Royalty Magazine: What's good? How's life treating you? Well 2012 crept in, out and is dam near gone! What are some of your greatest accomplishments or memories from this year?
Cherie Johnson: Wow 2012 has been an awesome year LOL I tried some new things like opening a restaurant in Houston. Unfortunately I went on spontaneity and the partnership wasn’t the best fit for me so since it has been dissolved. I do not feel like I failed like some may say. I think I tried something new and learned I wasn’t ready to leave entertainment to run a restaurant hahaha.
I have thrown myself into the wild ring of dating. Something I have really never done. I have always found myself in long-term relationships probably due to being on the road and working a lot… so causal dating is something new.
I had a wonderful trip to Puerto Rico that helped me center and understand myself more.
I became my own publisher with my novel Peaches & Cream and was previewed at The Black Book Expo August 11th 2012. My novels are kind of like births so watching people appreciate my work is very rewarding.
Royalty Magazine: What can we expect to hear or see from you in 2013? What are some of your future goals or plans as a writer and/or actress?
Cherie Johnson: I have a film that is in post-production now that I produced that will be slated to be released 2013. I have partnered up with a long time friend Antwon Tanner you will see us producing a slate of films together. Of course there will be new books. Also my face will be seen on the screen again.
Royalty Magazine: Most people may remember you from shows such as Punky Brewster and Family Matters. You have grown so much since then as an actress. You are now an exceptional author, movie producer, teacher and columnist as well as have even sung on a few tracks. What's next for Cherie Johnson? Can you tell us something we don't know about you?
Cherie Johnson: What people don’t know about me is I am known for setting trends. From headbands and 2 different earrings on Punky Brewster to wearing dresses with combat boots on Family Matters. Fashion has always been my thing. I am a columnist for Glam Couture Magazine as well as Dimez Magazine. I am in love with shoes and I have teamed up with my makeup artist turned friend Eric Kirker and we will be introducing to the world a new shoe line called “Cherry Bomb” custom tailored for me by his company “Road Rage”.
Royalty Magazine: Let's talk about your most recent project "Peaches & Cream".
Cherie Johnson: Peaches and Cream is about Peaches, a little girl from Duquesne, PA who is wise beyond her years. She has big dreams and realizes early on that the choices she makes can change her and her family’s world. She doesn’t comprehend the words “No” and “You can’t.” She is what some might call an overachiever. Cash rules everything around her, but where she overachieves in monetary things she lacks in understanding of human emotions due to a family secret that haunts her from childhood. She's got the money, the cars, clothes and she is successful. Peaches don’t like labels and refuses to define her sexuality by labeling herself to make others comfortable and she doesn’t care how anyone feels about it or her. While in the midst of struggling to better herself by all means necessary, life’s obstacles will not get the best of her. She will get the best of any and everyone who stands in the way of her goals. Peaches have a point to prove to the most important person in her life: herself. She is going to get to the top and stay at the top. Her ego forces her to make decisions that will haunt her forever.
Royalty Magazine: What is the concept and what was your inspiration behind the book?
Cherie Johnson: The inspiration came from life.
Royalty Magazine: Can you give us a snippet preview of one of your favorite parts?
Cherie Johnson: One of my favorite parts is when Bryce has a serious conversation with the adult Peaches. I think it is a lesson a lot of women in the day and age miss. What’s sexier than a man who can teach you something?
Dogs are natural hunters right? Dogs chase cats. Cats don’t chase dogs.”
“Are you calling me a cat?” I asked him.
“No baby I’m being symbolic. Men are suppose to chase women, that’s when relationships last, when the man decides to get caught, but a woman can chase a man and nine out of ten times she is nothing but a booty call. Think about it. I keep calling you Peaches, you’re not calling me. I am hunting and I’m not going to stop till I catch you.”
I laughed and giggled because he was acting silly but at the same time making a really good point. I had never thought about it like that until he said it. When we arrived back at the hotel Bryce escorted me to my door. As I stuck the key in the door he reached for my hand.
Bryce is a character that I hold very close to my heart.
Royalty Magazine: How does this book compare to your past projects?
Cherie Johnson: Peaches & Cream is a complete different beast than my last two books “Around the World Twice & Two Different Walks of Life”. My writing has matured and my ability to paint the picture I am trying to convey to my audience has broadened completely.
Royalty Magazine: Who would you say your book is talking to and/or is its target audience?
Cherie Johnson: My book is speaking to everyone who wants a better life for themselves and their families. My loyal friends whom have grown up with me and are curious about what I am creating now. Those whom were born into poverty and want a way out, bi-sexual females, or bi-curious people. I previewed the book at the Black Book Expo in Los Angeles It was purchased first by a 83 year old female and last by an 18 year old man and I loved it that there was really no age limit on my book. Except 18 and older this is not 1 for the children.
Royalty Magazine: Why should people go cop this one?
Cherie Johnson: Peaches & Cream is a wonderful example that fairytales come in all shapes, sizes and every ones fairytale is different. I personally cannot write about what I don’t know. I am not saying I’m Peaches but I am saying there is a fruit in every hood and my momma did name me after a fruit. J
Plus Peaches is undeniably sexy.
Royalty Magazine: How did you get started writing? Can you take us back to the moment you fell in love with this craft??
Cherie Johnson: I fell in love with writing at the age of 4 when I wrote my first song on a napkin. My uncle is an incredible musician so after I wrote it I took it straight to him and he turned it into song that we still playfully sing with each other today.
Royalty Magazine: In being skilled behind and in front of the scenes, how important is the relationship between the writer & audience?
Cherie Johnson: The relationship between writer and audience is everything. It is the writer’s job to make sure they give people something they can relate too. Once you find ways for your audience to relate to you, you will win.
Royalty Magazine: How important is the relationship between the actor & director? Does it even matter? Why or why not
Cherie Johnson: You can have an amazing script and an amazing actor but if they are giving you the wrong direction you end up with Single Ladies. Ok that was so wrong I know it was a cheap shot but watching that show is like pulling teeth. You have good actors a great script a wonderful look but a bunch of actors who take unnatural beats and talk like robots I don’t understand it? I love me some Queen Latifah but really don’t understand why she hasn’t stepped in fix the chemistry.
Royalty Magazine: You've been featured on Royalty Magazine as well as interviewed on Streetz Radio a few times in the past. How do you feel the Street Thoughts community helps artists when it comes to gaining exposure? How did you become affiliated and what has kept you continuously supporting the movement over the years?
Cherie Johnson: I feel that Royalty Magazine & Streetz Radio is a wonderful platform for unsigned artist and people like me. It gives us a place to come and let the world know we are here. Doing our best to live our dreams that we are trying to share with your audience. My very dear friend Big Sin is a wonderful artist from North Carolina that introduced me to you guys.
Royalty Magazine: Any last words, comments or shot outs? Anything you want to touch basis on that we haven't already?
Cherie Johnson: I just want to let everyone know that I appreciate the life long friendships and the support.
Royalty Magazine: How can people keep up with you and/or check out your work? How can people purchase your books?
Cherie Johnson: You can always catch me on twitter @CherieJohnson75 if you write me I will write you back. My book will be on Amazon.com & in bookstores. If you would like a signed copy you can always hit me on twitter and I will give you my PayPal address.
Royalty Magazine: Thank you for your time. Much love & respect!
Follow Cherie on twitter @CherieJohnson75
*Interview Courtesy of @TazDatMC for @RoyaltyMagazine
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