Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Johnson.
Angela, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I came to LA in 2015 to work in publishing but quickly realized a desk/office job was not for me. So I ventured into the freelance/gig market utilizing my skills as a writer and teacher. I worked for several companies including traditional publishing houses, online magazines, educational publishers, and took on clients as an independent educator/writer/editor.
In this world, I connected with an agent from Metamorphosis Literary Agency and was picked up as a client to write kid lit. I published, “The Noisy Classroom” the next year. My debut book is now an award-winning picture book and continues to sell in the parent/school markets. I am in contract for a second picture book titled, “When My Cousins Come to Town” and in negotiation for two more picture books (under the pen Angela Shanté).
As a writer, I don’t want to limit myself so while I am currently an author I am also a poet and screenwriter. Last year I became a mentee in the Hillman Grad Mentorship program founded by Lena Waithe. As a tv/film writer my hope is to develop authentic stories around Black culture, Black children, and Black women. I am currently working to finalize sample scripts and am seeking to turn “The Noisy Classroom” to an animated series.
As a creative and entrepreneur, I am always looking for ways to marry my love of storytelling and literature. Recently a few educators and myself launched a small independent publishing company (Sunday Dinner Publishing) where our mission is to highlight inclusive, authentic writing which brings everyone to the table. Our first picture book “When You Were in My Belly” releases December 2020.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No! When I decided to quit my publishing job, I felt like I was lost. I didn’t want a traditional job and knew that in order to create my dream job, I would have to make it. The struggle comes from trying to find a way to merge my passion for storytelling, education, publishing, and creating content for kids/Black culture… but where there’s a will there’s a way.
Secondly, breaking into tv/film and now publishing as someone who has a background in education has been difficult. People look at you and say ‘what do you know about writing for television?’ or ‘how do you think you can start a publishing company’ but I am resilient and I have the right people around me. I’ve had to work twice as hard because (1) I am changing careers, (2) I am new to the industry, and (3) there are less opportunities for Black creatives (overall).
But one thing I know for sure is if I could successfully teach 35 8-year-olds, I can overcome pitching to a room of 10 people. Teaching has allowed me to master the skill of multi-tasking and being hyper-focused at the same time, and these are the skills I’ll rely on as I craft (and continue to create) my dreams.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Sunday Dinner Publishing – what should we know?
Sunday Dinner Publishing is an independent publishing company. The thing that sets us apart is that we are ONLY seeking to publish diverse/unique stories. We want our books to bring a new and fresh voice to the trade book market. I’m proud to lead the company as the Editor in Chief and am excited about what the future has in store for our company.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
As an aspiring tv/film writer, I am extremely grateful for Lena Waithe and the opportunity to learn the industry with other diverse writers in LA in her program. I watch Lena work as a creative and businesswoman and aspire to follow in her footsteps; not only creating my own art but creating space for other creatives (the multi-hyphenated folks) to have a platform to showcase their art.
Contact Info:
- Publishing Website: https://www.sundaydinnerpublishing.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromajwithlove/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/fromajwithlove
- Author Website: https://www.angelashante.com/
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