We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zan V. Johns. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zan V. below.

Zan V., thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

I firmly believe that we are exactly where we’re supposed to be at any given time. I do not wish I had started my writing career sooner, and at this point, I would not wish to start it later. My creative career began in 2020 when I published my first book, Poetic Forecast, a #1 Amazon bestseller in six categories. It is a collection of select poems written over forty-five years. I retired from an administrative career at the University of Colorado in 2007. I had settled into retirement and was simply enjoying life and family when the Covid pandemic started. As with many creatives, my objective was to shine light during the onset of uncertainty, fear and darkness. I didn’t know at the time that it was the beginning of a compelling chapter in my life.

Starting my creative career sooner would have derailed my administrative career. Thirty to forty years ago, it would have been challenging to suppress my thrill and passion for writing. As a parent, my primary goal was to provide for my children. Poetry was my outlet to either process emotions or to celebrate life and people. If I had commenced my writing career decades ago, I would have passionately followed that gravitational pull. Rather than securing a day job, I would have traveled in writing circles led by my creative muse, as I do now. The thought of starting sooner is intriguing; however, I am grateful for the life I have lived and do not wish to alter my journey. What I accomplished creatively in the past four years is impressive. At this juncture, my efforts are driven by a soulful purpose rather than profit. Launching my writing career when I did is well with me.

Zan V., love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I established Zan Expressions LLC as the umbrella for my creative expressions and outreach. As a premiere member of the Women Speakers Association (WSA), I was empowered to not only embrace my passion but to run with it. What began as a labor of love has evolved into a fulfilling writing career. After actively engaging virtually with the global poetry community in 2021, I published two more poetry collections, After the Rainbow (2022) and Encore (2023). In early 2023, I created the What Matters Journal, a unique weekly guide for organization, self-care and gratitude. I co-edited three poetry anthologies with North Carolina poet and publisher Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld. Our latest anthology, Cadence, was selected as a 2024 American Writing Awards Finalist in the Poetry Anthology category. During the past four years, my expressions have appeared in over one-hundred literary publications, including the 2023 Guinness Record Hyperpoem which includes over 1,700 global poets.

I am a coauthor in the WSA Voices of the 21st Century collaborative book series (2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024). In June 2024, I became the poet laureate and leader of WSA’s Women Poets SHINE Facebook community, a gathering place for global women poets. Watch for my feature in Voices of the 21st Century: Wise Women Bringing Light to the World, February 2025. In my chapter, “Shine On,” I share my poetic journey which led to the creation of the SHINE community.

My publications open doors that I never imagined. I have written commissioned poems and delivered keynote and poetry presentations in various settings. I welcome meaningful collaborations with other creatives. In March 2024, I received the Denver Dress for Success “Your Hour Her Power” Award. I was also recognized in June 2024 by Side Hustle Honors in the Publication and Writing category. My third poetry collection, Encore, was selected as a 2024 American Writing Awards Finalist in the Contemporary Poetry category. I am proud of what I accomplished in this short period of time.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Through creative expressions, I allow God’s light to shine through me. I embrace creative writing as a divine gift to be shared widely and responsibly. My tagline is “Touching the world line by line.” My mission is to inspire, celebrate and illuminate our life experiences. My poem, “Why I Write,” sums it up:

Why I Write

I watched Nikki Giovanni trip over her ego
I witnessed the phenomenal Maya Angelou rise
How could I not be totally mesmerized!

Countless strong women preceded me
surrounded me
nurtured me
I honor them as I nudge the next wave
of strong women to
write
trip
rise.

My pen— my weapon—my best friend
Mouthpiece for my muse
It remembers what Nikki said
It remembers what Maya said
It remembers what my parents said
It shares my truth as it repeats what God says.

I write to spread love
I write to heal, help, and honor
I write to leave a footprint—my literary mark.

I want my great great great grandchildren
to know that I was here
I want them to know how and what I felt
I want them to speak their truth
I want them to know what matters.
This is why I write.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I am a poet who also writes short essays. What I find most rewarding is sharing truth and inspiration. Our voices matter, and our stories impact another people. When my vulnerability or strength empowers someone else, I am delighted. When someone reveals that I motivated them by example, I am especially pleased. I graciously receive these rewards with humility.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zanexpressions.com
• Instagram: @authorzanjohns
• Facebook: zan.johns.1
• Linkedin: Zan V. Johns
• Twitter: @zanjohns1

Image Credits

Jim Johns

Denver Dress for Success