Published: November 23, 2007 11:10 pm         

A Teen Poet’s Life

When a writer creates a work, the author hopes to leave a mark on readers, impacting their lives in an unexpected way. Recently published teen author Lance Johnson wants his readers to take a step back to examine their lives, change their hearts and see the world is a beautiful place.

Residing in Watson, 19-year-old Johnson finds his inspiration through the struggles of other people, hoping his readers will learn they are not alone in their strife. His ideas branch from situations he hears from others, including anorexia, suicide and divorce.

“It just hits me,” said Johnson about where the words come from.

Johnson’s self-published poetry book “Voices Begging to be Heard” was recently printed by Ad Works Publishing Inc. in Effingham and contains real emotion from real situations.

Johnson found his niche for writing after delivering a eulogy at a funeral for a friend’s grandmother.

“I saw the impact and wanted to impact more people,” said Johnson, who delivered the eulogy at age 18. Since then, he has hit the ground running, writing often and participating in Effingham Christian Riters U (ECRU) once a month, where he shares his work.

ECRU has encouraged Johnson as well as his parents and former Effingham Junior High School seventh-grade reading and language arts teacher Tamara Schroeder.

“The writing group (ECRU) got me out of the box,” said Johnson. “My mom is a big influence on my life, in a good way — and my dad. Both are very good parents.”

Johnson does not write for a specific audience.

“My writing is for anyone,” he said, hoping his dark writing will show people there is a solution to their misery, “Christian, non-Christian, male, female, any race ... everyone struggles. I write hoping we can all find a common ground.”

Johnson does not limit himself to strictly writing poetry. Like most writers, he has ambitions to progress. He has written short stories and hopes to publish more books.

“I hope to always evolve in writing,” he said. “Change is good. A writer has to break out of the box and explore new areas.”

Johnson’s book is available at Kathy’s Resale Shop in Effingham. The book comes with a 10-track CD of Johnson reading his poetry.

Nicole Eversole can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 128 or nicole.eversole@effinghamdailynews.com.