My Philosophy and Approach
Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns – many of which we have no control over. This roller coaster is a depiction of the pain points and growth opportunities we’ve each been presented throughout our lives. And each one is like no other.
Your unique story and your unique voice have a place in the world.
Undertaking the project of writing a book can call up our deepest doubts and fears, which is why so many people resist the impulse to write a novel.
The silver lining, though, is that stories heal. They heal the writer and they heal the reader.
Stories help us make meaning of life.
Books change us and they help us make change.
When we share our stories, we not only help others, we help ourselves. We lighten our emotional and spiritual loads, which allows us to get closer to our inherent selves so we can live authentically, unburdended of the pain caused by withholding our voices and the life force that wants to move through us.
We also experience inner peace and the ability to do life with ease and grace.
When we embark on this endeavor together, we’re collectively doing work that will heal the world.
My Story
In the early 1990s, I started the first draft of my novel, Miranda’s Garden. Through the process of developing my main character, Miranda, and her story world, it was as if my subconscious was cracked open so deeply I was able to access parts of myself I never had before, and old memories of abuse rose to the surface. Needless to say, this turned my life upside down, and I experienced what many would call a dark night of the soul.
The beauty of the whole process was that Miranda and I developed a meaningful relationship. We were a team. We had an agreement. I would tell her story with honesty and integrity and she would show me how to navigate this dark and difficult time in my life. After this experience, which led to an inner peace I had never known before, I knew that my calling in life was to help others navigate this rewarding alchemical process…
…the rough magic of writing.
My Creds
I’m a published fiction writer, screenwriter, and filmmaker, as well as a book content developer, developmental editor, speaker, and the creator of the Writing Through the Body™ method.
I seek to assist other creative souls who wish to share their stories and ideas and collectively take part in the project of healing the world.
I’m also a retired adjunct professor of writing, and I hold degrees in Fiction Writing, English/Film Studies, Women’s Studies, and Digital Arts. I currently teach fiction writing and screenwriting to Adults in Custody.
When I’m not snowshoeing the beautiful Oregon backcountry, hiking to a waterfall, or dancing, you’ll find me at home with a book or my most recent movie/TV show binge, getting comfy with Iris, my feline familiar.
My work
Testimonials
I worked with Johnnie Mazzocco at a point when I was having trouble putting words to paper and thought maybe I could use some help structuring my novel, as well.
We met every two weeks for three months, during which she had me start a paper journal for my notes on the story and characters, as well as mind maps, and meditation clips. I admit I was skeptical about the meditation, but I was surprised by how I was able to see my novel’s character in my mind, and that the character even responded to me.
I definitely got a lot of encouragement from our meetings, a sense that I could find a readership for my novel and stories.
I would happily work with Johnnie again.
Finding Johnnie and working with her was magic. With her 1:1 coaching, I took a concept that was bubbling up inside of me and turned it into 55,000 words in what felt like a blink of an eye. Her insights and encouragement moved my project forward. I am so grateful for her presence in my (writing) life.
I always enjoy working with Johnnie. She is a powerful and creative woman.