with Keith Lee Johnson

A native of Toledo, Ohio, Keith Lee Johnson began writing purely by accident when a literature professor unwittingly challenged his ability to tell a credible story in class one day. He picked up a pen that very day and has been writing ever since.
      Upon graduating from high school in June 1978, Keith joined the United States Air Force the following September and attained a Top Secret security clearance. He served his country in Texas, Mississippi, Nevada, California, Turkey, and various other places in his four years of service.
      Keith is the author of Sugar & Spice and Pretenses and has repeatedly been featured in Booking Matters Magazine. His most successful novel to date, Little Black Girl Lost was recently ranked #11 out of 246 on the Black Expressions Best Sellers Fiction List. His articles have been featured in Insight Magazine and he is a member of several online writing groups. His most recent release is Fate's Redemption, which was released in May 2005. Visit his website at www.KeithLeeJohnson.com

Urban-Reviews: What drove you to jump into the literary world and did you always dream of being a writer?
Keith Lee Johnson: I got in to the publishing game because I was challenged to do so. A particular person didn't believe I could do it and I felt the need to prove him wrong. As to the second portion of your question, becoming a writer was never an aspiration of mine.

UR: Can you tell us a little bit about your current novel Fate's Redemption?
KLJ: I'd have to say Fate's Redemption is my most important novel to date. It is full of truths that most people don't want to delve into as they know the truth in this novel will be quite unsettling. It is the story of three successful black brothers (same mom & dad), who make drastically different choices and the reader gets a birds eye view of how their lives play out. Jericho is a big-time drug dealer with CIA connection. He's told to kill a high ranking government official or face serious jail time. Sterling is fired from a prestigious San Francisco law firm just prior to hearing the verdict of a case that was suppose to make his career. And William, the psychologist, is propositioned by an Italian colleague. The conclusion will leave your mouth hanging open.

UR: What projects are in the works for the future?
KLJ: I'm currently working on Little Black Girl Lost II and the third installment of the Phoenix Perry series called SCARECROW.
(Editor's note: LBGL II: The Saga Continues is slated to be released February 2006 and SCARECROW is due out Late 2006 or Early 2007.)

UR: Are any of the characters in your book based on real people/events?
KLJ: Yes, in that race relations are such that much of what's in the book actually happens to people.

UR: Fate's Redemption is over 500 pages long. Why should everybody still pick up your book?
KLJ: People should read Fate's Redemption because it is riveting story about race, politics, drugs and relationships. It is unpredictable, and an overall great story.

UR: What message are you attempting to give your readers with this novel?
KLJ: If I answered that, there would be no need to buy and read it.

UR: Does it matter at all where or how fans buy your novels?
KLJ: It only matters in my hometown: Toledo, Ohio. There were two stores that didn't give me the respect I thought I deserved as a citizen of the city I grew up in and I will never do a signing in their stores. I always direct people to other stores in Toledo. In fact, I just had a commercial done to promote my books and I made sure they only mention one store here.

UR: What lithmus test do you use to measure how well your books sell? (good feedback? rave reviews? books sold?)
KLJ: My idea of a successful novel is the number of units sold period. If you're not selling units, the book is a failure.

UR: What are some of your favorites books that are out now?
KLJ: Double Cross: The Explosive, Inside Story Of The Mobster Who Controlled America by Sam & Chuck Giancana
        Thrill! by Jackie Collins
        Cheaters by Eric Jerome Dickey.

UR: What things are different now that you are a writer?
KLJ: Now that I'm a published author, it feels like everybody wants to tell me about a book they want to write and if I can help them get published. In other words, they're looking for a way to cut corners, not pay their dues, never comprehending that paying dues is the proving ground for whether a would-be author has what it takes to make it in the literary biz. Most don't have what it takes. I'm not referring to talent here. I'm talking about determination, drive, and money. That's right, money. Most people think authors write a book and suddenly they are millionaires. I was at a party with my girlfriend last weekend and met a lady who had been told I was a writer. So when she met me during the course of the evening, she said, "I hear you're supposed to be an author." LOL! Between the lines she's saying, "You're not rich so you're just supposed to be an author." LOL!

UR: How do you feel about negative feedback or random reviewers not liking your work?
KLJ: As in all things, bad reviews can serve a useful purpose. They can be used to gauge how well a book is doing. For example, if you have 50 good reviews for a particular novel and 10 bad ones, the bad ones can give you an idea how many people actually read your novel and what kinds of novels they like. If an author has no bad reviews, his books are probably not being widely read. Just an opinion. Don't take it to heart.

UR: What words of advice would you give to people thinking about getting into the business?
KLJ: My advice to people thinking of getting into the business is don't get into the business. However, if you must get in, do your homework before you make your final decision. Talk to first time authors who didn't sign with major publishing houses, and authors who self-published. These people have had to pay tremendous dues and if they are open to it, they are able to share invaluable insight and knowledge. But don't bug these people as you will not be the first one running to them. People approach us all the time and it can be a bit overwhelming.

UR: What's your take on the recent boost in popularity for urban street fiction?
KLJ: Street novels, in my opinion are like everything else under the sun, nothing new. It just gives the appearance of a new thing. Best of luck to the authors who write them.

UR: Any final words you would like to share with everyone?
KLJ: Please buy books. Don't run to the library or borrow every book. I understand if the author is new and unproven; people don't have money to throw away. However, when you borrow one or two books from the library or a friend, who actually paid, we authors don't get paid. And if we don't get paid, guess what? Publishers will cease to publish them. Once you find an author you like, buy his/her books from that point forward.

And don't forget to come back soon for the review of Fate's Redemption.