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| June Bug figuring out the world one Proverb at a time. |
Several years ago I wrote a weekly article for my church’s
newsletter. Being a relatively small
congregation there were times of the year in which there just wasn’t much news
for the newsletter. One week I was
struggling with finding anything to write.
In desperation I shared a funny story from my own life, changed the
names of the characters, and applied an applicable Proverb.
That next week I got more comments and compliments on my
story than I ever got from reporting the church “news.” Who would have imagined that a funny story
would be more interesting than the fact that Wednesday night’s family meal was
going to be tacos?
A few weeks later, I needed something to write. I remembered
a great story a friend told me that happened in his ministry. Using the same characters, I wrote another
story. Then it happened again. Besides
finding that people actually read these stories, I found it was a lot of fun to
write. And so was born a collection of
stories I call, The Adventures of June Bug Johnson: growing up in the
shadows of the Proverbs.
After what seemed like years of indecision and writing and
rewriting, I submitted the collection for publication and the publisher said, “YES.” My first book
is about to go to press and you can imagine the excitement that I have for this
project.
"The Adventures of June Bug Johnson" is a humorous and nostalgic look at the wisdom of the Proverbs as shared through the lives of Deroy “June Bug” Johnson and his grandpa Lymon (pronounced Lemon) Johnson. June Bug is sometimes the agent of folly, sometimes the casual observer to other’s folly, and sometimes he is the mediator of wisdom. Grandpa Lymon connects June Bug with the wisdom of Solomon as he quotes the Proverbs and explains what they mean.
"The Adventures of June Bug Johnson" is a humorous and nostalgic look at the wisdom of the Proverbs as shared through the lives of Deroy “June Bug” Johnson and his grandpa Lymon (pronounced Lemon) Johnson. June Bug is sometimes the agent of folly, sometimes the casual observer to other’s folly, and sometimes he is the mediator of wisdom. Grandpa Lymon connects June Bug with the wisdom of Solomon as he quotes the Proverbs and explains what they mean.
In all these stories there is a nugget of truth. Around the
tidbits of fact I filled in details to add flair and color, so this is a work
of fiction based on imagination and reality.
In some cases, all I did was change the names of those involved and fill
in details or add Grandpa Lymon’s sage advice.
At other times I began with almost nothing. For example, one story is built around a picture
of a refrigerator with the words “hell is hot” painted on it. I have no clue what the back story is, but my
imagination was able to create a fictional account. Each of the twenty chapters is a
self-contained, short story ideal for bedtime with grandkids or for personal
relaxation and smiles.
As a first time author publishers are not exacting throwing
advances at me. Fact is the likelihood
of this being a big, financial success is somewhat small. I need your help. There are three ways you
can help me if you are so inclined.
First, in order the get this project jump-started, I need to
raise $1,000 to cover basic marketing costs and the first run of printing. There are more details involved in this than
I ever imagined. I have set up a
GoFundMe sight should you want to be a patron of this project. Any gift of any size will be greatly
appreciated. For each gift of $20 or
more, I will provide you a serial numbered, autographed, first edition. Contributions can be made through this link.
Second, I would like for you to buy a copy of this book. I suppose that goes without saying, but if I
don’t ask you to buy it, you may not buy.
The publisher informs me that it should be available toward the end of
October. Buy a copy, read it with care
and if you like it keep it, if you don’t, you can give it to someone as a
Christmas gift. When the books are available I promise I will let you know how you can purchase a copy.
Third, I need help developing the networks that are needed
for book signings, book clues, library events, etc. If you know someone in one of those arenas
please introduce us. Additionally, one
of the stories that did not make it into the book is a Christmas story. I used this story at my church’s Christmas
party. I would be honored to discuss
presenting a Christmas program for a social or church event.
Thank you for your indulgence in letting me share my bit of
good news.
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