Keeba's Korner:
 |  |  |  |  |
Interview with Helen Johnson - B.D. News
What prompted you to write? I mean honestly, did you know you could?
My first brush with writing began when I was just a youngster. We were poor with
only one television, my older siblings and I had to share that one tv and watched
whatever was on. Most of the time, we watched educational shows like Family Feud
and whether some may not wish to acknowledge it, shows like Andy Griffin and All
in the Family. Well first let me say, my parents had a rule, and that was that before
“our time” came, we had to commit to hours and hours of chores. Well, if I can
recall, one early, early Saturday morning, my dad was away working one of his many
jobs. My siblings and I agreed that since our dad wasn’t there, to enforce the rules of
chores first and playtime later, we would do what we wanted; we sat in our room and
watched a few cartoons. One of the shows we were watching said something about
entering a contest about bicycle safety and my two older sisters decided I could win
if I just answered all the questions correctly as well as write an essay. Well, with
their help – of course – I entered the contest and won a bicycle as well as my picture
in the newspaper. It was a thrill for all of us, but never did I know, that I would want
to be a journalist of some kind.
So, in reality, your initial desire was to be a journalist.
Yes. At the time and as I grew older, I dreamt of working for the newspaper, but I
never knew how to go about it.
I mean, yes I had siblings who could have given me more insight, but I suppose I didn’
t actually speak up. And that’s just one of my many problems.
(giggle)
I heard that subtle laugh. Now tell me, what do you mean by ‘one of many
problems’?
Well, I do have a problem with speaking up and I suppose that has always been one of
my drawbacks. I hate that I don’t speak up and out as often as I should. I can see
myself some years from now filled with so many regrets when I missed the
opportunity to speak up.
Do you still regret speaking up about certain things and if so, name an
occasion that you missed the chance to speak up.
Yes, I do regret speaking up; missing an opportunity to share my thoughts and ideas.
Had I told someone, anyone that I wanted to be a journalist there is no telling where I
might be today. But don’t get me wrong, I don’t truly regret it, as I’ve had a chance to
grow and learn so many different things in different areas in my life. The
experiences I’ve had and endured are memorable. However, I do regret being so shy
when a journalist asked me a question and because I was so nervously shy and
uncomfortable, I just let out a dumbfounded, ‘I don’t know.’ The silly thing was, I
actually did know the answer but just… well for some stupid reason I didn’t say.
Are there any regrets about writing or your decisions to write certain things
on a particular topic?
Well, I’ve never written anything that I later felt was unfair or something that I later
regretted feeling strongly about. But I do regret not pushing my first book sooner.
At this age now, I’m feeling the pangs of regret about Shades of Bright Pale. I don’t
think I’ll ever forgive myself for sitting on it for as long as I did.
Tell me, just exactly how long has it been?
(laughs)
Please! I wrote the novel, A Whiter Shade of Pale in 1994 and was copy written
and certified in 1995. I do not think anyone in the entire world will ever know how
much I regret not trying to push it further (sooner).
Let me break here...Shades of White Pale is said to be renamed.
Yes, I felt I had to because originally, I titled it "A whiter shade of pale," but when I
considered what type of legal issues I could face from the original artist, Keith Reid,
I quickly changed the title. However, the plot remains the same: as described by Mr.
Reid, "a wild party."
Okay, that was quick thinking. But let me stay on track and ask, have you
learned your lesson and will you look to push your work sooner?
Oh yes. As soon as I think it is polished, edited again and again. Yes, I wont hesitate,
but will work harder for publication.
Besides sitting on your work, what else have you learned?
Well, I have certainly learned to speak up and asked for help, in addition, I’ve learned
that there are a million other people just like me; people who work hard and have
quality work, but are in the same boat. However, my attitude is new and improved and
I have dedicated much more time to the things I love and enjoy most.
When you’re not writing, what else do you do in your free time?
When I’m not sorting our my scrawl, I’m behind the camera capturing moments that I
feel are beautiful and most memorable to me. Also, I enjoy the quiet solitude in
sharing and spending time with my Dachshund, Dashi. By the way, people assumed
that I gave her that name because she is a Dottie, but it is a given name because she is
so fast. I mean literally, she keeps me on the go and I must say she is a girl’s best
friend who helps me in some very stressful times.
