Can you share a little about your recent book?
Two of my novellas have released this year.
The first is “Match You Like Crazy,” a contemporary romance in the Resort to Romance Series. The stories take place during Matchmaking Week at an island in the Bahamas. The heroine and hero have everything in common, but their families are business competitors. Will a week on Joy Island spark another feud? Or prove they’re a crazy-perfect match?
“Journey of the Heart” is a historical romance in Barbour’s The Erie Canal Brides Collection. The heroine writes abolitionist pamphlets under a pen name. When a slave-hunter captures a runaway, she vows to rescue the young girl. But she’ll need to trust the hero with her secret. And also with her heart.
Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?
The desire to create stories is so strong within me, I think I’d shrivel up and die if I couldn’t write. I thank God for His gift and pray that readers are blessed—whether simply entertained or deeply touched—by the stories He has given me to share.
How long have you been writing?
I dreamed of writing for so long, it’s hard to pinpoint a starting date. However, I participated in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) for the first time about sixteen years ago. That’s when I fell in love with creating characters and imagining a story.
But since I had a full-time job, teenagers at home, and other responsibilities, I didn’t write much for another couple of years. I left my job and went to my first major writers conference about twelve years ago. That was definitely a turning point for me. I learned more about the writing craft and the publishing industry, joined a critique group, and made lifelong friends.
And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?
My first major contract was for Where Treasure Hides which was published in 2013. So that was about ten years. Here’s a fun bit of trivia–I first wrote the manuscript for my debut novel for NaNoWriMo about five years earlier. Of course, it went through major revisions before I submitted it to a publisher.
How long does it take you to write a book?
That depends on the length and depth of the story. I spent years writing my first two novels, but only had nine months each to write the next two. This month I’m doing the final edits on a historical novel that I first started ages ago.
Now that I’ve gained a bit of experience, though, I can write a contemporary novel of approximately 55,000 words in about four months.
What’s your writing work schedule like?
I set weekly word count goals and usually write in the afternoons and evenings.
Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?
I don’t know that it’s a quirk, but I love to plan, imagine, and dream my stories by scribbling in artist sketchbooks. The thick, unlined pages allow me to write in different directions and sections. I ask “what if” questions, write lists of potential names and characteristics, add interesting research info, brainstorm titles . . . all kinds of fun stuff!
What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?
Signing contracts is fun, and it’s always exciting to open a box of brand-new books with your name on them. I also love encouraging other writers and learning from other writers.
What has been your darkest moment(s)?
When I got my first two-star review, I was devastated. It was one of the first reviews posted on my debut novel, and it truly hurt. But that’s part of the writing life, and I’m happy to say that most reviews are extremely positive. If there’s something to learn from a critical review, I tuck it away. If not, I shrug it off.
Which of your books is your favorite?
Such a tough question! But if I must choose, I’d say Where Treasure Hides. It’s a complex story set during World War II, and the characters experience extremely difficult situations. I love my other novels, too, though!
Who is your favorite author to read?
Another tough question! There are so many great authors. I recently read Erin Bartels’ debut novel, We Hope for Better Things. This compelling novel, set in Detroit, weaves together three different time periods. It’s amazing.
I’m currently reading No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky, and it’s also amazing!
What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have listened too?
For too many years, I was afraid to pursue the most important dream of my heart because I didn’t want to fail. I wish I hadn’t let fear hinder me the way I did.
So my advice is to be brave and be persistent.
How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?
Definitely more than I wanted, but I’ve learned that rejection can be a good thing. God knows what’s best for me, and I trust Him to protect me. That doesn’t mean I’m not disappointed—of course, I am. But I rarely dwell on a rejection.
Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?
One of my favorite scenes involves Ian Devlin, the hero of Where Treasure Hides. When this scene takes place, Ian isan officer in the British army who has escaped from a German POW camp. He’s with a group of Jewish refugees trying to get to France when they encounter German soldiers. It’s a very sad scene, and the consequences cause Ian to make a pivotal decision.
Where do you get your ideas?
My first contemporary novel, Where She Belongs, was inspired by my love for a mid-19th century house I lived in as a teen.
Other novels are inspired by heart-tugs. For example, when I was researching World War II, I became fascinated by the efforts of art galleries and museums to protect their cultural treasures from the Nazis. This research inspired Where Treasure Hides.
Settings, interests, and occupations can also inspire ideas for stories. I recently started watching Forged in Fire which is a competition for bladesmiths. I’m so intrigued by the process of making knives and swords that I plan to have a master bladesmith as the hero of a future story.
What are common mistakes you see aspiring writers make?
One common mistake is to give too much background information at the beginning of the story. Instead, it should be sprinkled throughout the story—and only when and if it’s truly needed!
Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?
I think it’s helpful to attend writers conferences to meet agents and editors in person. Entering contests can also be a great way to get feedback on your writing and get the attention of publishing professionals.
Bio
Johnnie Alexander creates characters you want to meet and imagines stories you won’t forget. Her award-winning debut novel, Where Treasure Hides, is a CBA bestseller. She writes contemporaries, historicals, and cozy mysteries, serves on the Serious Writer, Inc. executive board, co-hosts an online show called Writers Chat, and interviews inspirational authors for Novelists Unwind. She also teaches at writers conferences and for Serious Writer Academy. Johnnie lives in Oklahoma with Griff, her happy-go-lucky collie, and Rugby, her raccoon-treeing papillon. Connect with her at www.johnnie-alexander.com and other social media sites via https://linktr.ee/johnniealexndr.
Purchase Links
“Match You Like Crazy” ~ Available only on Amazon
The Erie Canal Brides Collection ~ Bookstore Link
Where Treasure Hides ~ Bookstore Link
We love helping your growing in your writing career.
3 Comments
Lisa, thanks so much for having me as a guest and letting me share my stories and writing experiences. It’s always fun to connect with new readers!
I love Johnnie’s stories. She is a master at dialogue and description, and her writing keeps me coming back!
I agreee with Tracy Crump. I also love Johnnie Alexander’s spectacular writing and am happy to be in two of the the collections she has written plus we have another one in t(e wings we hope gets picked up soon!