We were lucky to catch up with Tara Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with inspirations and heroes. Are there any historical figures you look up to?
Corrie Ten Boom. Despite her wobbling faith, in the face of Nazi oppression and death she stood firm for treating people as they are–men and women made in the likeness of God. She was honesty about her struggles and failures and openly shared about the love of Christ with everyone she met.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
For years I lived the dream…a recording artist with a Christian record label. I would travel from church to church, venue to venue sharing how God had led me out of a life of people pleasing and depression into a new walk with Him. I was passionate about revealing the enemy’s lies…and I could share this transformational truth through song.
When I was diagnosed with gastroparesis and lost the ability to sing for long stretches of time, I questioned God. What are You doing? I don’t understand. All this work, these dreams…how could they just crumble like rubble? Is this really what you want, Lord?
In the turbulence of that season, I began pouring out my heart through blogs. Through stories. When an author friend suggested I attend the national conference of the American Christian Fiction Writers, I balked. Who was I? I wasn’t a writer. I was a singer.
But I attended anyway.
In my very first class, the instructor shared about each author’s unique voice—the way they blend words and phrases to paint a picture…not on canvas but on paper to reach the hearts of thousands. That’s when God caught my attention.
My child, you can have a voice and still not have a voice.
Since that moment, God launched me into a new calling. To write. To create. To encourage new authors and hungry readers. To build worlds and characters that would show each person’s need for the unfailing love of Jesus.
And I can’t imagine it any other way.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Exploring my own struggles and seeing how God redeems them to help others.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Consistency and treating people with kindness. My personal goal is to do as much as I can on my part not to burn down bridges. That often means trying harder or more creatively to connect with people who don’t see the world the way I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
- Instagram: @tarajohnsonministry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaraJohnsonAuthor
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-johnson-1a639b17b/
- Twitter: @TaraMinistry
