CHILLICOTHE— A local Ross County author is taking the steps to create her first traditionally published book. After signing with an agent Amber Ginter Johnson is excited to start this new journey in her life.
Read more: Local author releases book on her life
Johnson is a former teacher turned author from Chillicothe who was raised in Kingston. She worked for several years as a teacher at the high school level at Ross County Christian Academy and Unioto. Still, in her heart, she always knew she wanted to be an author.
"I've known since I was 14 that God called me to be a writer and author," said Johnson.
A couple of years ago Johnson tried on her own to get her ideas published but was rejected by agents and scammed by sketchy individuals. She would eventually join the Author Conservatory after encouragement from other authors which has helped her with her writing and business plan. Now, as she finishes up her third year in the Author Conservatory she is more confident than ever, so much so that she officially quit teaching at the end of the 2024 school year.
With her growth as an author and a person she was able to go to a writing conference and receive interest from several agents, some of whom rejected her three years ago. Recently, she signed with an agent, Blythe Daniel, who is helping her pitch her book.
She said the two experiences were so crazily different but she believes that is because this time around she is following God's timeline, not her own.
The book, which has the working title No Simple Answers: Going Beyond Spiritual Prescriptions for Mental Health, is meant to help young adult Christians like Johnson who may be struggling with their mental health. It was inspired by her personal journey of trying to find more help and being told she just needed to read her Bible and pray more. She wants people to know that your faith is not lacking if you face mental health issues.
"Having anxiety doesn't mean you lack faith it means you're human," said Johnson.
Currently, the book idea is being pitched to various major publishing houses, getting selected, finishing the book and getting it ready to publish is expected to take at least a year. Those interested in receiving updates about Johnson and the book can find out more on her website .
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Local author is excited for her upcoming book release
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