Today I want to welcome Johnnie Alexander to The Suspense Sisters! I "met" Johnnie in 2010 through the ACFW Critique groups and we've been friends ever since. I will admit to being a little envious of her lyrical writing--I get so caught up in her stories, I've been known to burn the beans.
So without further ado, heeeerres Johnnie!
Tell us three things about yourself that might surprise your readers.
- I can seldom eat the last bite of any sandwich.
- On not one but two occasions I accidentally took medication meant for my dog.
- Last October, my sister and I traveled around Europe by train without a plan. (And it was so much fun!)
What genre did you start out writing? Have you changed course? Why or why not?
My debut novel, Where Treasure Hides, is historical fiction, and that genre touches a deep place in my heart. But when God opened the door to writing a contemporary romance series, I jumped headfirst into that opportunity. I jumped again when the door opened to writing two cozy mysteries and an Amish romance.
Genre-jumping may go against the conventional wisdom, yet I felt God’s promise to set my feet in a spacious place while I waited for my first contract. I didn’t expect that to mean multiple genres, but I’ve loved the challenges.
I’m more of a seat-of-the-pants writer than a plotter, but the cozy mystery publisher requires a chapter summary as part of the proposal. Through that process, I learned that plotting didn’t mean the characters still wouldn’t surprise me with their antics. The summary also helps the actual writing go much faster.
Any other genres you’d like to try? If yes, what and why?
Great question. My pet project has a dual timeline, one set during WWII and the other set in the mid-1990s. I’m excited about getting it out into the world. I’d also like to write something whimsical. Though at this moment I don’t have a clue what I mean by that.
If you could go back in time and do something differently at the start of your career, what would it be?
I would have written fiction instead of just reading about writing fiction. Fear paralyzed me for too many years.
What is the most important thing you’d like readers to take away from your books?
We don’t have to be defined by our pasts but can smile at the future God provides for us.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’d like to give to unpublished authors?
Three Cs: join a critique group, enter contests, attend conferences.
Thanks, Johnnie, for a very interesting interview!
And guess what?? One lucky commenter will win a copy of Where Treasure Hides. (Print copy for US addresses and digital elsewhere)
Comment Question: Johnnie talks about fear paralyzing her. Have you ever let fear keep you from doing something you wanted to? OR Have you ever taken medicine meant for your pet?
Johnnie Alexander imagines heart-tugging stories in multiple genres wherever she happens to be at the moment. Her CBA best-selling and award-winning debut novel, Where Treasure Hides, has been translated into Dutch and Norwegian.
Johnnie serves on the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference Executive Committee. She is a founding member and past president of both the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Memphis and Central Florida chapters.
Sharing Johnnie’s vagabond life are Griff, her happy-go-lucky collie, and Rugby, her raccoon-treeing papillon. Connect with her on her website, her Facebook Author Page, Twitter, GoodReads, and her Amazon Author Page.
Artist Alison Schuyler spends her time working in her family’s renowned art gallery, determined to avoid the curse that has followed the Schuyler clan from the Netherlands to America and back again.
She’s certain that true love will only lead to tragedy—that is, until a chance meeting at Waterloo station brings Ian Devlin into her life. Drawn to the bold and compassionate British Army captain, Alison begins to question her fear of love as World War II breaks out, separating the two and drawing each into their own battles.
While Ian fights for freedom on the battlefield, Alison works with the Dutch Underground to find a safe haven for Jewish children and priceless pieces of art alike.
But safety is a luxury war does not allow. As time, war, and human will struggle to keep them apart, will Alison and Ian have the faith to fight for their love, or is it their fate to be separated forever?
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