Interview Q&A with Jamie Johnson
We present our first exclusive Q&A Interview with Jamie Johnson, whose literary works have graced our Spillwords pages and earned her the title of September’s 2025 Author of the Month.
- What does it mean to be selected as Author of the Month?
Most of the time my MO is to follow that great Groucho Marx line … “I wouldn’t want to be part of a club that would have me as a member,” but this time I’ll make an exception. This is a great compliment.
- How have your friends and/or family influenced your writing?
I think they influence it in that I write for them. Most of them are unimpressed by anything I write so I’m always trying to catch that attention.
- What inspires and motivates you to write?
I’m consistently inspired by music and songwriters, I’m constantly striving to express emotions and paint pictures of a life in such a succinct manner. I will always have songwriter envy.
- Can you tell us about the catalyst that sparked your writing journey?
Two things, really, the first was the birth of my daughter at 41. It finally settled my brain in a way I hadn’t been before, plus late night writing sessions when I was putting her to bed. Secondly, I was teaching English at the time, and I had this really talented 6th grader. When I read their work, I was always amazed, and I thought I needed to get my act together. So thanks for pushing me out of my comfort zone, kiddo.
- Please share a glimpse into your writing process.
It’s hard to explain. Sometimes I dream stories, but other times it’s one word that catches my attention, and I just dwell on the impact of a word and how that can branch out into an idea and then a story. Then sometimes I want to capture a moment in life, sort of like a word photograph.
- What do you find most fulfilling about the act of writing?
I would say it’s akin to being a kid and being able to doodle all the time. Nobody really questions you as an adult if you look like you are typing furiously and “working” but really, I am just over in the corner finding a perfect word to end a stanza. It feels very anti-capitalist. I guess that’s why teaching is so great though, because you can design lessons around exploring topics that inspire my writing.
- How does the use of imagery contribute to conveying your story?
I wish I were better at this. Imagery is what makes good writers great. To be able to always bring a reader in with all five senses is sorcery.
- What is your favorite reading genre?
Screenwriting, history, or biographies.
- What human being has inspired you the most?
All humans, the human condition is tragic, beautiful, heartbreaking, and awe-inspiring.
- What message would you have for the Spillwords Press community that voted for you?
Thanks for making a welcoming space for writers, especially emerging writers. It’s such a solitary life.
- What would you like your legacy as a writer to be?
As a side hobby, I research ancestry and genealogy. I like the idea of just having piles of writing for my family to read someday, to get some insight into my life. I would love to have even one letter written by a grandparent or great-grandparent.
- Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’ve probably exhausted everyone at this point .. lol
- Interview Q&A With Jamie Johnson - October 16, 2025
- The Game - September 9, 2025
- The Big Chill - April 24, 2025
