Johnnie Alexander writes inspiring stories that linger in the heart. Where Treasure Hides, her debut novel, won the ACFW Genesis Contest (2011). She also has won Best Novel and Best Writer awards (Florida Christian Writers Conferences), and Bronze Medalist (My Book Therapy Frasier Contest). A graduate of Rollins College (Orlando) with a Master of Liberal Studies degree, Johnnie treasures family memories, classic movies, road trips, and stacks of books. She lives in the Memphis area with a small herd of alpacas and Rugby, the princely papillon who trees raccoons.
I’d like to see Rugby tree a racoon!
I asked Johnnie some questions.
How long did it take to get your first book published?
Where Treasure Hides began as a 2009 National Novel Writing Month project and was published first as an ebook in 2013.
Where She Belongs began as a 2005 National Novel Writing Month project and will be published in January 2015.
What is the name of your latest book, and how would you summarize it in less than 20 words?
Where Treasure Hides
A talented artist protects art from Nazi looters while the man she loves fights against Hitler’s evil regime.
Do you have a writing routine?
The routine varies according to the story, the deadline, and where I am in the process.
For my current WIP, I wrote about a third of the story, then went back to the beginning to edit and revise. When I was about two-thirds through the story, I started over once again, editing and revising.
I finished the story, met with my First Readers Team, and now I’m going through the story one more time before my September 1st deadline.
Deadlines can be terrifying!
Have you ever gotten stuck in a story? What did you do to get past the “block”?
I think there’s a difference between getting stuck and a “block.” Sometimes it’s best to step away from the story and do something else like play a game on my phone or even take a walk.
But other times, I just need to stay at the laptop and work it out. My mantra in those times is: a bad sentence is better than no sentence. It’s corollary is, paraphrasing Ayn Rand: You can’t revise a sentence you haven’t written.
So write! Even if it’s bad.
I so agree. You can’t edit what you haven’t written!
What’s on your TBR Table?
So many books! Both in my shelves and in my Kindle.
I’m currently reading Ann Tatlock’s I’ll Watch the Moon which is terrific. I love Ann’s lyrical writing.
Next up: Midnight on the Mississippi by Mary Ellis and The Silver Star by Jeanette Walls.
What piece of advice would you give to a new writer?
Three things:
- Attend writing conferences.
- Find competent critique partners.
- Enter reputable contests for the feedback.
Great advice!
Do you have another project in the works? If so, what is it?
I’m preparing for the January release of my first contemporary romance, Where She Belongs (Misty Willow Series) and putting the finishing touches to the manuscript for the second book.
Before starting the third book in the series, I’m headed to 1870s Nebraska to write a novella for Barbour’s Courageous Brides Collection which releases next July.
I can’t wait to read all three of these books!
How can people contact you?
Facebook Profile (Friend or Follow!)
Facebook Author Page
Johnnie is giving away a copy of Where Treasure Hides–print copy for Continental USA and an e-copy everywhere else. Enter through the Rafflecopter below.
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Comments 28
Johnnie – I can’t wait to see your contemporary romance.
Currently on my tbr bedside table is:
Angel With Steel Wings by Anne Greene
Brentwood’s Ward by Michelle Griep
Once Beyond a Time by Ann Tatlock
Dream Things True by Marie Marquardt
and Accidental Fiance by Mary Moore
Author
Oh, wow! I can see right now that I asked the wrong question! These books sound so good, Terrill!
Hi, Terrill. I recently read Once Upon a Time and absolutely loved it. I think it’s my favorite Ann Tatlock book. Though I’m reading I’ll Watch the Moon right now and it’s wonderful, too. Great suggestions–I need a book-cation.
I didn’t include my Kindle which has Patricia’s book, Matthew’s Choice. 🙂 I had to buy (had to, wink) Patricia’s first two books in the Logan series, b/c I won Gone Without a Trace and I am obsessive about reading books in order whether or not they can stand alone. I’m kind of excited that the kids go back to school this week so that I have more reading time. Does that make me a bad mom?
