LIHU‘E — After more than three decades of dreaming of becoming a novelist, a Kaua‘i real estate agent has made his own wish come true.
Jimmy Johnson, a RE/MAX realtor based out of Kapa‘a, recently spoke with The Garden Island to talk about his self-published book series “Common Thread: The Monetary Virus.”
According to Johnson’s website, the series tells the story of “7 individuals around the world as they survive the perilous times ahead and define their spirituality in the process.”
Johnson described the series as futuristic and “either dystopian or utopian,” depending on readers’ perspectives.
Johnson initially came up with the idea for the books after moving to Kaua‘i more than 33 years ago.
“I outlined it all and sketched it all. And then I put it away for 30 years, while I got busy with life, jobs, and a wife, and kids,” he said.
Now that all of his kids are out of college, Johnson has been able to devote more time to writing.
Johnson said he wrote the seven-book series in about three years, finishing his latest one in December 2022. He has plans to continue writing and doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
“I was just gonna write one book, and then it turned into seven. And now it’s gonna be 21. I can’t help myself,” he said.
But Johnson said it can still be difficult to find enough time to pursue his side-passion, while balancing a full-time job.
“I usually carve out about two days a week to write,” he said. “You really have to care about it, be intentional to pursue your interests,” he added.
Each book is between 175 and 250 pages long, and is written for anyone in middle school and above.
“My stuff is all PG, clean, and straight,” said Johnson. “It’s more for whoever is interested in the future, either young or old.”
Johnson will be holding a book signing on March 10 at Talk Story Bookstore from 5-8 p.m., during Hanapepe’s weekly art night for local artists.
“That Friday Night Art Walk is fun,” he said. “So it will be great to be a part of that.”
Johnson noted he will be happy if people stop by and buy his book during the event, but he’s mainly writing for his own enjoyment.
“I have no illusion that I’m gonna sell a gazillion books in my lifetime. I’m not Stephen King or anything,” he said. “It’s just kind of a fun thing to do.”
Johnson’s books are available to order on Amazon as e-books, paperbacks, or deluxe color hardcovers.
