Interview With Author Cleanne Johnson

 

 

1. What inspired you to write this book?

Love My Colors is inspired by about 50 to 60 percent of my own life. It draws from my experiences with bullying, feeling like I didn't belong, struggling with my identity, and learning to love myself after years of questioning my worth. There were times when I hid parts of who I was because I thought fitting in was safer than standing out. While some parts of the story are fictional, the emotions behind them are very real. Writing this book became a way to transform painful experiences into a message of hope. I wanted readers, especially anyone who has ever felt invisible, rejected, or not enough, to know that they don't have to change who they are to be accepted. My hope is that Love My Colors reminds people that healing begins the moment we stop hiding and start embracing the unique person we were always meant to be. 

2. What exactly is it about—and who is it written for?

Love My Colors is a story about identity, belonging, courage, and self-acceptance. It encourages readers to celebrate what makes them unique instead of hiding it. Although younger readers will connect with the story, its message resonates with anyone who has ever struggled with confidence, bullying, fitting in, or learning to love themselves. It's truly a book for children, families, educators, and adults who need a reminder that their differences are their greatest strengths. 

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book?

More than anything, I hope readers walk away believing they are enough exactly as they are. I want them to understand that they don't have to change themselves to earn acceptance. If even one young adult decides to stop hiding who they are, or one adult remembers the confidence they once lost, then this book has accomplished its purpose. 

4. How did you decide on your book's title and cover design?

The title Love My Colors represents far more than color itself. It symbolizes identity, individuality, culture, personality, dreams, and everything that makes each of us unique. The cover was designed to reflect joy, confidence, diversity, and hope. I wanted readers to feel welcomed before they even opened the first page. 

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers—other than "run!"?

Write the story only you can tell. Don't spend your time trying to sound like someone else or chasing trends. The most powerful stories come from authenticity. There will always be rejection, criticism, and moments of self-doubt, but keep writing anyway. Someone out there needs the story you're afraid to tell. 

6. What trends in the book world do you see—and where do you think publishing is heading?

Readers today want authenticity. They're looking for books that make them feel seen, understood, and inspired. Independent publishing continues to grow, giving authors more opportunities to reach readers directly while traditional publishing still offers valuable resources and broad distribution. I believe the future belongs to authors who build genuine relationships with their audiences through books, podcasts, social media, speaking engagements, and community. 

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book?

Absolutely. Many of the emotions in Love My Colors come from experiences I've lived through personally. Like many people, I've known what it feels like to question my worth and wonder if I belonged. Those experiences gave me the empathy and perspective to write honestly. They also shaped my work as an author and podcast host, where I continually hear stories of resilience that reinforce the importance of self-love and acceptance. 

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to?

My writing is heartfelt, honest, hopeful, and emotionally driven. I aim to write in a way that's accessible while still leaving readers with something meaningful to reflect on. Rather than trying to imitate one particular author, I focus on telling authentic stories that combine emotional depth with encouragement. Readers who enjoy uplifting books with strong messages about courage, resilience, and self-discovery will likely connect with my work. 

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book?

One of the biggest challenges was being vulnerable enough to revisit painful emotions while transforming them into a message of hope. Writing requires honesty, and sometimes that means confronting memories you'd rather leave behind. I wanted to make sure the story acknowledged difficult experiences without allowing them to define the ending. Ultimately, Love My Colors became a story about healing rather than hurt. 

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?

Because Love My Colors is more than a book, it's an invitation to embrace yourself without apology. In a world that often tells people to fit in, this story encourages readers to stand confidently in who they are. It's a conversation starter for families, classrooms, and communities, and a reminder that our differences are not weaknesses, they are the very things that make us beautiful. 

About The Author: Cleanne Johnson is an award-winning author, speaker, podcast host, and advocate for self-love and resilience. Through her books and the Beauty of Colors podcast, she encourages readers to embrace healing, discover their worth, and find the courage to live authentically. Her writing is inspired by real-life experiences and explores themes of identity, overcoming adversity, and personal transformation. Whether writing heartfelt nonfiction or compelling fiction, Cleanne's mission is to create stories that remind readers they are stronger than their past and worthy of the life they dream of. For more information, please see:  https://www.cleannejohnson.com 

Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

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About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over 7,300,000 page views. With 5,600+ posts over the past 15 years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2026, 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2026.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully) and (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/10-things-my-dog-taught-me-about-marketing-books). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, three times at BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association, Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, five times at Morgan James Publishing Red Carpet, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum