An interview with multi-talented web-log author, mother and inspiration to many.

 

Interviewer: Good morning.

Susan Johnstone: Good morning.

I: Susan… may I call you Susan?

SJ: It’s probably most appropriate, seeing as that’s my name. You could call me something else if you prefer-

I: How about Lucille?

SJ: Seriously? You think I look like a Lucille?

I: Hmm, maybe not. Okay, what about Margaret?

SJ: Well, that’s my mother-in-law’s name, so that would be weird.

I: Okay, what about Mary?

SJ: Yeah, Mary sounds fine. BUT as I was saying, you could call me something other than Susan – like Mary – but then I would forget that we’d agreed you were calling me Mary, and then when you said, “Mary”, I’d be looking around the room, thinking, “Where’s this Mary chick?” And then that would be really distracting for our conversation.

I: Sure, sure. Okay, how about I call you Susan then?

SJ: Right.

I: Susan, it’s great to finally catch up with you, as I know you have various commitments and projects underway.

SJ: Yes, but I like to take time to have a chat, and connect with people.

I: Yes, that’s one thing that characterises your output isn’t it, the way you connect with people?

SJ: Mmmm… I do try to ensure my actions make a difference in people’s lives, and that I am able to share my love and wisdom with many on a deeply personal, yet somehow, global level.

I: Yes… you do have a lot of wisdom and compassion. You must have many people vying for your attention. How do you handle the pressure?

SJ: Well, nameless interviewer – may I call you that?

I: (Nods)

SJ: …I make sure I spend a bit of time each day thinking about the many needs of this society. And with this knowledge of how truly hurt and desperate - and let’s face it - aimless, many people in our community are, I just can’t help but reach out in love. Without my views on haircuts, wearing layers in cold weather, the state of dirt roads, and so forth, I am not sure how people would survive. Verily, they would be like sheep without a shepherd. I just cannot help but share what I know to help others at this time of earth’s history.

I: (Moment’s reflection) You truly are a guru for our modern age.

SJ: Thank you. And might I say, I do like the way your ear-rings match your top.

I: See? Now that’s another way you pay attention to small details, showing us a glimpse of the thoughtful commentator on life.

SJ: I do try.

I: I see here amongst my research that you have been shortlisted for numerous awards…

SJ: (laughing modestly) Well, my writing is good, but due to its unique voice, I haven’t quite fit the categories for those mainstream awards that other, more conventional writers clamour for.

I: Really, but hasn’t your memoir been shortlisted for the National Biography Award?

SJ: Memoir? Well, my blog is a slice of my life, but I wouldn’t call it a ‘memoir’, per se…

I: That’s strange; I have written here that your memoir A Better Woman was shortlisted for the National Biography Award in 1999.

SJ: Ah, maybe you are thinking of someone else.

I: Susan Johnson? Weren’t you the editor of the Arts and Culture section of the Age newspaper? Haven’t you lectured at New York University and Boston University?

SJ: See, there’s your problem. My surname is Johnstone – John-STONE. Not Johnson.

I: Hmmm.

SJ: Easy mistake. Happens to many people.

I: Okay. I’ll be going then.

SJ: But - don’t you want to hear about my theories on the flat Earth and the existence of bunyips?

I: No. Goodbye.

SJ: Okay, but you’ll be recommending my blog to everyone, right?

I: (slams door)

SJ: (muttering to self) That was a bit awkward. But, we bounce back. Maybe my readers will find this an interesting read - an insight into the complex misunderstandings caused by variations in English surnames. We can always glean wisdom from life’s everyday experiences. Now, where’s my notepad?

 

 

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