Monday Motivation with author Johnnie Alexander

Today is #MondayMotivation on The Storyteller Squad and author Johnnie Alexander is our special guest.

Johnnie Alexander creates characters you want to meet and imagines stories you won’t forget. She writes contemporaries, historicals, and cozy mysteries, Johnnie’s debut novel, Where Treasure Hides, won the ACFW Genesis contest for Historical Fiction in 2011.

She has also written the Misty Willow Series, consisting of three contemporary romance: Where She Belongs (2015), When Love Arrives (2016) and What Hope Remembers (2017).

Johnnie was president of the Memphis chapter of ACFW when I joined. As an unpublished writer, I was nervous attending this group and Johnnie made me feel like I belonged. She has such a loving spirit. Johnnie no longer lives in the Memphis area but we are still friends.

Welcome to The Storyteller Squad, Johnnie!

I find it very interesting that you have written in multiple genres. Why have you chosen to do this?

Writing in multiple genres wasn’t my plan, but I tend to say yes when opportunities come my way. So far, I’ve written historical and contemporary romances, cozy mysteries and an Amish novel, plus I have contracts to write four romantic suspense novels.  

Several years ago, I prayed for God to set my feet in a spacious place (Psalm 31:8). Looks like He’s doing exactly that!

Do you have a favorite genre? Do you enjoy writing in that genre more than the others?

This is such a tough question, but I love to read historical novels so it’s probably my favorite one to write, too. It usually takes more time because of the research that’s required, though traveling down historical rabbit trails can be fun.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to talk about writing, so I co-host a weekly online show called Writers Chat, and I record interviews with other inspirational novelists for my website, Novelists Unwind. My family is scattered throughout the U.S., so I often pack up my little Pontiac Vibe for road trips to visit them. Of course, I love to read. I love to go to the movies. And I love making memories with my grands.

I know you have two dogs, a papillon and a collie.  Tell us a little about them.

My papillon’s name is Rugby, but we call him the grumpy old man. He’s a Velcro dog who is never too far from my side. Griff, my collie, is a sweetheart who can actually walk in slow motion. When he naps, he makes these deep rumbling noises that sound like heavy sighs of contentment. At least, I hope that’s what they mean. Both dogs are great travelers.

Both of your daughters are also writers. What is it like to have so many writers in the family?

It’s kind of crazy actually. Bethany Jett is currently finishing up her third and fourth nonfiction projects that will be released by their respective publishers later this year. Jillian Lancour is a blogger and Instagram influencer who focuses on body positivity.

Here’s a shout-out to my son—he doesn’t have writing aspirations but he’s an amazing youth minister!

What are you currently working on?

I’m polishing one of the stories I’m writing for the Inn at Magnolia Harbor series and also working on edits for another WWII manuscript.

What advice would you give someone, young or old, who is trying to pursue their dream, whether it’s writing, singing, or being a doctor or lawyer or anything else?

For writers, I advise the 3Cs: attend conferences, join a critique group, and enter contests. My more general advice is:

• Be brave.
• Study your craft (or profession).
• Be persistent.

Johnnie serves on the Serious Writer, Inc. executive board, co-hosts an online show called Writers Chat, and interviews inspirational authors for Novelists Unwind. She also teaches at writers conferences and for Serious Writer Academy. Connect with her at www.johnnie-alexander.com and other social media sites via https://linktr.ee/johnniealexndr.

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