Interview Sharleen Johnson

by

Sherry Derr-Wille

1. Do you have the title before you have the story or the other way around?

Always. And I try to write the blurbs BEFORE writing the story. I always make up a cast of characters and a rough outline. I've only had one editor suggest that I change the name to something more exciting.

2. Since this isn¹t your first book, I must assume that you have been writing for a while. How many books do you have out and how long have you been at it?

I’ve pursued publication seriously for about ten years. Two are already out of print, two are available now: Stormy Nights and Angel on the Mountain (both with Wings ePress), and two historical romantic suspense with Treble Hearts, and a third contemporary with Wings not due out for another year--Dark Echo.

3. What is your favorite genre to write in?

Romantic suspense in both the contemporary and historical settings.

4. Where do you do your best work, at the computer or curled up in your favorite easy chair?

By all means in my favorite chair with my Mac iBook and my dog, Tiger.

5. Is your family supportive of your work?

My husband and two brothers are great. One brother is a retired college professor of English and helps with my grammar, while another brother is a retired coroner and helps with my murders. I also have two critique partners here, in Chattanooga, who are my best buddies.

6. Do you like to write in complete silence or to the beat of your favorite CD?

I write mostly in silence, however, music with no words also works.

7. Is writing your full time passion or do you, like me, have to work outside of your favorite pastime?

Writing is pretty well a full time passion. Even when traveling, I either take my laptop or a hard copy of my current work-in-progress.

8. If you and your hero were stranded on a deserted island, would you have to slap him or seduce him?

I would probably have to seduce him. Most of my heros are the strong, silent type, not your average alpha-bad-boy males. My heros are secure enough in their masculinity to be nurturing.

9. What would your dream vacation consist of?

Take my husband to a secluded cabin in the mountains, preferably one that did not have cable TV.

10. If you could be any heroine in history, who would you be?

Margaret Sanger--she was a woman way ahead of her time.

<http://www.nyu.edu/projects/sanger/msbio.htm>

11. What is your idea of a perfect romantic evening?

Champagne, dancing and… whatever.

12. Just for fun, what is your favorite food?

A nice, rare steak.