15 Nov 2012

Author Interview: Scott A Johnson




For Jeremy, Christmas is just another reminder that he'll never be able to enjoy the things that come so easily to other children. Then one night he has a dream that will change everything. Accompanied by stirring music, this story of finding faith and discovering the power of the Master Healer is sure to be cherished at Christmastime and all year long.

Check out the goodreads page here....



If you could work with any other author, who would it be and why? 
Michael McLean. He and I have produced similar projects with books and musical CDs taking place during Christmas. I would love to collaborate with him on a book and CD project.

What would be a typical working day for you? When and where do you write? 
Writing is not my full time job, so my typical writing day happens in the evening after the children are put to bed or on weekends. I write at home, where I can be comfortable. Luckily my wife is very supportive and allows me the space and time I need to write. I have had some late nights and long days on weekends writing, but I want to continue writing while I have ideas and the creative juices are flowing.

What is the hardest part of the writing for you?
 
I think it is knowing when to stop refining. I read and re-read my writing multiple times making minor adjustments and fine-tuning, but at some point I just have to let it go how it is, otherwise I would never produce anything.

When and why did you first start writing?
 
I began writing in first grade when a teacher gave me the opportunity to write very short stories with illustrations. They were on very large paper and mostly illustrations, but I had fun doing it. My parents and grandparents praised my stories and encouraged me to write them. From there I never looked back. I continued to write short stories and even produced two novellas with illustrations when I was very young. I used cardboard as the “hard cover” and stitched them together with a needle and thread to bind them. I still have them and my kids really enjoy those two novellas.

How did you come up with the idea for the book your book?
 
I originally wrote “Jeremy’s Christmas Journey” as a short story for my family to enjoy at Christmas. I love Christmas stories and the spirit felt at Christmas-time. While attending the play “The Forgotten Carols” by Michael McLean I had the idea to expand the short story and incorporate music. From there I believe I received a lot of inspiration from my Father above as I wrote the rest of the story and penned song lyrics.

Are you a big reader? If so, what are you reading now?
 
Yes. I enjoy reading and often spend my lunch hour reading a good book. I am currently reading Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game series.

Do you have any advice for other aspiring writers?
Don’t get discouraged. The publishing industry is a tough business and rejection is almost guaranteed. Keep working toward your dream and explore all alternatives to make it happen. The only limits we have are those we place on ourselves.

My YouTube channel has trailers and samples of the music from the CD: http://www.youtube.com/user/sjohnson2221
My author website: authorscott.com
Twitter: DocScottJohnson

1 comment:

Scott said...

Thanks for interviewing me as part of my blog tour Debra!