I can tell by your expressions that you truly love her.
Oh yes, she has helped me through some difficult times. I suffer with bouts of
temporary paralysis and fatigue, but she makes sure that I get over it quickly and
forces me to do more. Sometimes, I think she’s saying, ‘momma, you’re not old yet
- get up and move!’ Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better helper. Oh, and by
the way, I don’t own her, but I’m genuinely happy to admit that she owns me.
That’s good; a faithful buddy keeping you on the go.
Yes, very inspiring as I’m almost certain I would have given up long ago.
Have you considered it…giving up?
Yes, I have. I mean, I thought I didn’t have anything to say or people just weren’t
interested in what I had to say. But I learned that not only does everyone have a story,
but through the years, before my dog, I have found that whatever else I had going on, I
would always revert back to writing. No matter what I was doing, no matter what my
employment status was or was not, I always picked up pen and paper. And if I didn’t
have those tools, I always had a Dictaphone. Whatever it took, I used it to record my
thoughts. Now, they may not have always been extraordinary thoughts or something
so profound, but I would always find peace. When my dad was dying, I wrote about it
and after he died, I wrote about him too. No matter what, I’m always penning and
recording some idea that may have just popped into my mind, or perhaps continue
where I left off with an ongoing project.
Unless I lose my eyesight and I become much more demented than what I already am,
I will continue to write. I suppose until I feel as though I just have nothing else to say
and up until the day I die.
What other books and projects are you currently working, on and what do you
vision for the near future?
Well, I’m working on a fine tuning another novel I started some time ago… you know
editing and completing the characters. Also, I had started a story or a series of four
stories all rolled into one about life in chat rooms and the like.
That sounds interesting.
Well, I hope so. I mean, I want people to be aware of what goes on in chat rooms and
if a parent is clueless, then I hope it will wake them up.
So, it’s a self-help book on the dangers in chat rooms?
Oh no…I mean, … well, I suppose now that you put it that way, it could be. But I just
want people to know. You know, too many people both young and old leisurely use
those rooms and pass along personal information to a stranger who may have bad
intentions. …I just want people to know.
Wait now. Are you saying that all of the chat rooms are bad?
No, no not at all. Just a way of keeping people informed. But also, the stories have
good and not so good endings.
Is any of it by way of personal experience?
(laughs) Somewhat, as I’ve met some great people across the lines. Oh and by the
way, that’s what it is titled, “Across the Lines.”
But anyway, I came up with the idea as I sat and watched my computer screen and I
just made up some characters and before I knew it, I just kept elaborating each and
every I typed.
So with all of that, it seems you are pretty busy.
Well, I certainly hope so because I’m getting older and time seems to pass so
quickly. I want to do everything now! I’ve set so many goals for my life, that I think I’
m running out of time. And then when I think of how that time and my life is spent, I
get anxious. I suppose another mental flaw.
Lets go back here… are there any regrets? I mean, any more then you’ve
already mentioned?
Well, I regret wasting time. That’s for sure. What I know now, I certainly wish that
God had bestowed that knowledge on me some years ago, but since I’m just going
through this stage now, I have to move now.
Before I go, I’d like to think that I did the best I could at everything. Even if I fail, I at
least want to be at peace knowing that I attempted to get it right or complete things.
There is just so little time.
Some years ago, I met a woman in her 70’s, but I tell ya, she looked every bit of late
40’s early 50’s. I asked her how does she look so good and keep up, and she simply
stated, by not giving into this life, not worrying and enjoying what you have. Well,
when she walked away and ever since then, I hoped that I could live by that motto, but
I know I wont. But what I will do, is enjoy all I can when I can.
I refuse to be caught sitting doing nothing and allowing missed time and
opportunities to rest comfortably. I know I shouldn’t worry, but I do. I cant help
worrying about family and friends and the way of this world, but like I said, I won’t
just sit and wait. My mother use to say, Weight broke the train down. Well, I’m on
the move.
I met a ninety-year-old man who was dying and his last words were, Life is so short.
Anything else?
Yes, I’m writing and writing along with taking photos while working on my poster for
my screenplay. I just ask that you continue praying for me.
