Today we’d like to introduce you to Zaneta Johns.
Hi Zaneta, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I began writing poetry as a freshman in college. Today I am an internationally recognized poet and author of eight publications. In 2007, I retired from the University of Colorado after a successful twenty-nine-year administrative career. I joined the Women Speakers Association (WSA) in 2020 and published my first book, Poetic Forecast, through WSA Publishing. WSA provides a wealth of resources for women speakers in one hundred and twenty countries. My emergence as an author of multiple books was in part the result of WSA’s supportive community.
In 2022, I published After the Rainbow followed by What Matters Journal and Encore in 2023. I am a co-author in WSA’s #1 international bestselling collaborative book series, Voices of the 21st Century (2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024). In addition, I was commissioned by WSA Founder and CEO Gail Watson to write poems which serve as the Dedication page in these international bestselling books.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
After Poetic Forecast reached #1 on Amazon, my husband told me to fasten my seatbelt. I had no clue what was to come since my initial plan was to publish one book. I discovered that when we are called to do something, we must be obedient despite the challenges, sometimes caused by fear. My quote about fear is:
Fear is the loudest voice in the world. It does not need a microphone.
Fear is rude and disruptive—it speaks above everyone else, including yourself.
Whether we acknowledge it or not, fear is a crippling robber of dreams. I was aware that I would be personally exposed once I published Poetic Forecast. In 2020, our world was particularly in need of light, a more pressing demand than any reservations I had regarding exposure. My purpose was to shine light. Over time, my vulnerability made me stronger.
My biggest challenges were technology, navigating social media, and virtual public engagement. To balance my time and focus, I reduced my intake of negativity. I stopped watching the news to avoid the hatred being portrayed on repeat. I am technically challenged, but I know how to get help. My son-in-law, Marcus Jackson, helped create my website before my daughter, Kelli Jackson, assumed responsibility for managing the website and my social media. I gradually began to engage with the poetry community and respond to calls for submissions to anthologies. After appearing on podcasts and open mics, it eventually became second nature to me. I am doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a world-class creative writer who stepped out of retirement to enjoy the time of my life. I specialize in poetry, my happy place—my second language and my second act. I found my purpose late in life, but age is not a strong enough obstacle to silence my voice. When I write, I am free and authentic. God gave me a gift, and I have a responsibility to share it. I call myself a truth telling vessel of love, light and grace. Not only have I published personal books, I co-edited three anthologies, Social Justice Inks (2022), Dear Heart (2023) and Cadence, scheduled Summer 2024, with publisher and poet Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld. I have a new collaboration with Pakistan poet and child advocate Anila Bukari titled Women Who Lead, scheduled for release summer 2024. The book is a collection of profiles that showcase the work of women leaders around the world.
My poem, “What Matters,” was nominated for the Pushcart Prize in poetry. My book, Encore, was submitted for Pulitzer Prize consideration, a distinct honor in and of itself. I have been commissioned to write poems and Forewords for authors around the world. I have great pride in encouraging first-time or unpublished writers who have now become international bestselling authors. My work-in-progress with Gail Watson to establish a poetry community within the Women Speakers Association is another significant source of pride.
I was invited to share my oral history as part of the Museum of Boulder’s Proclaiming Colorado’s Black History archives. I was also honored by Dress for Success Denver as a “Your Hour Her Power” 2024 Honoree. I am exceptionally proud to be recognized by an
organization that empowers women who have faced challenges and are striving to achieve success. I am also nominated for the 2024 Side Hustle Honors award in recognition of entrepreneurs determined to make a difference.
On a personal note, I am especially proud of my family. My husband Jim and I have been married twenty-seven years. Our adult children and grandchildren are doing well. I am blessed to pursue my purpose at this stage of life. I celebrate my achievements and the love and support that motivates me.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The pandemic taught us a lot about connection and technology. We have no excuse not to connect with others. During the lockdown, my family bonded over Sunday Zoom meetings where we singly provided updates and attentively listened to each other. As a coauthor in Voices of the 21st Century, I developed forty-nine new friendships with women writers worldwide over Zoom. The business world embraced telecommuting as a necessity. Administrators learned to trust employees to deliver and perform from home. As a former human resource leader, I applaud this long overdue progress in the workplace.
I learned to dream out loud after reading Mirroring Your Vision by Dr. Janet J. Sawyer. The workbook is designed to inspire and empower us to pursue our life’s purpose and dreams. A second edition of Mirroring Your Vision will be released Summer 2024.
During Covid, online platforms became a means to connect creatives. From the comforts of home, artists met and performed globally via Zoom, Eventbrite, Meetup, etc. Podcasts allowed everyday people to host interviews and present artists. I establish lasting relationships with poets and writers in India, United Kingdom (UK), Philippines, Pakistan, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, etc. I’ve written collaborative works and commissioned poems for people I have never met in person. Poets have forged unofficial online poetry collectives. These collectives are not necessarily defined by a particular style or ethos, but unified by commitment to let their light shine before others. These experiences led me to pen the following poem:
Virtual Poets Collective
© Zaneta Varnado Johns
Shutdown by the pandemic
Shadowed by fear and darkness
Time amplified creativity
Time amplified voices
Fueled with compassion
Purpose took the wheel
Connected by online platforms
We are the virtual poets collective
We have no limitations
We build each other up
We build bridges of hope
Unity is the ultimate goal
We are virtuous
We are passionate
We are light
We are love
We are grace
We are peace
We celebrate history
We celebrate vulnerability
We celebrate potential
We celebrate greatness
Sparked by rhythm and rhyme
Freed by truth
We erased boundaries
We voided doubt
We banned judgement
We can be anywhere at any time
We don’t look alike
We love alike
Covid was an imminent threat to everyone, regardless of class and demographics. We were required to reflect on our own mortality and to live purposefully. I am grateful to have learned and accepted my purpose. I am also thankful for all of the underlying lessons from the pandemic.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.zanexpressions.com
- Instagram: @authorzanjohns
- Facebook: Facebook.com/zanjohns.1
- Linkedin: LinkedIn.com/in/ZanetaVJohns
- Twitter: @Zanjohns1
- Other: Goodreads: Zaneta Johns
Image Credits
Photos by Jim Johns II