I love that you “had” to buy Patricia’s first two Logan Point books. I’m the same way when it comes to reading a series.
Makes you a perfect mom! One who needs a little “me” time, Terrill. Thanks for your support!
Pat, thanks for feTuring Johnnie, who I hope doesn’t think I’m becoming a groupie… but am so intrigued by her giveaway book ☺️
I’m kind of stalking her, as well. To be fair, I stalk Patricia, as well. heehee
Okay, stalker-ladies, here’s the deal. Sometime you need to come see us when Patricia and I are at the same event. We’re both doing workshops at the 2016 MidSouth Christian Writers Conference and we’ll be at book festival at a Memphis library next April. We’ll probably be getting together at a few other places, too, so keep an eye out. If at all possible, we’d love to meet you. (Just to be clear to everyone, I used the term “stalker-ladies” in the kindest possible way. LOL)
You’ll have to work your way west, too! I’m in Washington state. I would love to get to an event you’re both at.
That would be so fun! If God opens the doors, I’ll walk through 🙂
Drat auto-correct. Sorry about typo!
Author
Don’t you just love auto-correct, Elaine! I think it’s going to kill me. About Johnnie’s book. I’ve loved it since the first time I read it as her critique partner. She is an amazing writer!
Hi, Elaine. I don’t think that at all! I’m so glad to see you here. (Besides, having groupies sounds kinda fun LOL). Kristen Bakken designed the cover for Where Treasure Hides. I can’t thank her or Tyndale enough for creating something with such a great wow-factor.
And can I just say, I’m blessed with amazing critique partners. I was randomly placed in Patricia’s ACFW critique group (before Scribes) and it’s so fun that now we’re both writing for Revell (they’re publishing my contemporary series).
The Salt Covenants by Sylvia Bambola
The Hawk and the Dove series books 2 & 3 by Penelope Wilcox
And about 100 more!!! LOL
Too many books, so little time.
Thanks for sharing and I look forward to reading this new to me author
Anne, it sounds like you need to come on a book-cation with me. If only there was the time to hole up somewhere peaceful and lovely and read, read, read. We could get through our stacks. Except we’d probably end up adding a whole lot more! The never-ending TBR pile . . . (I love it!)
Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for tbr question, love looking at what others are reading. I’m currently reading all of Patricia Bradley. Just finished A Promise to Protect. Next Gone Without a Trace. Also Kristen Heitzmann’s series with Secret, Inform, and Echoes.
Author
Thank you, Karen!! And Kristen Heitzman is probably my favorite author! Freefall is my favorite book…or maybe Secret…no, Freefall. 🙂
I can say without any prejudice that Patricia Bradley is my favorite romantic suspense author. (And I love that I get a sneak peek at her stories.)
Karen, I’m sure you’ll love Gone Without a Trace. Then keep a sharp eye out for her May release, Silence in the Dark. It’s a page-turner.
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Anne, I believe you will love Johnnie’s book! She had me from the first page on.
Sorry, it should have said Unforgotten as Heitzmann’s second novel.
Good morning, everyone! I just came in the house from doing pasture-laps with my Fitbit–already walked my 10,000 steps. (And now I’m trying to keep my twelve-week-old kitten Adelaide out of my water glass–of course, she’s not allowed on the table, but she doesn’t believe that.) It’s a lovely morning here in Tennessee, not too hot nor too chilly. The sun is brightly shining its rays through the trees, the alpaca are munching on hay, and I saw two deer in the neighbor’s woods. A great start to a Thursday!
New author for me. I have about 30 plus books to read piled on the floor. Don’t have a list on me.
Hi, Kim. So glad you stopped by. My bookshelves are full so I’ve got books stacked in odd places, too. Someday . . . !
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Wow, Kim, you sound like me! I don’t think I’ll ever get all of mine read! Thanks for stopping by.
Great question. Where do I start? Montana Cherries by Kim Law is what I just started reading..
Hi Grandmatina, so glad you stopped by. Kim Law is in my RWA writer’s group!
Hi, Grandmatina. I’m not familiar with that story, so thanks for sharing. Glad you stopped by!