WELCOME AUTHOR JOHNNIE ALEXANDER

WELCOME AUTHOR JOHNNIE ALEXANDER
Wednesday, August 5, 2015 by Patti Shene

Featured Book: Where Treasure Hides

Author: Johnnie Alexander

Publisher: Tyndale

Genre: Historical fiction

Series or stand alone: Stand alone

Target age: Adult

I AM PLEASED TO WELCOME AUTHOR JOHNNIE ALEXANDER! JOHNINIE INTRODUCES US TO HER NEW BOOK AND SHARES THOUGHTS ABOUT THE WRITING LIFE.

JONHNNIE IS OFFERING A GIVEAWAY OF WHERE TREASURE HIDES. CHECK BELOW TO SEE HOW TO ENTER TO WIN.

Johnnie, welcome to the Over 50 Writer! Tell us about Where Treasure Hides.

Thanks, Patti. I’m so excited to be here today and to share a little bit about my writing journey and my debut novel.

Tyndale released Where Treasure Hides as an ebook in 2013 and the print edition officially released on August 1^st. That’s right, just about a week ago. I found it in a couple of local bookstores—such a tremendous feeling. I took photos and call them my Treasure sightings.

The story’s heroine is Alison Schuyler, a Dutch-American artist who is smitten when she sees British officer Ian Devlin defending a young Kindertransport boy at a London train station. But this is August 1939, and a romance on the eve of impending war is a perilous plan.

During the war, Alison hides precious Dutch art and Jewish children while Ian escapes from a POW camp. Will they find each other again before the war destroys them both?

Why was it important for you to share the take away message found in Where Treasure Hides?

I didn’t write the story with one specific takeaway in mind, but one of my go-to verses is also Alison’s favorite, Proverbs 31:25: “Strength and honour are her clothing, and she rejoices in the days to come.”

Through her difficult experiences, Alison learns to trust her uncertain future to God. We all experience circumstances that make it extremely difficult to “rejoice in the days to come,” but trusting in God is key to finding this peace.

When did you first develop an interest in writing?

Writing is in my DNA, something I’ve always wanted to do. A turning point for me, though, was participating in National Novel Writing Month (nanowrimo.org). Writing 50,000 words in thirty days taught me that I could create characters and imagine a story. Both Where Treasure Hides and my next novel, Where She Belongs, started out as messy NanoNovels, but they’ve been extensively rewritten since then.

What was the most difficult part of your journey to publication and how did you overcome it?

At my age, it’s a given that I have less years ahead of me than behind me. But a publishing journey, for most people, is a long one. Each rejection seemed like a setback, and it’s difficult not to despair. My continual prayer, though, was that God would give me the right agent and the right publisher. When I received another “no,” I told myself that this wasn’t the right person for me. That helped to ease the hurt.

What steps did you take to obtain the right agent for you?

Agents attend writers conferences—and so did I! At the fourth Florida Christian Writers Conference I attended, the magic (kinda) happened. I met with an agent who passed my proposal along to Tamela Hancock Murray. And Tamela gave me a call!

What was the most valuable lesson you learned at your first writers conference?

I had a lot to learn about specific craft components such as show, don’t tell and deep point of view writing.

Do you wish you had started taking writing seriously at a different season in your life? Why or why not?

Absolutely! If I had started writing when I was in my twenties, I might have a backlist by now, have a huge fan base, and, and . . . J

Except . . . would the books I’m now writing be the books they are? And knowing how time-consuming it is to write a novel, what part of my past would I give up to make room for all those hours?

Not an easy question, is it? So while I do regret that I didn’t believe in myself enough to give it a go as a younger woman, I’m thankful for the blessings God is giving me now.

What advice do you have for new over 50 writers?

My advice is the same for new writers of any age:

join a critique group—your writing will improve both because of the comments you receive but also because you’ll learn from critiquing others;
attend a writers conference to grow in your craft and network with publishing professionals and other writers;
enter contests for the feedback on what’s working with your story and what’s not.

Back Cover Blurb for Where Treasure Hides

Artist Alison Schuyler spends her time working in her family’s renowned art gallery, determined to avoid the curse that has followed the Schuyler clan from the Netherlands to America and back again. She’s certain that true love will only lead to tragedy—that is, until a chance meeting at Waterloo station brings Ian Devlin into her life.

