Author Interview with Dominique S. Johnson

How did you become a writer?

During undergrad, I had the wonderful opportunity to study abroad in Paris, France. Throughout the trip, we learned about Black writers who moved to Paris to escape racism in the United States, particularly James Baldwin. Learning about these writers—who I had not truly been familiar with—and how Paris became a hub for them to express themselves freely and to explore identity and race inspired me to begin writing my first novel.

I had always envisioned the story I would write and the character I would create, but I doubted my capabilities. I did not think I was equipped enough to bring the story to life. My study abroad trip helped me learn to take a leap of faith—much like the authors I studied had done—and start writing. From that moment, my main character’s name, Paris, was born.

What inspires you to write?

Growing up, I was not an avid reader. However, when I began reading more and enjoyed the experience of immersing myself in a story, I noticed that there was not much representation for plus-sized Black women in the Romance or Young Adult genres. While this has changed drastically since then, but I am still inspired to create stories for plus-sized Black women like me. I want them to feel seen and to know that their authentic experiences deserve to be heard and to exist in stories beyond the common tropes of the “unwanted” or “sassy” best friend that is often portrayed in film and literature.

Music is also huge part of my inspiration to write. From singing in the choir at church and in high school to playing the clarinet in band, music has been an integral part of my life and continues to be. Listening to music inspires to me capture the same essence in a song and translate it to a story. There is nothing like hearing a song and imaging a story behind it. It is how I come up with the titles of my working manuscripts.

How do you develop your plot and characters?

Most of my inspiration for plot and characters derive from my experiences navigating life as a professional and lover girl as well as from the people around me. I am a very intentional about the relationships I cultivate, both in my personal life and with my students. I listen and observe closely so that I can understand human experiences outside of my own. Their experiences—no matter how large or small—helps frame my perspectives and provides insights that I may not have seen on my own.

Could you share some of your challenges as a writer?

Finding time to write is my biggest challenge. Between working full time, pursuing my PhD in English, and supervising a large staff, it can be difficult to dedicate time to write throughout the week. However, I try my hardest to carve out at least thirty minutes a day to write so that I continue making strides towards my goals.

Tell me about your protagonist. What's your favorite trait and/or weakness?

My protagonist’s name is Paris Martin. She is a plus-sized aspiring filmmaker who has never been in a relationship or has had anyone pursue her romantically, and she believes her weight is the cause of it. More than anything, she longs to feel wanted, worthy of love, and accepted for who she is.

My favorite trait about her is desire to tell authentic stories through film, whether visually or through a screenplay. Also, I love she is not afraid to be honest about how her deep desire to experience love and be loved by a man. At the same time, her desire for love is also her weakness. At times, her need to experience being in a relationship leads to her isolating herself from friends and family. In many ways, she runs away–not just from others but from the fear of getting hurt and falling into the common tropes plus-sized women fall under in film and literature.

How does your antagonist create conflict?

Malik Brooks, the antagonist, creates conflict because he says things to Paris that she tells herself privately. His verbal attacks, makes her lose hope of having a relationship not only with the hero, Hunter Griffin, but also being loved by any man. In many ways, Paris’s mother, is also an antagonist. Her constant remarks and backhanded remarks about Paris’s weight and appearance has clearly affected how Paris sees herself and handles situations. This reinforces her tendency to isolate herself from the people in her life.

What are your current/future projects?

I am currently working on revising my manuscript for Paris’s story. Since I first started writing it, both she and I have changed. My writing has evolved and because it has, there are some shifts that I need to make in the story to align with the story I truly want to tell.

Do you have a routine you follow when writing?

I do not have a particular routine that I follow when writing. Instead, I jot down ideas throughout the week and revisit them to find ways to incorporate it into the current chapter I am revising or weave it into a previous one. There is so much inspiration around me that it is hard to stick to one routine.

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?

Love yourself and never let anyone make you believe you are not worthy of being loved for who you are at the core.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Do not give up. Delayed does not mean denied. There are people waiting to read your story and when they finally do, they will fall in love—with your characters and your writing.

* What is your preferred method for readers to get in touch with you?

Readers can follow me on Twitter/X at @thedominiquesj.