J.J. Johnson

Been feeling under the weather since Thursday night, so the kids and I have been on a Middle-earth marathon, binge-watching The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

It’s 28 degrees and my family just left to go stand in line for a Black Friday deal… I’m still lying in bed where its warm

The internet can be a noisy place, but if you listen closely, the silence in between the likes and shares is where your real voice lives.

Sometimes you choke down gas station coffee because it’s your only option.

This isn’t some deep life lesson or motivational metaphor. I’m just mad about having bad coffee.

My new book is about to head off to the editors this week

Realm Makers started as a conference for fantasy/scifi writers, who are #Christian (regardless what market they write for).

It's expanded over the years to include a bookstore, and an online membership platform to unite creators of ALL types AND fans.

This year we've added a FAN EXPO!

Listen- My rough drafts are like a toddler with scissors

If your child never sees you reading, they’re less likely to pick up a book themselves. Make family reading time a tradition—everyone benefits.

Learn to tell the difference between critique & bad talk. Learn to trust the voice of those who care to help you better, vs the ones that want to tear you down.

Every story I write teaches me something new, even if it’s just that I’m capable of finishing it.

New edition of the Newsletter went out today… Just follow the link in the image

Imposter syndrome whispers ‘Who are you to do this?’ but the truth is, you’ve always been the only one who could.

Life’s greatest motivational moments should really come from the Goonies

Rolling dice and making poor life choices with imaginary friends tonight. Aka, it’s D&D time! Here’s hoping I don’t accidentally seduce the dragon… 🐉🎲 #DnD #ChaoticGood

Me: [putting on jeans]
9YO: Dad, why are you jumping?
Me: It’s too early for your judgement kid

Tentative Publishing Schedule for 2024

Jan: Iggy & Oz The Great Ice Cream Truck Heist (book 4 in the series)

May / June: Interstice Undone (tenative) Crossover novel co-written with Jason Joyner & Steve Rzasa

Nov/ Dec: Iggy & Oz The Hairless Sasquatch (book 5 in the series)

Married to a culinary grad- but the kids want Ramen

I’m watching the Great British Baking show with my wife, and all I can think is a story idea where the elimination is more Squid Game Style

Today’s to do list…
1- Kids eye Doctor
2- Dawn hazmat suit and go help reorganize kids room

A new edition of my newsletter is out: Today we chat about the upcoming release, cover reveal sign ups, a giveaway,
podcast appearances, and how many units Iggy & Oz has surpassed

open.substack.com/pub/jjjohnso...

This has been one of those days where I know it’s 10:00 am but my body thinks it’s 7:00am

There was a time when I got irritated if I couldn’t get at least half an hour of writing in each day.

Now I get irritated if I can’t get at least half an hour of reading in each day

I’m trying to think of a snarky reply but i got nothing

The rabbit seriously gets pampered more than me

I eagerly anticipate the day when social media eliminates the concept of likes. I believe this change will result in the removal of public vanity metrics and pave the way for a surge in creativity and authenticity.

My wife made serial killer cupcakes- and I’m both impressed and slightly concerned I should be watching my six

Allright!!! @tedatchley3.bsky.social @jasoncjoyner.bsky.social Planning to plot ways to annoy you two here! 🫣🤔🤫

Layover in the Atlanta airport.

So… Space Whales. Yeah, I can dig it

One of those night… Living Snot on Stand by