Excited & Thrilled, Yet Still Humble

Before I get into my subject, I just want to express how truly grateful I am to God for helping me turn my dream into reality. Mark 9:23 says that "all things are possible to them that believe," and I am a living witness to this particular scripture.

Now that Simply Bret has finally arrived, the real work begins-- so I have been told. As I was finalizing everything with my publishing consultant, she expressed how thrilled and how happy she was for me that my first book was finally published. I told her, "It truly has been a long time coming, but yes-- we have finally arrived." Upon hearing my comments, my publishing consultant said to me, "Oh, Nicholas-- stop being so humble! Jump up and down! Scream to the heavens-- this is your moment; you've earned it!"

My publishing consultant has a point-- I truly have earned this moment, but at the same time, I know that I have to keep a cool, calm and collected attitude towards the whole ordeal. Don't get me wrong-- I am very excited that the world will get to know Bret, Susie, Howard, Sarah, Nikki, and Ms. Vivian... and let me apologize if I am not as excited as everyone would like me to be, but the reason for my current attitude is simple: I know that I didn't do all of this by myself. The thought of writing Simply Bret is a blessing from God, and without Him, I am nothing. Notwithstanding The Lord's grace and mercy, I know that my family, friends, church, and my alma mater Rust College have given me the love, support, and encouragement since before I created Simply Bret. Y'all just don't know how good a feeling that is to me.

Ten years ago, when I was an immature youngster, I gloated big time and stated that it was "all about me," but here it is-- a full decade later, and not only do I have a little experience under my belt, but I am also a lot more humble. Again, I am very excited that Simply Bret is here, and I do admit that being "broke-off rich" would be great, but I understand that The Lord requires of me to handle my "celebrity status" in a mature and humble manner.

This is just my perception, but I contend that most celebrities are so messed up on account of they have let the fame and fortune go to their head; they have forgotten how to be humble, and dare I say: They have also forgotten about "once upon a time." Most of today's celebrities feel that it's all about them and no one else. I made a promise to myself that, in the event Simply Bret becomes a #1 best seller, I would still be the same Nicholas Semaj Johnson. Besides, I know for a fact that when I first started writing Simply Bret, it was nothing more than therapy to help me deal with the sudden passing of my Aunt Rosie, and the thought of becoming a best-selling author never really crossed my mind. All I knew was that I had a dream to write and publish my very first book. Well, lo and behold-- my dream has come true before my very eyes. When you all expressed how excited you are for me, I just humbly smile and give God the glory. Sometimes, I do jump around and shout a bit, but deep down, I just know that for the most part, I am living out my dream. I still stand behind what I said earlier: In the event I do become a celebrity, or if I have a book signing... even if I am a guest on Oprah or Live with Regis & Kelly, I will make sure that my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is in the picture, closely seconded by those of you who encouraged me to keep reaching for those stars.

Simply put: Thank you all-- a million times, thank you!

Prepare For The Release of "Simply Bret"

It goes without saying-- I am humbled and honored to officially become a published author.I give all honor, glory, thanks, and praise to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for allowing me to witness this dream become a reality. I don't think there is an adjective big enough to explain how excited I am that this has happened. I appear calm on the outside, but on the inside, I'm like a five-year-old in Toys R Us.

The title of my book, as you know, is called Simply Bret, and it is a fiction story based on reality. Without telling the whole story, my book deals with turning one's dreams into reality through hard work, perseverance, and most importantly-- a strong relationship with God. The basic outline of the book reminds us that one does not have to be a big-named celebrity for people to know who you are; sometimes just being "plain old you" is an adventure in itself.

As of right now, I am arranging my first book signing between now and March. I am looking for a good location and a great venue, but don't let that stop you from checking out my book online at iUniverse.com. Here is the link: http://www.iuniverse.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-000132671.

A book signing is in the making, so stay tuned, as more information will follow.

Lest I forget: Thank you again so much for your love, support, encouragement, and prayers. They are greatly appreciated.

By the way: Aunt Tea & Uncle Cecil-- WE DONE DID IT!!!

Until next time, take care and God Bless.