New Day” (which gave me National Bestselling Author), “Warm Hands”, and “Butterscotch Blues”, which became an Essence Magazine and Blackboard Bestseller.

I went on to sign with Kensington Publishing and released “True Lies,” “Some Sunday,” and “A Journey to Here,” (which was nominated for “Book of the Year”. During my career, I’ve gotten rave reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and The Dallas Morning Star. In 2003, I decided to leave mainstream publishing and publish my own novels: “This Time,”(book two of the “True Lies” series) “Red Light Green Light,” “In Search of Tennessee Sunshine,” “Tumbled,” (book three of the “True Lies” series) “Promised,” and a biography titled “A Woman Named Mary Frances”

I’m really excited about my newest—”October.” One reader shared this: “Margaret Johnson-Hodge is a master storyteller. “October” is a great story of family and the realities of surviving the pandemic. This is an honest read about love, strength, and togetherness.” Another said, “Everyone in this work is so relatable and real. No fluff for far-fetched behavior, just real humans.” My latest has just been released, and I’m receiving wonderful reviews and feedback. It’s available now at https://www.mjhodge.net

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There was nothing smooth about it. It was ‘learn as you go,’ keeping the faith and pressing on when few believed in my dream to become not just a writer, but a good one. ‘I’ve gotten more ‘no’s’ than ‘yeses’ in my career, but the thing that keeps me going is knowing that writing is not only my talent, it’s a gift. And as long as I have a story inside of me, I will try my best to get it written.

Going from mainstream publishing to self-publishing has not been easy. But I’ve learned a lot along the way, and when my readers share how much they love and enjoy my books, well, that is the fuel that drives me to keep on telling stories.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an award-winning, national bestselling author who writes from a very real-life perspective. My novels are extremely relatable. You will find people you know inside my books: your friends, your family. Your co-workers, the next-door neighbor, and even yourself. As one reader of my newest novel, “October,” noted, “there is no fluff. Just real-life people.” My works have been described as visceral, honest, authentic, and gritty. I tell the whole truth: the good, the bad, and the in between.

I’ve explored poverty, drug addiction, the AIDS crisis, classism, interracial relationships, baby-momma drama, old loves that haunt, 9/11, and with my newest “October”, how loneliness and isolation impact family dynamics. My novels are quite diverse concerning the subject matter, but they are always about the ‘humanness’ of us all.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Connect with people in your field who are doing what you are striving to do. Trust your gut when it comes to opening yourself up to someone who offers to help. There’s a saying: all that glitters ain’t gold. Everyone may not have your back, even as they smile in your face. Pay attention to that. And most of all, if something (help, assistance, an offer) doesn’t feel right, then it ain’t right for you. Your creativity is a sacred thing. Do everything you can to protect it.

Pricing:

• My newest novel “October” is available for sale at https://www.mjhodge.net for $21 and free shipping

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mjhodge.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjhwriting/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/booksofmargaret.johonshodge

Image Credits
Margaret Johnson-Hodge