From Self-Published to New York Times Bestseller: Sadeqa Johnson Shares Her Story of Success

Reed, Write, and Create

On episode #29, New York Times bestselling author Sadeaqa Johnson is on the show sharing her inspiring author journey and her practical strategies to living a successful literary life.

Sadeqa Johnson is the New York Times bestselling author of five novels, including Yellow Wife and her latest, The House of Eve, which was the February 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick. Sadeqa’s accolades include being a NAACP Image Award nominee, a 2022 Hurston/Wright Foundation Legacy finalist, a BCALA Literary Honoree, and the Library of Virginia’s Literary People’s Choice Award winner. She is a Kimbilio Fellow and teaches in the M.F.A. program at Drexel University. Originally from Philadelphia, she currently lives near Richmond, VA with her husband and three teens.

Before she was topping the bestseller charts, Sadeqa was hand-selling her self-published novel, determined to prove herself to a publishing industry who wouldn’t give her a book deal. During our conversation, Sadeqa shares how she went from that frustrating place, to where she is today, working on her sixth novel, winning multiple literary awards, and teaching in a MFA program, all with no signs of slowing down.

This is the episode you need to listen to for inspiration, actionable strategies for your writing life, and motivation to keep writing!

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To learn more about Sadeqa Johnson, visit her website at Sadeqa.net

To follow Sadeqa on Instagram, her favorite online hangout, find her @Sadeqasays

Purchase your copy of Sadeqa’s latest book, the New York Times bestseller, The House of Eve from the Reed, Write, & Create Bookshop. You’ll be supporting this podcast and Sadeqa!

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BIPOC women writers, come join us at our upcoming Open House for The Sanctuary, on May 19, 2024. The fun starts at 3pmEST and you’ll learn all about what we offer our members; community, accountability, professional development, and resources to help you get published and get paid for your work.

Our members are both emerging writers and authors with multiple titles published. At the Open House, you’ll get to hear from current members who are crushing their writing goals, and we’re going to play #Lit game of literary trivia. Please RSVP for the Open House here.

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