Aspiring Author Thursday: Introducing Jenn Johansson

Today's interview is with the fabulous Jenn Johansson! Jenn was one of the first blogs I started following a few years ago. I've loved her blog ever since. Be sure to check it out here!


When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

I never imagined myself as a writer, but around 2005, I had this story in my head that wouldn't shut up... so I had to choose. Write it down, or opt for a white room with squishy walls and an uncomfy jacket.

So glad you didn't choose the jacket!

Could you tell us a little about your agent story? I'm still so excited for you!:

I officially signed with Kathleen Rushall of Waterside Agency last week and I'm still a little bit in disbelief. This is my second book I've queried and she loved it in the way I'd always hoped for. I'm getting ready to begin revisions and I can't wait! I also love that she doesn't mind my lack of focus within the YA genre. She actually considers it a strength. Yay! :)

SQUEE!!! So awesome!

Do you have a writing schedule, or do you just sit down whenever you get a spare moment?

I try to write in the afternoons while my son is in kindergarten, but it depends on where I am in the book. For the last 3/4 of any MS, I can't stop... I stay up late, and sneak in any spare writing moment I can.

Could you tell us a little about yourself? Random facts? Hidden talents?

I played the drums in high school for the boy's show choir --there may or may not have been a hidden agenda there, I admit nothing. I love to read and write horror but I can't handle scary movies. And... I can unwrap a Starburst without using my fingers. Random enough?

I always wanted to play the drums. And to play them for the boy's show choir? You are pretty sneaky! :) When I watch scary movies I tend to curl up in the fetal position until it's over. Hate them. Seriously. Hate.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing you couldn't live without? (Besides your family and a laptop of course.)

Right now, it's my Kindle. I love to read and if I already had my family and my laptop... why not add in a few hundred books? ;)

So jealous. I want a Kindle. I'm asking the hubby for one for my birthday! Hopefully I get it!

What is one book you could read over and over and over?

I love the classics. Jane Austen books or The Count of Monte Cristo. I also love me some Harry Potter. There are quite a few books that I've read more than once.

Love Harry Potter as well. Speaking of, I need to re-read the 7th one...

What book are you dying to read this year?

Possession by Elana Johnson She's an apex of awesome and the book sounds totally fab. I'm very excited! June 7th baby!

So excited for that one! :D

What genre do you write and why?

I dabble a little everywhere. I've done sci-fi, horror, paranormal, and dystopian, but I stay firmly in YA. I love the flexibility that the YA genre affords for a little blending, also I don't think I'm capable of moving past a teenage personality... so why not?

Ditto! The only one I haven't tried is horror. Although I do have some creepy ideas floating around in my head. Maybe I'll be brave enough to write them down someday. Or I'll just scare myself and have nightmares.

Do you have any writing rituals? Music, silence, eating, etc.

I burn candles and sing chants while I dance naked around a fire... don't you? ;-) I make a playlist of music that helps me get in the mood or the head of certain characters, then I play it before I write. I can't listen to music while I write though... I end up singing which is surprisingly distracting.

Have you been stalking me? I swear I was the only one who sang chants around a fire...

Where do you come up with your ideas? Dreams, while driving, etc?

They come from all over, but often it will be in that place between awake and asleep. I'm always scribbling down notes in the middle of the night--unfortunately, they don't make sense when I wake up half the time... nonetheless, I'm sure they are sheer genius.

I love it when the notes are readable at first, and then they start slanting off the page and turn into little random scribbles.

Any advice for aspiring authors?

Keep writing and recognize that everyone's path to publication is different. Celebrate the success of others and know that your own will come in time. Also, brownies--always a good idea.

Mmmm...brownies...

Random Writing Question: Your MC has been locked in jail for the night. What did he/she do, and how do they get out?

Hmm... the MC from INSOMNIA was put there for stalking a girl from school, and he would enter the dreams of the jailer and convince him that he was innocent and should be released. He's very very sneaky. The MC from my WIP was arrested for being naked in the park, and she would blind the guard with light to escape...... Wow, maybe I need therapy.

Ha ha! Loved your last answer! :D I think all writers need therapy! :D Thanks so much for letting my interview you Jenn!