Thank you for your time.
*
What prompted you to write? I mean honestly, did you know you could?
My first brush with writing began when I was just a youngster. We were poor with
only one television, my older siblings and I had to share that one tv and watched
whatever was on. Most of the time, we watched educational shows like Family Feud
and whether some may not wish to acknowledge it, shows like Andy Griffin and All
in the Family. Well first let me say, my parents had a rule, and that was that before
“our time” came, we had to commit to hours and hours of chores. Well, if I can
recall, one early, early Saturday morning, my dad was away working one of his many
jobs. My siblings and I agreed that since our dad wasn’t there, to enforce the rules of
chores first and playtime later, we would do what we wanted; we sat in our room and
watched a few cartoons. One of the shows we were watching said something about
entering a contest about bicycle safety and my two older sisters decided I could win
if I just answered all the questions correctly as well as write an essay. Well, with
their help – of course – I entered the contest and won a bicycle as well as my picture
in the newspaper. It was a thrill for all of us, but never did I know, that I would want
to be a journalist of some kind.
So, in reality, your initial desire was to be a journalist.
Yes. At the time and as I grew older, I dreamt of working for the newspaper, but I
never knew how to go about it.
I mean, yes I had siblings who could have given me more insight, but I suppose I didn’
t actually speak up. And that’s just one of my many problems.
(giggle)
I heard that subtle laugh. Now tell me, what do you mean by ‘one of many
problems’?
Well, I do have a problem with speaking up and I suppose that has always been one of
my drawbacks. I hate that I don’t speak up and out as often as I should. I can see
myself some years from now filled with so many regrets when I missed the
opportunity to speak up.
Do you still regret speaking up about certain things and if so, name an
occasion that you missed the chance to speak up.
Yes, I do regret speaking up; missing an opportunity to share my thoughts and ideas.
Had I told someone, anyone that I wanted to be a journalist there is no telling where I
might be today. But don’t get me wrong, I don’t truly regret it, as I’ve had a chance to
grow and learn so many different things in different areas in my life. The
experiences I’ve had and endured are memorable. However, I do regret being so shy
when a journalist asked me a question and because I was so nervously shy and
uncomfortable, I just let out a dumbfounded, ‘I don’t know.’ The silly thing was, I
actually did know the answer but just… well for some stupid reason I didn’t say.
Are there any regrets about writing or your decisions to write certain things
on a particular topic?
Well, I’ve never written anything that I later felt was unfair or something that I later
regretted feeling strongly about. But I do regret not pushing my first book sooner.
At this age now, I’m feeling the pangs of regret about Shades of Bright Pale. I don’t
think I’ll ever forgive myself for sitting on it for as long as I did.
Tell me, just exactly how long has it been?
(laughs)
Please! I wrote the novel, A Whiter Shade of Pale in 1994 and was copy written
and certified in 1995. I do not think anyone in the entire world will ever know how
much I regret not trying to push it further (sooner).
Let me break here...Shades of White Pale is said to be renamed.
Yes, I felt I had to because originally, I titled it "A whiter shade of pale," but when I
considered what type of legal issues I could face from the original artist, Keith Reid,
I quickly changed the title. However, the plot remains the same: as described by Mr.
Reid, "a wild party."
Okay, that was quick thinking. But let me stay on track and ask, have you
learned your lesson and will you look to push your work sooner?
Oh yes. As soon as I think it is polished, edited again and again. Yes, I wont hesitate,
but will work harder for publication.
Besides sitting on your work, what else have you learned?
Well, I have certainly learned to speak up and asked for help, in addition, I’ve learned
that there are a million other people just like me; people who work hard and have
quality work, but are in the same boat. However, my attitude is new and improved and
I have dedicated much more time to the things I love and enjoy most.
When you’re not writing, what else do you do in your free time?
When I’m not sorting our my scrawl, I’m behind the camera capturing moments that I
feel are beautiful and most memorable to me. Also, I enjoy the quiet solitude in
sharing and spending time with my Dachshund, Dashi. By the way, people assumed
that I gave her that name because she is a Dottie, but it is a given name because she is
so fast. I mean literally, she keeps me on the go and I must say she is a girl’s best
friend who helps me in some very stressful times.
