Margaret Johnson-Hodge, Author
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A  WRITER'S  LIFE…
March, 2004


    As I write this, the beginning of Spring is in the air. The chill is gone and I can finally pack away my heavy coat. My tulips have started to bloom and more and more people are out taking that afternoon stroll.
    This winter seemed longer and colder then the previous years and I have the high heating bills to prove it (lol). But I know without winter, we could not appreciate the rebirth of Spring and so I'm not complaining.
    Last month I got the chance to meet up with some of my fellow authors at a book signing at Richs-Macys in Atlanta. Coordinated by Medu Books in conjunction with Richs-Macys at Stonecrest Mall, the event was covered live by radio personality Sasha of 104.1. I hob-knobbed with my author friends and chatted up with readers. I signed copies of my books and gave shout outs on the radio to all my fellow New Yorkers who were now representing in the ATL.
    The event was first class and the set up was divine. The author place cards was truly a work of art and I plan to have my framed. As always Nia, you put together wonderful event. Thank you for asking me to participate. I had a wonderful time.
    February was the birthday month for family and friends alike. In the beginning of the month, I gave my Mom a wonderful birthday bash with a house full of people and a ton of laughter and love. My niece J'Nea celebrated her 20th year old milestone in the middle of the month. My lifelong friend Valarie Escoffery and my bud Timmothy B. McCann celebrated their milestones near the end of the month.  Happy birthday everybody.  
      When I was making my way in the world of writing, I was blessed to meet a wonderful woman who would later become not only my friend and ally, but my mentor. Her philosophy of writing was both profound and simple: you reach back and help someone as someone has reached back and helped you.
    That person is Brenda Connor Bey Miller, whom without her guidance, love, assistance and faith in me, I would have never gotten my first book published. Her mentor had been Pulitzer Prize winner John O. Killens, who instilled in her the notion of 'passing it on.' John passed his guidance onto her, she passed it on to me and I have passed it on to others.
    In carrying on that tradition, two authors that I've helped have signed book deals within the last year—Phill Duck and Monica McKayhan. Both are worthy talents and I look forward to the stories they will share with the world. Phill's book will be coming in '05, so please be on the look out for it. I will keep you updated for the release of Monica's book.
    They say that in good times, a little rain must fall and I'm sadden to say that last month I received news of not just one death, but three. My husband's cousins lost a father, my friend Cecily Simmons lost a father and my bud Timmothy B. McCann lost a grandmother. My prayers are with them all during the difficult time and I hope they find solace in the memories they shared.
    This month I look forward to the official arrival of Spring, a few book signings and getting the chance to plants flowers in my front yard. I've also gone back to one of my other true passions--taking dance class and despite the aches and pains, it is still a delightful experience for me.
    In this season of rebirth we should take a moment and revitalize ourselves. Be a 'participant' in your own life instead of a 'side-liner.' I challenge you to make every moment count. 
   Until next time, may your life be filled with love, light, and understanding. Until next time,   
    Peace and Blessings,

    Margaret