College of William and Mary
05/14/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/14/2026 07:05
William & Mary Libraries announces Sadeqa Johnson as writer-in-residence
William & Mary Libraries announces Sadeqa Johnson as writer-in-residence
Published May 14, 2026
W&M Libraries has selected Sadeqa Johnson as its 2026-2027 writer-in-residence. (Courtesy photo)
The following story originally appeared on the website for W&M Libraries. - Ed.
William & Mary Libraries has selected Virginia author Sadeqa Johnson as its 2026-2027 writer-in-residence. The position is funded by the Molly Elliot Seawell Endowment, established by Philip Hairston Seawell '37, J.D. '39, a descendant of Molly Elliot Seawell.
"Sadeqa is a highly acclaimed author known for gripping storytelling, deep research, and impeccable writing," said Lisa Nickel, interim dean of university libraries. "She is a super star in the writing world, and we are thrilled to have her serve as our next writer-in-residence."
Johnsonis the author of six novels, including her latest book, "Keeper of Lost Children," published in February 2026. Her novel, "The House of Eve" was an instant New York Times Best Seller, Target Book Club pick, Reese's Book Club selection, NAACP Image Award finalist, 2024 Virginia Literary Awards finalist and the 2024 Library of Virginia People Choice finalist. Her novel "Yellow Wife" was a 2021 Goodreads Choice Award finalist for historical fiction, a 2022 Hurston/Wright Foundation Legacy finalist, a BCALA Literary Honoree, the Library of Virginia's Literary People's Choice Award winner and a Barnes & Noble Book Club pick in paperback. Her other novels include "And Then There Was Me," "Second House from the Corner" and "Love in a Carry-on Bag."
Johnson has lived in Virginia for more than 10 years, but her roots run even deeper.
"My paternal grandmother was born in Amherst County, and my husband's paternal grandmother is from Nelson County. To pay homage to our Virginia heritage, my husband and I were married at Sweet Briar College in 2002," she said.
She added, "My fourth novel, 'Yellow Wife,' was conceived while walking the Richmond Slave Trail."
Johnson is active in her community through school activities, volunteering and sports. She and her husband belong to the Midlothian Chapter of Jack and Jill of America. She served for two years on the James River Writers board and has taught writing classes at Life in 10 Minutes, the Richmond Visual Arts Center, Story Summit and Drexel University.
"My greatest privilege as a writer is being able to reach back to young writers who are coming up behind me," she said. "Teaching writing is one of my greatest pleasures, and I look forward to engaging with the students at William & Mary and sharing my expertise and experience."
The purpose of the writer-in-residence program is to raise awareness of writing archives, including W&M Libraries' growing archive of Virginia women writers. Additionally, the writer will engage with students, faculty, staff and alumni for the purpose of shared knowledge and expertise.
"Topics that I plan to explore with the student body include writing and researching historical fiction, casting unique characters, world-building, the business of being an author and my signature workshop, 'Pens Up, Fears Down' - a journey on giving yourself permission to write," she said.
Molly Elliot Seawell, an early American historian and writer, was born in Gloucester, Virginia, in 1853. Her literary production included 40 books of fiction, collected short fiction, non-fiction and numerous political columns. For her short stories and historical works, she was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1910 and again in 1911.
Since the establishment of the endowment in 2019, W&M Libraries has been purchasing collections related to Virginia women writers.
"This endowment has allowed us to establish an archive of the works of Virginia women writers and expand programming and staffing to strengthen our connections with Virginia women writers," said Lisa Nickel, interim dean of university libraries.
To be eligible for the writer-in-residence position, writers must have a demonstrated connection to Virginia, an established record of publication and a goal of making Swem Library the destination for the study of Virginia women writers.
During her term as writer-in-residence, Johnson plans to use library resources at William & Mary to research ideas for her seventh novel. She is interested in shedding light on overlooked African American women who have made significant contributions to history.
"Sadeqa is known for her deeply researched stories, and we're looking forward to supporting her research as she works on her next novel, which is sure to be just as fantastic as her other books," said Nickel.
Johnson's term will begin July 2026 and extend until June 2027. Johnson replaces author Lamar Giles, who served as W&M's 2025-2026 writer-in-residence.
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