Author Interview: Erin Johnson
Friday, July 31, 2015Erin Johnson grew up watching classic western movies with her father, which fueled her lifelong love of horseback riding. She's always dreamed of being a fierce-talking cowgirl, but writing about one seemed like the next best thing. She loves traveling, riding motorcycles and teaching, and lives in North Carolina. --Goodreads
I’m fascinated by history and wish I could transport myself
back in time so I could meet the people who lived during different eras. Women
in the Wild West had to be brave, strong, and resourceful, all qualities I
admire. I wanted to write a heroine who embodied those qualities, and I hope I
succeeded with Grace.
Most likely you’d find me in the Ndeh village because I’m
drawn to their lifestyle and philosophy. I expect I’d be cooking, making
clothes, and gathering herbs for medicine.
Interestingly enough, I was researching a nonfiction book on
native peoples and was drawn to the Southwest. I spent time in Arizona,
visiting some of the sites mentioned in HER COLD REVENGE. I took art lessons on
a reservation and spent time in the desert. I had those experiences to draw on
as I wrote, but I also contacted experts on many different topics and did a lot
of research online as well as in libraries and historical societies (spending
some time as librarian really helped me develop my research skills).
That’s a hard choice because I love them both. If I had to
choose one, it would probably be Grace. My first choice for an activity would
be galloping on horseback. I’ve always been a horse lover as far back as I can
remember. I’d like to think I’d be as brave as Grace and capture criminals, but
I’ve never put my bounty hunting skills to the test (except on the pages of the
book).
One other character I’d like to spend time with is Emily.
You meet her in HER COLD REVENGE. She’s a plucky little girl who idolizes
Grace. She hurtles headlong into danger because she’s so determined to help
Grace capture the Guiltless Gang. I love her loyalty and headstrong nature.
What an interesting question. I think she’d take a Ndeh
name, Eagle Feather, to symbolize the justice she metes out. She wears those
eagle feathers in her hatband, one for each gang member she’s determined to
capture.
I already mentioned how partial I am to Emily. I’d love to
see what she’s like when she reaches Grace’s age. I suspect she may end up
being a sidekick for Grace.
Sequoyah would be fun to write. I’d have a harder time doing
a series with her because in those days, the Ndeh were in hiding. It would be a
creative challenge to stay true to the time period and give her the opportunity
to have adventures. I’d enjoy spending more time exploring the Ndeh culture,
though, so I may have to give this some thought.
I found the first chapter of GRACE AND THE GUILTLESS the
most heart-wrenching part of the series to write. In HER COLD REVENGE, I
struggle to keep Grace’s attraction to Joe from overpowering her goal of
bringing her family’s killers to justice.
Everyone always says to read, read, read, and read some
more. That’s important, but it’s equally important to write, write, write.
Write anything – journals, lists, poetry, letters to the editor. Any time
you’re putting words on paper, you’re practicing your craft. The more you
write, the better you’ll get. I read once that it takes 10,000 hours to master
a craft, so every time you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), you’re
logging in time.
One other thing I’d suggest is to challenge yourself to
write a story every week from start to finish. That will give you practice on
story arcs, characterization, and plotting. After a year, move on to writing
novel chapters. By then, you’ll have learned to finish what you start.
Developing that habit early in your writing life can prevent a drawer full of
partially finished stories.
The next book will contain a Wild West show, a love
triangle, and a good friend in danger. Joe and Grace’s relationship will be
tested in many ways. That’s about all I can reveal right now.
I have many things on my bucket list. I have other novels
I’m working on, of course, that I want to see published. But one of my top
goals is to travel to every continent. Next on my list: Antarctica.
Thank you, Laurie J. Edwards (aka Erin Johnson), for visiting the blog today!
A love triangle and someone in danger-- I am so impatient to read the third book in the Wanted series! If you haven't started this series, you definitely need to check out Grace and the Guiltless (my review). Her Cold Revenge, the sequel, releases August 1, 2015.
Click here to check out Laurie J. Edwards' website.
Click here to follow her on Twitter.
0 comments