Join Me for These Book Events

On May 8 at 11:00am I will be doing a book signing at Michele’s Place in Annapolis Mall, Md. I thought I would be signing for my new book, Secrets Unraveled, but unfortunately it will not be ready in time. Nevertheless, the show must go on, and I will be signing my first two novels, Life is Never as It Seems and It’s Not Over Yet. If you’re in the area please stop by and get your copies of the books.  With the purchase of a book, you’ll receive either a free numerology reading or angel reading.  Additionally, I will be on BAP Blogtalkradio show Http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/18598 with hostess, Ananda Leeke, tonight, May 5, at 8:30pm talking about writing, gratefulness, and my books. And boy am I grateful, read the interview below.

J.J.  Interview  with Shunda Leigh of Booking Matters Magazine

 Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

 Yes, I first started writing when I was nine years old. I loved to read and always wanted to write my own fiction stories. I remember going to the library and looking up publishers and their addresses and submitting my handwritten stories. I received my first reject letters at that tender age. Nevertheless, I didn’t give up my dream.

What dreams have been realized as a result of your writing? Any special memories that you would like to share?

My childhood dream to be a writer has been realized. This is what I am supposed to do, not only write, but also write spirituality or metaphysical books. I believe that this is my life path. I remember the first time I saw my book on the shelf of a large chain store. I was overcome with joy. I flipped out my phone and took a picture of it. Then I called my daughter and she informed me that she was at another store and found it on the shelf. She also took a picture. I have since calmed down, but only after several booksigning events.

What books have influenced your life the most?

When I was fifteen I found a book at the public library that changed my life for ever. It was a book on reincarnation called The Search for Bridey Murphy by Morey Bernstein. At that time, I had no idea that I had unlocked a door to a wealth of esoteric information that would set the course of my life. In fact, this was just the beginning of the many synchronicities that occurred in my search for spiritual truth. The second book is The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown. I traveled to Scotland and Paris to see some of the sacred sites that Brown mentioned in the book. I am also a fan of James Patterson, Walter Mosley, Tananarive Due, and Sidney Shelton. I like mysteries.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I write psychic fiction meaning one or two of my characters have paranormal abilities that they demonstrate in the storyline. My challenge is to make the character’s psychic experiences believable. I spend a great deal of time in character development and strong plots. It is important to me that the reader buys into the character and the plot.

How much of the novel is realistic?

Although I write fiction, I tend to write from experience or realistic events. I describe characters as if the action was really happening so that the reader can identify with the situation that is taking place in the storyline. At the same time, I strive to make the novel entertaining as well as though-provoking.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Most definitely! I want reader to become educated about metaphysics and the occult without having to fear it. There are so many myths and misinformation about these two subjects that keep people weary of them. I hope to dispel these myths and show my readers that metaphysics and the paranormal are a part of everyday life and one need not fear it. The main plot of my stories may center on paranormal events, but they are also about everyday folks leading normal lives.

Do you see writing as a long-or short-term career?

I hope to write forever. It is more than a career; it is my passion. As the years pass, I hope to grow as a writer and be able to help others who have a desire to write and publish. I feel that one of the major benefits of writing it that you leave a legacy—a history of who you are

Excerpt from Secrets Unravled-Coming Spring 2010

Secrets Unraveled will be released in late spring of this year in trade paperback that you'll be able to purchase from online retailers and bookstores.  I'm excited to announce that you will also be able to purchase it as an eBook on Amazon.com and other retailers as well as download it on your phone as an iPhone app. Each of the books in the Johnson-Lee sage is full of religious and metaphysical drama and doctrine and is free standing. Secrets Unraveled will definitely have you thinking about your own family secrets as the main character of the book leads you on a path of intrigue and suspense. Look for my email postcard that will give you the exact date of the book release or visit my website at http://jjmichael.com

Thank you for your support.

Excerpt from Secret Unraveled: 

Prologue

Winter 1982, Washington, DC

Three years ago, I wanted to die when my father died.

My daughter, Lindy, and her satanic worshipers, killed him. There was no reason for me to live except to avenge his death. When I tried to get justice, my husband and many of the church members turned against me. They called me crazy. I became a prisoner in my own home as my husband controlled everything I did or said. The voice of God had deserted me and the voice of the devil became my ally.

Margaret’s hand quivered as she wrote in her notebook about the dreadful events that had led to the present moment. Thoughts floated in and out of consciousness, making it difficult for her to write them down. She leaned back into the rocking chair and gently rocked back and forth, letting the swaying of the chair comfort her frail nerves.

Reaching into the pocket of her beige satin robe, she pulled out a lace handkerchief and cried softly into it not wanting to awaken her husband, the great Reverend Alan Pierce, who slept across the hall in the bedroom she no longer shared with him.

Margaret stood up and tightened the belt of the satin robe around her thick body. The twenty pounds she’d gained had made its way to her waistline. She walked a few steps down the darkened hallway to the bathroom, and peeped out of the bathroom window; the street was quiet and dark.

She reached into the pocket of the robe and pulled out the medicine bottle that she kept close. Thorazine, take one a day. It was prescribed to her by Dr. Stan Higgs, Head of the Psychiatry Department of D.C. General Hospital.  He’d told her and Alan the medicine would calm her nerves and prevent delusions.

“But I am not delusional,” she’d tried telling them.

“But this voice that you hear,” Alan said to her, “you talk back to it. And, quite frankly, Margaret, half the time you’re not in your right mind. Everyone in the church is talking about your bizarre behavior. Take the medicine or you know what.” He’d given her a stern look.

Fear of what Alan might do, she took the pills and kept her therapy appointments with Dr. Higgs. Months passed and she began to feel better. The voice that had been in her life forever, which no one else could hear but her, was gone. She’d begged Dr. Higgs to take her off the medication.

“I don’t need it any more.”

“You think you don’t but you do.”

“I feel fine.”

“That’s because you’re taking the Thorazine. Your time is up for today anyway.” He turned his back to her.

Distraught by Dr. Higgs’ condescending attitude toward her, Margaret decided that day to take things into her own hands. She purposely missed taking her medication.  Then she heard the voice again. At first, it was faint; she had to strain to hear it. But, as the days passed and she continued not taking her pills, the voice became clearer.

Trust me; don’t take it. The voice spoke sweetly to her.

“But, if Alan finds out, he’s going to commit me to an insane asylum or disgrace me in front of the world.”

Listen to me; I’ll guide you.

And it had led her to where she now stood in front of the toilet bowl with her medicine in her hand.

  Coming in the Spring of 2010