I’m happy to introduce you to Johnnie Alexander. We are both part of an author group called the Mosaic Collection, and have come to appreciate the group effort in writing and publishing.
JAN: Welcome, Johnnie. How long have you been writing and how did you come to it?
JOHNNIE: First, I just want to say thanks to you, Janice, for having me as your guest. Also sending a smiling hello and a wave from the comfort of my couch to all your readers!
This is a tough question. I dreamed of being a writer since I was in my teens, but never expected that dream to come true. So, I dabbled at writing and read books about writing until I reached one of those significant milestone birthdays and had an “it’s now or never” moment. I attended my first major writers conference in 2007, and my debut novel, Where Treasure Hides, was published in 2013 after winning the American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Contest in the historical category in 2011.
JAN: Congratulations to you, Johnnie. That’s a prestigious award. A great way to begin a career.
What’s your preferred genre?
JOHNNIE: This is another tough question for me because I write in multiple genres. I’ve written historical and contemporary romances, cozy mysteries, women’s fiction, and even one Amish novel. The Mischief Thief, releasing in May, is my first suspense novel.
If I have to choose, I’d say historical even though they can be more time-consuming to write because of the research to make sure all the details are right.
JAN: How and where do you write? Are you a plotter or a pantser?
JOHNNIE: I’m most productive when I write at my desk, but I also like to write when I’m sitting in my corner of the couch. It has a leg rest which is so comfy, and Rugby, my little papillon, sleeps on it. That’s where we are right now, with Rugby stretched out beside my leg.
My first novels were totally “pants-ed”! But one of my publishers wants a chapter summary so I’ve learned to be a plotter. I actually prefer that method now because the actual writing goes faster and there are still surprises. Even so, I’m still a pantser with other stories. I’m not sure why!
JAN: There’s no right way! Where do you get your ideas? What inspires you?
JOHNNIE: I always love this question because creativity intrigues me. My fascination with Nazi art looting and the hiding of children during WWII led to Where Treasure Hides.
My Misty Willow Series, which are contemporary romances, was inspired by my love for an 19th-century house I lived in as a teen. “The Caretaker’s Christmas,” my short story in the Hope is Born Mosaic Christmas Anthology, was an answer to prayer. Strange as it may seem, I felt God whispering the first lines into my heart. The story grew from there.
JAN: Very cool! What do you like most / least about writing?
JOHNNIE: I love the pre-writing—creating characters, getting to know them, understanding their fears and their wants—and I love revising. The actual writing, though, can be oh so hard! I do love to write, especially when the words flow and surprises happen. But even though I love that part, it’s also the part I love least.
JAN: Yeah. It’s hard work. What are your favorite / most effective social media?
JOHNNIE: I spend most of my social media time on Facebook. I’m involved in several groups there, plus that’s where my friends hang out, too.
JAN: How do you balance professional time with personal time?
JOHNNIE: I’m not sure I do! Though I do spend quiet time with God every day, usually in the morning. Other than that, I try to make writing a priority.
JAN: What are you currently reading? Do you prefer digital or print?
JOHNNIE: My sister gave me a poster a couple of years ago with “The Essential 100 Novels.” I don’t agree with all the choices on that poster, but I’m reading most of them. Right now, I’m on The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. I’m also reading Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill.
I prefer digital for fiction and print for nonfiction.
JAN: I like the 100 essential novels idea. What are some of your favorite things? What makes you unique?
JOHNNIE: My sister and I used to have alpacas, which was quite an adventure. We also took a trip to Europe a couple of years ago and spent the first week riding the Eurail from one city to another without a planned itinerary. The second week we spent in Lisbon. I also love road trips, and I love being at home.
JAN: What keeps you going in your writing career?
JOHNNIE: God gives me opportunities and I say yes when He does!
JAN: Lovely! How is your faith reflected in your writing?
JOHNNIE: I think certain themes that are important to my faith journey appear in my stories, such as God’s steadfast love for us, that trust and quietness is my strength (Isaiah 30:15), and I can smile at the future (Proverbs 31:25), secure in the knowledge that He is with me each step of the way.
My stories often reflect the power of heritage and tradition and the importance of cherishing memories.
JAN: What is your ultimate writing goal?
JOHNNIE: Great question! Of course, I want my writing to glorify God. But I also want to share well-written stories with readers that will linger in their hearts long after they reach the end.
JAN: Do you have any advice for beginning writers?
JOHNNIE: The Three Cs: 1) Join a critique group; 2) Attend writing conferences; 3) Enter contests.
JAN: I like that, Johnnie.
JOHNNIE: Thanks again, Janice, for this wonderful opportunity to engage with your community. Hope you all are staying safe and reading lots of great stories while sheltering at home.
JAN: And thanks to you for sharing about your life and writing with us.
For more information on Johnnie and her books, check out her website.
Janice, thanks so much for having me as your guest and introducing me to your community. I’m thrilled we’re in The Mosaic Collection together!
It’s great meeting such great authors and having them turn into friends. Thanks for taking time to share part of your writing journey with us.
Johnnie is a friend, but it’s always fun to learn more about her. Thanks for the oppirtunity to do that through your interview, Janice.
I think you are blessed to have a friend like Johnnie. Our Mosaic team had hoped to meet in person in about a week’s time, but as you can guess, those plans fell through. So for now, Johnnie and I will remain virtual friends. It was nice for me to be able to get to know her better through the interview as well, since that’s the best we can do at this point. Thanks for your response, Tracy.