Up Close With: Johanna Ralston
Meet the wonderful writers and patrons behind LWS.
Writing about health for a living and for personal interest shows the depth of this member’s passion for her chosen subject. Johanna Ralston is a public health professional and CEO of the World Obesity Federation in the UK, where she co-authors op-eds and journal articles to further education. However, she’s also channelling that interest into her personal project: a book combining her personal patient journey with her professional journey. It’s all about health with this week’s featured member!
Johanna Ralston
- Based between Massachusetts and London
- CEO of the World Obesity Federation in the UK
- Writes about health policy for both journals and memoir
What do you write, in general?
Professionally, journal articles and comments, blogs and op-eds on global health policy. Personally, I am writing about my lived experience of working on health policy while also living with and being treated for two chronic illnesses.
What are you working on right now?
A book proposal for a narrative nonfiction on global health policy and lived experience. Also regularly writing on global non communicable diseases with a focus on obesity.
Where and when do you write?
Mornings and afternoons. At home, on planes, at coffee shops.
How do you write?
Mostly on laptop.
Why do you write?
It’s how I make sense of things.
What inspires your creativity?
Music, amazing people I’ve been privileged to meet or learn about, travel.
What’s your favourite book?
Intoxicated by my Illness, by Anatole Broyard.
What’s the best advice you’ve received about creativity?
Make it a habit.
What’s the one thing you would tell other/aspiring writers?
Keep writing and know the story will find you.
How can we discover more about you and your work?
I keep this site sporadically updated: www.JohannaRalston.com