I can tell by your expressions that you truly love her.
Oh yes, she has helped me through some difficult times. I suffer with bouts of
temporary paralysis and fatigue, but she makes sure that I get over it quickly and
forces me to do more. Sometimes, I think she’s saying, ‘momma, you’re not old yet
- get up and move!’ Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better helper. Oh, and by
the way, I don’t own her, but I’m genuinely happy to admit that she owns me.
That’s good; a faithful buddy keeping you on the go.
Yes, very inspiring as I’m almost certain I would have given up long ago.
Have you considered it…giving up?
Yes, I have. I mean, I thought I didn’t have anything to say or people just weren’t
interested in what I had to say. But I learned that not only does everyone have a story,
but through the years, before my dog, I have found that whatever else I had going on, I
would always revert back to writing. No matter what I was doing, no matter what my
employment status was or was not, I always picked up pen and paper. And if I didn’t
have those tools, I always had a Dictaphone. Whatever it took, I used it to record my
thoughts. Now, they may not have always been extraordinary thoughts or something
so profound, but I would always find peace. When my dad was dying, I wrote about it
and after he died, I wrote about him too. No matter what, I’m always penning and
recording some idea that may have just popped into my mind, or perhaps continue
where I left off with an ongoing project.
Unless I lose my eyesight and I become much more demented than what I already am,
I will continue to write. I suppose until I feel as though I just have nothing else to say
and up until the day I die.
What other books and projects are you currently working, on and what do you
vision for the near future?
Well, I’m working on a fine tuning another novel I started some time ago… you know
editing and completing the characters. Also, I had started a story or a series of four
stories all rolled into one about life in chat rooms and the like.
That sounds interesting.
Well, I hope so. I mean, I want people to be aware of what goes on in chat rooms and
if a parent is clueless, then I hope it will wake them up.
So, it’s a self-help book on the dangers in chat rooms?
Oh no…I mean, … well, I suppose now that you put it that way, it could be. But I just
want people to know. You know, too many people both young and old leisurely use
those rooms and pass along personal information to a stranger who may have bad
intentions. …I just want people to know.
Wait now. Are you saying that all of the chat rooms are bad?
No, no not at all. Just a way of keeping people informed. But also, the stories have
good and not so good endings.
Is any of it by way of personal experience?
(laughs) Somewhat, as I’ve met some great people across the lines. Oh and by the
way, that’s what it is titled, “Across the Lines.”
But anyway, I came up with the idea as I sat and watched my computer screen and I
just made up some characters and before I knew it, I just kept elaborating each and
every I typed.
So with all of that, it seems you are pretty busy.
Well, I certainly hope so because I’m getting older and time seems to pass so
quickly. I want to do everything now! I’ve set so many goals for my life, that I think I’
m running out of time. And then when I think of how that time and my life is spent, I
get anxious. I suppose another mental flaw.
Lets go back here… are there any regrets? I mean, any more then you’ve
already mentioned?
Well, I regret wasting time. That’s for sure. What I know now, I certainly wish that
God had bestowed that knowledge on me some years ago, but since I’m just going
through this stage now, I have to move now.
Before I go, I’d like to think that I did the best I could at everything. Even if I fail, I at
least want to be at peace knowing that I attempted to get it right or complete things.
There is just so little time.
Some years ago, I met a woman in her 70’s, but I tell ya, she looked every bit of late
40’s early 50’s. I asked her how does she look so good and keep up, and she simply
stated, by not giving into this life, not worrying and enjoying what you have. Well,
when she walked away and ever since then, I hoped that I could live by that motto, but
I know I wont. But what I will do, is enjoy all I can when I can.
I refuse to be caught sitting doing nothing and allowing missed time and
opportunities to rest comfortably. I know I shouldn’t worry, but I do. I cant help
worrying about family and friends and the way of this world, but like I said, I won’t
just sit and wait. My mother use to say, Weight broke the train down. Well, I’m on
the move.
I met a ninety-year-old man who was dying and his last words were, Life is so short.
Anything else?
Yes, I’m writing and writing along with taking photos while working on my poster for
my screenplay. I just ask that you continue praying for me.
Thank you for your time.
*
Write To Remember
| QUICK LINKS |