Monday, September 13, 2010

Phyllis Johnson's "Being Frank With Anne"


We're happy to have Phyllis Johnson with us today talking about her book, Being Frank with Anne. To learn more about Phyllis and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
My book, Being Frank with Anne came to me after reading her diary. The effect the book had on me never let me go. In my adulthood, I felt moved to interpret the diary entries into unrhymed verse.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
There was the process of sending it out to publishers. Then someone in my writing group suggested I send it to Community Press and the publisher decided to publish it as my second book with them. This book is posted the New York Anne Frank Center website bookstore, a copy was autographed by Miep Gies and reviewed by her first cousin, Buddy Elias.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
I like to act and model. I’ve been in FBI Files and New Detectives. I’ve also been in a feature film on the big screen.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’ve co-written a young adult suspense novel with Nancy Naigle. I’m also working on a book of funny high school stories and a book of monologues.

5) Parting comments?
I tell aspiring writers to never give up their dreams.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
My website is http://www.phyllisjohnson.net/ and they can read more about Being Frank with Anne at http://www.beingfrankwithanne.com/

17 comments:

  1. What an awesome sounding book. I have been interested in Anne Frank since I was a child and found out we shared the same birthday. Her courage and attitude while facing what she had to face amazes me. I look forward to reading this book whether I win it or not.

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  2. A new twist on an old book. Your perspective sounds fabulous...I have probably seen you on
    New Detective and/or FBI Files! I watch both
    show very often.
    Thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  3. I was assigned 'The Diary of Anne Frank' in sixth grade and it had a profound effect on me. She had an amazing optimism in the midst of an unspeakable situation. I love the concept of this book, and would love to read it.

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  4. This is a good time to put forth a meaningful reflecton upon Anne Frank. In October, a horrid book releases Annexed (see a review here http://fourthmusketeer.blogspot.com/2010/09/book-review-annexed-by-sharon-dogar.html ) It seems the descendents of Anne Frank should have full rights to prevent such books from being written. I am thankful that you offer us an alternative for a new look at this historic figure. :>)
    Debra
    litlandcom@gmail.com

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  5. What an interesting premise. I look forward to reading this one. Anne Frank has been forever ingrained into my thoughts so it will be very interesting to read your take on it.

    Brandi
    vi2005@aol.com

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  6. What a great idea for a book! I like to watch both of the shows you have appeared on!
    Please enter me!
    I am a subscriber!
    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  7. thanks for the chance to read this book :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  8. You know .. this book would make a great gift for any one studying AF in school.

    Great work, Phyllis.
    Thanks for sharing.

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  9. i'd really want to win this
    nakiassgeorge@yahoo.com

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  10. I would love to hear how Anne Frank's book inspired you to write Being Frank with Anne. Please enter me.

    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

    already a subscriber

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  11. My granddaughter was just talking about this book. She has to read the book and do a report on Anne Frank. I would love to have your book to have her read it and share it with her class as a different take on it. Thanks for the chance to win it and share it with many others..
    Heidi
    heidijohnjeff@verizon.net

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  12. cool book. please enter me. thanks

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  13. I have had friends read my book and cross reference with the diary, entry by entry. One said it brought tears to her eyes. I was both humbled and moved by that expression. Both English and History classes have used the book and heard the CD from grades fifth through twelfth.

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  14. Just about an hour ago I posted a comment I had made and thought it had been accepted, I just checked back, and it isn't here and I'll say again what I said in the comment.

    Phyllis, I'm very happy for you finding a compassionate and understanding publisher for your very important book. I'm happy for me also because I am just at the point in my immobilization that a wheel chair is looming in the future and I have the opportunity to read your book regarding you and your therapy dogs. I have two very well trained dogs, but they aren't therapy dogs...but that's alright...I love them anyway. LOL

    Thank you for the giveaway and opportunity to win this wonderful book. I hope I do!

    Sharing Christ's Love,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

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  15. Barb, I don't have a book on therapy dogs. My book posted here is based on the diary of Anne Frank. Thanks for writing anyway!

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  16. Thanks for writing everyone! In the drawing, Heidi was the winner of the book. Congrats goes to Heidi!

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  17. Can anyone send some poems from Phyllis Johnson's book 'being frank with anne' since we do not have a chance of reading such a book. Also I am trying to do a small play on Anne Frank for which I think this book might be helpful.
    My email: ravindraranasinha@yahoo.com or antiwarculture@yahoo.com

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