Derrick Johnson, Jr. Philly Author & Publisher

Born in 1984 in Philadelphia, Derrick Anthony Johnson Jr. was reared in Philadelphia by his parents, Derrick and Lisa Johnson, alongside his sister Rachel and brother Ashton. He began to have an affinity towards fiction and later, at the age of 23 started writing. Derrick believed that he (through his writings) would change or add a different element to the comics, books, TV shows, and movies he loved so much and always read or watched. According to him, it became “an itch.” He desired to tell his stories in such a way that the readers could get engulfed in what was written and go deep into a different environment, even if it were for a few minutes while reading his books.
The author/publisher took time out of his schedule to answer a few questions. Sit back and enjoy the one-on-one conversation with Derrick Johnson, Jr.
Sherri: Please tell our readers what brought this book to the light?
Derrick: Duncan Ward, a respected novelist, read my previously published novel (“SIONIS”) and said to me he wanted to write his own book and publish it with my company, a Sci-fi story called “Neos.”
Sherri: What is the primary purpose or premise of this book?
Derrick: With the plan of publishing an action novel that would be interesting and enjoyable, Duncan and I settled on a space anomaly causing apocalyptic mutations the world over, and New Philadelphia is the epicenter. Friends and high school classmates Lance and Rean discover they respectively gained powers of Light & Dark. Other characters Claudia-Renée and Scarlet Silentsky, get formidable abilities themselves, and the battle and test of the mighty begins. If you’re into sci-fi stuff, you will definitely appreciate this book.
Sherri: How does it differ from other books in your repertoire?
Derrick: “Neos” is both the 1st Urban Sci-fi/Apocalyptic novel from Central Publishing, as well as one coming from another author besides myself. This is also the 3rd novel the company has released. (“The Dead Lands: The Titan” epic fantasy and “SIONIS,” alien/futuristic dystopia).
Sherri: Which particular part of the book (page or sentence) do you like the most and why?
Derrick: What is inevitable can excite me most: “This is a team-up. Right?” Excitement crept into his voice. “We’re teaming up?” You definitely have to read the book to see why this is an exciting part of the book because it is not like a self-help book that one can identify with from a single passage but almost another world to experience chapter by chapter.
Sherri: What part of the book proved to be most challenging and why?
Derrick: Building a “real world” around the action fantasy. Especially through editing. This story needed a realistic structure beneath its plot. Duncan and I both wanted the novel to feel linked to current and not-too-distant society. We felt certain events could not be portrayed as occurring too conveniently. We had to foresee where explanations for plots were needed. Careful, extra thought had to happen here.
Additionally, juggling simultaneous parts of the novel in terms of time and place was important. Being as descriptive with persons, places, and events without dragging the reader along was equally as challenging.
Sherri: What type of events have you participated in over the years that helped shape your vision as an author?
Derrick: Allowing the world around me to be influential was much of it. Attending Central High in the 262nd class challenged me to achieve success even when success looked far-reaching.
Having like-minded friends and talking superheroes with my dad all helped shape my vision. My mom loving to read was a real plus for me, and after she made me read “The Hobbit” as a punishment. I just began to see those types of books becoming my types of books. When its beginning had the protagonist being asked to help assassinate a dragon, I got so engrossed despite my predetermined disinterest that Mom canceled the report she was going to make me write on it. So I guess the punishment was almost a reward (smile).
Literary events at school or Sci-fi functions at bookstores and conventions were things I eventually leaned on. When I speak and/or collaborate with authors and aspiring writers who contact my company or catch what’s trending, it helps adapt my outlook on what to write and how to do it going forward. Hopefully, for the better.
Sherri: Is there a specific chapter you believe readers may connect to most? If so, please share with us the chapter.
Derrick: I think Chapter 5 is the one most readers universally will connect with. To me, it is a balance of the story escalating in a fantastical yet also very human way. If you get the book, you’ll see why I say that.
Sherri: Finally, what is your favorite motto or scripture or why?
Derrick: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” –Philippians 4:13
It’s stitched on my first Philadelphia Public League Cross Country Championship jacket. It defined my own motto: To accomplish anything, first resolve to do it. (My Nana told me once: “When you decide on something, you are a power.”)
We thank author and publisher Derrick Johnson, Jr. for taking the time to talk with us. Please connect with him on social media. Facebook and LinkedIn: Derrick Johnson Jr. | Instagram: @sionisfox | Twitter: @deadlandstitan | Email: authorderrickjohnson@gmail.com
Central Publishing LLC services several genres including, upcoming self-help books by Aileen Reyes, and provides literary services (editing and proofreading) for business & medical health books. “Neos,” by Duncan Ward is available on Amazon.com or directly through Central Publishing & Duncan Ward, with “SIONIS” & “The Dead Lands: The Titan” under D.A. Johnson also currently on sale. Platforms such as the Uncanny! stores & Providence Town Center in southeastern Pennsylvania are forthcoming, among others.
Happy reading! Who else is writing?
Connect with me on social media. Facebook: Sherri Y. Johnson and Supreme Gospel Ent. | Instagram: @sherrisupremegospel | TikTok: @sherrisupremegospel | Phone: 267-428-0116 — until the next column, remain encouraged!