Kerry Johnson’s Childhood Dream Came True
Award-winning author Kerry Johnson recently stopped by my blog to share some about her writing life.
When do you find time to write?
During the school year, I write between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. while my kids are in school. I used to be a night writer, but those days are over (unless I’m a deadline, in which case I write whenever I can). I would love to be an early morning writer, and I do when I’m on a tight deadline, but I’m still too much of a night owl to get up at 5 a.m. and write.
Which of your books is your favorite and why?
That’s a tough one. I usually like all my stories once they’re completely written and revised and I’m bonded with the characters, but if I had to choose one, it would be my debut romantic suspense, Snowstorm Sabotage. My dad passed about two weeks after Snowstorm Sabotage released in the fall of 2021, and each book I’ve written since makes my chest ache because my dad hasn’t read it. He was an engineer-turned-librarian, and he loved books and read voraciously. I’m so thankful he was here to read Snowstorm Sabotage, and I think of him each time I get a new box of books.
What did you want to be as a child (and did that dream come true)?
From a young age, I wanted to be a veterinarian because I love animals. However, once I realized how nervous most animals become at vet appointments, plus all the blood, I decided that wasn’t for me. I’ve loved reading since I was little, and in elementary school I took to writing as well. Recently I uncovered a couple report cards and notes from my fifth grade teacher, Cathy Mazzariello. Cathy was incredibly encouraging about my writing, even at that young age, and I’m grateful she boosted my confidence and urged me to keep writing. So, I’d say yes, my dream of writing books did come true.
How do you pick the location/setting of your romantic suspense novels?
Boots on the ground! What that means is I do best if I’ve visited the location and connected to the area. My first book, Snowstorm Sabotage, was inspired by our family’s visit to a New England ski resort. My second, third and fourth books, Tunnel Creek Ambush, Christmas Forest Ambush, and Hidden Mountain Secrets, are all set in a fictional town in northwestern South Carolina called Tunnel Creek, based on an area my family and I visited several times called Walhalla. The series I’m currently writing, Allegheny Rangers, is set in northwestern Pennsylvania, where my husband’s parents have a cottage along the Allegheny River. We go up to Pennsylvania every summer and I’ve visited the places I’ll features in each of the four Allegheny Rangers books. In January, I traveled to Colorado with my younger son’s class for their senior trip, and story ideas were churning away in that gorgeous, cold, snow-capped mountainous landscape. No doubt I’ll mine those five days to write more stories in the future.
What is absolutely essential for you to write?
My husband set up a nice, smallish desk area in our master bedroom, so it’s cut off from the rest of the (loud, busy) house. I don’t often shut the door when I’m writing, but it helps that I can if needed. It’s near a window, so that adds natural light and a splash of green from our backyard (green is creatively inspiring for me). I’m a tea drinker, so usually I make one or two cups of tea to sip while writing. Also, I turn Pandora music on and play Film Scores radio. I love drafting a story to rousing and vibrant movie scores, like Last of the Mohicans, Star Trek, various Marvel movies, and Titanic, etc. When I’m in editing mode, I go with Christian contemporary-type music. I can’t write with people talking to me, but I do enjoy music in the background.
Who’s your favorite romantic suspense author and why?
I can’t really choose one! Right now, I’m totally engrossed in a series by Lynn Blackburn called Defend and Protect. Her characterization and dialogue are incredible! I’ve enjoyed the first two books in the series, Unknown Threat and Malicious Intent, and I’m about to start the third, Under Fire. It’s been great and I adore these characters.
What does your family think of your writing romantic suspense?
My older son is a bookworm, so he’s read all my books. At 19, he’s not overly fond of the romance part, but he suffers through it. He has helped quite a bit with plotting and talking through story ideas on our walks. My husband isn’t a big reader, but he’s encouraging in other ways. My middle son is more of a gamer, so he hasn’t read my stories, and my 12-year-old niece (who lives with us) would like to read them. I tell her, “Soon.”
About Kerry
Kerry Johnson is an award-winning author who has been conversing with fictional characters and devouring books since her childhood in the Connecticut woods. A longtime member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she lives on the sunny, stormy west coast of Florida with her husband, two sons, her niece, and way too many books. Their busy house also includes a loveable, lazy boxer, a temperamental sun conure, a stray cat that’s adopted their family, and a shy spotted leopard gecko. She loves Jesus, long walks, all creatures great and small, and a hot cup of tea all hours of the day.
Connect w/Kerry
Amazon: Amazon.com: Kerry Johnson: books, biography, latest update
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/candidkerry
Website/newsletter: https://www.kerryjohnsonbooks.com/ – newsletter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerryjohnsonauthor/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kerry-johnson
Hidden Mountain Secrets
A mysterious death. A secluded mansion. This investigation could be fatal…
Antique dealer Brielle Holt uncovers more than just priceless relics when she overhears a secret that puts a target on her back. Caught in the crosshairs of a deadly family feud, Brielle has nowhere safe to hide…until CSI agent Lucas Scott steps in to protect her. With assailants following their every move, Lucas and Brielle must stay one step ahead of someone desperate to hide the truth…and bury them with it.
