Interview with Kimberly Rose Johnson and a Giveaway!

Welcome to Readers Write to Know! I asked you, my readers, what questions they would ask their favorite authors if given the chance, and the authors visiting my blog answered them! This week, I’m so happy to have Kimberly Rose Johnson as my guest. I’ve met Kimberly many times over the years at various writer conferences. It’s always fun to have someone I “know” as my guest. Her new book is romantic suspense and it sounds so good! Read on to see how you can enter to win!

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Sure! I live in Oregon with my husband of close to 30 years. We enjoy long walks, reading, and watching shows that are music-centric. I signed my first book contract in 2012 and am what is called a hybrid writer. I am published in contemporary romance, romantic mystery, and romantic suspense.

Tell us about your current release. Direct Threat is the first book in my Protection Inc. series that will begin releasing June 1st. Here is the back cover blurb: One little girl. Two bodyguards. Only one chance to guard their hearts.
Protection Inc. co-owner, Carissa Jones, an ex-cop turned bodyguard, has one goal-keep her young client safe. When her business partner brings in a new guy to help, she discovers her heart desires more. Can she still do her job and follow her heart without compromising her client’s safety?

Marc Olsen, a former Military Police officer, struggles to find his way as a civilian. He agrees to help out an old friend for the summer. He gets more than he bargained for when he’s assigned to work with the feisty co-owner of Protection Inc.

When sparks fly faster than bullets, will the bodyguards be distracted from their task, or will they work together as an even stronger team?[Tweet “#inspyromance #suspense DIRECT THREAT by @kimberlyrosejoh is released June 1! Don’t miss out! @halleeb #giveaway #christfic #romanticsuspense”]

How did you determine whether to self-publish or seek a traditional publisher? When I first started writing in 2006, independently publishing wasn’t what it is today, so it was extremely important to me to prove myself and land a traditional contract. I currently publish my own books as well as write for a publisher. I ultimately decided to indie publish because I felt the Lord directing me to do so. I’m very happy I listened. It’s a lot more work, but I love having complete control over my work.

Do you have your plotline and character development already laid out before you begin writing a book, or do they develop as you write? Not completely. I have a general idea of what the book will be about. I also have a basic outline of my characters.
LOL I don’t recommend writing the way I do, as it’s much more time consuming to figure things out as you go. I generally write several drafts of the first chapter before I’m satisfied with the opening. The opening chapter is crucial to setting the stage and tone for the entire story, so it is critical to get right.

Do you have pre-determined length in mind when you first begin a book? Yes. I need to know how long a story will be for pacing purposes.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers? Read well-written books in the genre you would like to write. Figure out what makes those stories so great. I like to read exceptionally written books. I feel like they help me grow as a writer.

What is your preferred method of writing? When I am in the pre-writing phase of plotting and thinking about what I want to write I use a pen and paper. When I get down to actually writing, I use my computer. The only exception is if I’m traveling and something comes to me. Then I grab a piece of paper and start writing.

Here is where you can find Kimberly online:

kimberlyrjohnson.com

facebook.com/KimberlyRoseJohnson

twitter.com/kimberlyrosejoh

instagram.com/kimberlyrosejohnsonauthor/

Kimberly is giving away an ebook of Direct Threat to a reader! See below how to enter to win:a Rafflecopter giveaway