Victoria Johns (Weekly Author Spotlight 22 March 2021)

AUTHOR BIO

Victoria Johns is a writer who enjoys sharing a happily ever after and believes that it’s every good girls dream to experience a steamy one. Growing up in North West England in a large family surrounded by love and support she found her Prince Charming many years ago and enjoys living the life they’ve made with their son.

She’s always had a creative imagination and decided that some of the stories bubbling in her head needed to be shared, so she’s created this pen name to give them their freedom to be loved by others.

When she’s not writing she’s overdosing on crisps, Rosé wine, trashy TV and raunchy reads.

QUICK INTERVIEW

Where are you from?
“The North West of England, in a cute little market town in Cheshire, called Nantwich.”

When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?
“I took the phrase, ‘everyone has a story inside them,” literally, and decided I wanted to achieve something amazing for myself before I turned 40.”

“So that story I had inside me, breathed life. Then I realized I’d been sucked into the process and just kept going.”

What is your favorite genre to read/write?
“I love romantic suspense. That edge of your seat stuff where the story that unravels is as important as boy meets girl fairy tale. But my upcoming releases have taken a bit of a detour. I’m about to release something that is a little bit women’s fiction, a little bit contemporary, and a dash of humor.”

“In terms of reading, I read a lot of the genre I write, but I absolutely mix it up. I love a PNR/fantasy, even better if there’s a romantic twist. I love a thriller, a good whodunnit. I also listen to lots of motivational stuff on audiobook. Basically, if the cover and blurb take me, I’m in!”

Who is your favorite author and why?
“I learned a while ago to not think about ‘favourite’ authors. I have those that I definitely one-click, without even seeing the cover or blurb, because I adore the stuff they write and they’re a sure thing for my enjoyment. But being an indie author means a lot to me, and lots of people have taken a chance on my work, so I do the same in return. Sure, I dip in and out of NYT Bestsellers etc, or the really well-known authors, but I spread that reader love far and wide.”

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
“I have 17 books published, of which there is also a collaboration novel. I’ve got a new release in April, the follow up to that moving through the editing process at the moment, and another mid-write. It’s all go go go!”

“In terms of favourite. They all mean something different. But… My first book was the labour of love where I learned lots.”

“Angel – The first in the Black Sentinels MC Series – centered around a girl with a love of fast cars, motorbikes and was a wannabe mechanic. The research part of this book meant I got to spend time with my husband, who loves all things oil and grease. So he got to see a big part of the process and see how stories are born.”

Who/What inspired you to write Disruption?
“Ah Disruption… About 3 years ago, I had a character in my head. I wrote the first chapter and gave it to Nikki Ashton – my closest friend in the author community, and she came back with, “You absolutely have to write that book.” When a friend you trust shows faith, you go with it! But Zane Teague – the lead guy is everything I love about a guy. Strong, demanding, handsome, clever and ruthlessly loyal.”

Is there any new release we can expect in 2021 or in the future?
“Yes! Absolutely! Today the cover for my new release goes out into the wilds. Coastal Cahoots Club is inspired by a real place, real people and real emotions.”

“It’s due for release on April 12th. I’m expecting the follow-up to be released August time.”

What do you think makes a great story?
“Lots of things, like a great recipe. Being able to feel the emotion the author has crafted through the pages. Getting sucked into something you can’t put down.”

“Feeling bereft when the journey is over. That moment your transported to a place, and you can see the people, feel the connections.”

How do you handle literary criticism?
“I like to think I handle it well. That I can brush it off and move on, but I’d be lying if I said some of it didn’t get to me. I’m human after all. But the easiest way for me, is to remember that I’m a reader too. Not all books tick all boxes for me. It’s all about choice at the end of the day. But one thing we do have a choice about is how we deal with that criticism as an author and how, as a reader, we spread that criticism. You can tell me my books didn’t do it for you all I ask if that you do it kindly! Today, with social media we have more access to the real people behind the stories than ever before, and we all need to remember that, they’re real people.”

What advice would you give a new writer, someone just starting out?
“Firstly, writing the stories is only half the work. Nowadays you need to be an expert at marketing, and comfortable with putting yourself out there. If you’re in it for the money… don’t give up the day job just yet, amazon is the never-ending library, with more choice for the consumer than ever before.”

“Secondly, just keep writing. Books don’t publish themselves.”

“Thirdly, use the professional services available to all authors, cover designers, editors, proofreaders. They really do bring your work to life and help turn your already great work into something amazing.”