Bahamian author Ghandi Thompson is preparing to launch her first book, "Lord, Give Us Johnny Cake", a book that promises to be fun, light and a family-friendly read. It's a book she promises will make you smile, entertain and motivate all at the same time.

"My book is a daily devotional, similar to the daily breads our parents read when I was growing up," said Thompson. "So rather than call the book a daily bread, I decided to put a spin on it and replace the word "bread" with Johnny cake."

Contributing to Thompson's book were Ghalysa Swann, Adam Johnson, Keiran Roker, Joulle Dawkins, Don and Madison Collie, Katherine Beneby II, Brian and Audra Bain, Latoya Hanna and Melissa Butler.

Thompson is particularly fond of the book's introduction, which she says is very transparent. Second to the introduction, she said she is excited about the writing of 17-year-old Ghalysa.

Thompson's book launch will take place on Saturday, March 7 at 11 a.m. at Chapter One Bookstore, Thompson Boulevard.
Initially, when Thompson started to write the book, her vision was to write a book for seniors, However, many of the topics that came to her were geared toward teens and young adults. She altered her plans and decided to pen a book that would appeal to any member of the family including children.

"To be honest it has been a very smooth ride," Thompson said. "Initially, I challenged myself because I wanted the book to be out by the end of 2014. I was a little disappointed after I realized that I wouldn't make the initial deadline.

"I regrouped and prepared for a second deadline. The second deadline was unsuccessful as well. I remained positive, prayed and trusted God. If it was him who inspired me to write the book, then it would be released in the fullness of time."

Thompson never imagined becoming an author.

"I saw myself as a commercial pilot and a few other things, but an author didn't make my initial list of aspirations," she said. "Only recently was I inspired to write. I wanted to write about marriage and somehow while writing that book this one came to me."

The books that have influenced her most are the "Holy Bible", "Ordering Your Private World" by Gordon MacDonald,"Instinct" by T.D. Jakes, "Who Moved My Cheese" by Spencer Johnson,

"Leadership Gold" by John Maxwell and "Spiritual Leadership" by J. Oswald Sanders.

With the release of her first book days away, Thompson is already writing another two books, one of which will be published later this year.

"I meet people every day that have stories that should be shared," she said. "I always think what would the world be like if everyone was afraid or opted not to write. We would have very little history, inventions, movies, no formal way to test people and the list goes on," she said.

Thompson urges Bahamians to write. Doing so she said is important to preserve information, share experiences and inspire others through stories.

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