Meet the Author: Shawnteyana Johnson
This week in our ongoing "Meet the Author" series, we spoke with local children's author Shawnteyana Johnson.
Shawnteyana Johnson is a 26-year-old native of Middletown, NY. She is the proud product of what present and loving grandparents can do, and attributes much of her success to their sacrifice. Shawnte is an educator with over 7 years of experience in early childhood development. Inspired by her work and some of her own experiences, How Helena Got Her Name was born. The debut book of an early readers series centered around inclusion, How Helena Got Her Name is Shawnte's personal story of acceptance, told through the eyes of the person she feels knew her best: her Nana.
Describe your book in 25 words or less.
How Helena Got Her Name is a story of self discovery. It’s about the moment I developed pride in my name, my story, and excitement about my future.
What inspired you to write this book?
The book is inspired by and dedicated to Helena Ruth Prawl (Nana), in loving memory of her brilliant mind, kind heart, and constant sacrifice. I published this work as a love story to every child who’s ever felt like they don’t belong, so they know I’m rooting for them, and that not only do they belong, they are necessary!
What do you do for fun when you're not writing?
Travel! It’s my goal to see as much of the world as I can and to learn something new every step of the way.
What's the next project you're working on?
I’m working on the next book of the series! Readers will get to join Helena and some of her classmates on their next journey! It’s a holiday adventure that I think readers of the first book will truly enjoy.
What advice would you give to an aspiring author?
YOU are what YOU have to bring to the table. Fiction or non-fiction, show up in your stories as yourself. There’s nothing more fulfilling!
Tell us about one of your favorite books or a book that changed your life.
Finding Me, a memoir by Viola Davis, changed my life from the very first page. It reaffirmed my belief that showing up in the world exactly as we are is our superpower.
Do you have a favorite quote from a book?
“The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” — Viola Davis, Finding Me
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Toni Morrison, Monica Coleman, Viola Davis, and Amanda Gorman
If you enjoyed this interview and would like to learn more about Shawnteyana Johnson and her work, you can follow her on Instagram and Tiktok.
How Helena Got Her Name is available in store and online.