Drawn to the bold and compassionate British Army captain, Alison begins to question her fear of love as World War II breaks out, separating the two and drawing each into their own battles. While Ian fights for freedom on the battlefield, Alison works with the Dutch Underground to find a safe haven for Jewish children and priceless pieces of art alike. But safety is a luxury war does not allow.

As time, war, and human will struggle to keep them apart, will Alison and Ian have the faith to fight for their love, or is it their fate to be separated forever?

LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE PLACED IN THE DRAWING TO WIN A COPY OF WHERE TREASURE HIDES BETWEEN NOW AND WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19TH AT MIDNIGHT MDT.

Find Where Treasure Hides at:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Johnnie Alexander writes inspiring stories that linger in the heart. Where Treasure Hides, her debut novel, won the ACFW Genesis Contest (2011) and Golden Leaf Award (2014). Her first contemporary romance, Where She Belongs (Misty Willow Series; Revell), and her first novella, “The Healing Promise” (Courageous Bride Collection; Barbour), release in 2016.

She also has won Best Novel and Best Writer awards (Florida Christian Writers Conferences), and Bronze Medalist (My Book Therapy Frasier Contest). She volunteers as a category coordinator for the ACFW Genesis Contest, judges various contests, and serves as marketing director for the MidSouth Christian Writers Conference.

A graduate of Rollins College (Orlando) with a Master of Liberal Studies degree, Johnnie treasures family memories, classic movies, road trips, and stacks of books. She lives in the Memphis area with a small herd of alpacas and Rugby, the princely papillon who trees raccoons.

Find Johnnie on the web:

Blog

Facebook Profile (Friend or follow me!)

Facebook Author Page

Twitter

Amazon Author Page

Comments

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 8/25/2015 1:40:03 PM

Thank you, Johnnie, for addressing Janet's question about contests. Janet, I agree with Johnnie. The cost can be an issue, but if you have a good judge who really takes the time to evaluate your work, the feedback can be quite valuable.

Johnnie Alexander From Memphis, Tennessee At 8/25/2015 11:07:54 AM

Hi, Janet. Contests are an expense and the feedback is sometimes frustrating. But it's still a good way to find out what works and what doesn't with a story. If two judges point out the same strength/weakness--that's helpful! And if you score well, it's affirmation you're on the right track.

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 8/20/2015 5:16:02 PM

Hi Janet. Glad you enjoyed the interview. Thank you so much for stopping by!

Janet K. Brown From Wichita Falls, TX At 8/20/2015 5:01:10 PM

Love the interview, Patti. Johnnie, you're tips for writers is interesting. I've never thought contests were all that important. Maybe I need to rethink that philosophy. Good luck with the new book.

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 8/18/2015 10:12:47 AM

Sounds like fun, Johnnie! Enjoy those little ones. They grow up way too fast!

Johnnie Alexander From Memphis, Tennessee At 8/18/2015 10:09:27 AM

I'm in the lovely Sunshine State visiting my daughter, son-in-law, and three adorable grandboys. Heading home in a couple of days. Thanks again to everyone who has joined in the fun here. I love it!

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 8/17/2015 10:43:12 AM

Yes, Johnnie, we've been busy over here praising your book! Hope you had an enjoyable time away.

Johnnie Alexander From Memphis, Tennessee At 8/17/2015 9:28:48 AM

Wow! I've been traveling and didn't realize I was missing out on the fun going on here! Pat (from Mississippi) and Ann--thanks for sharing how much you love the story. Pat my cousin! It's so fun to see you on here!

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 8/14/2015 8:25:52 PM

Thank you for stopping by, Pat! I don't blame you for being proud of your cousin Johnnie!

Pat Campbell From Marietta, GA At 8/14/2015 7:54:07 PM

I am happy to say that Johnnie is my cousin and I am very proud of all she has accomplished. I am sorry to admit that I have not yet read this book. I would love to have a copy to read and proudly loan to my friends.

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 8/14/2015 7:40:59 PM

Hi Ann. Thank you for stopping by. So glad you enjoyed Where Treasure Hides. You are most definitely a contestant in the drawing.

Ann Ellison From Abilene, Texas At 8/14/2015 7:27:02 PM

Enjoyed reading this post. I have read and loved Where Treasures Hide. I did read it in e-book form and I would love to win a print copy for my library.

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 8/14/2015 7:24:17 PM

Thank you so much for stopping by to let readers know how much you enjoyed Johnnie's book, Pat!

Pat From Mississippi At 8/14/2015 7:04:22 PM

Just have to drop in and tell everyone what an awesome book Where Treasures Hide is! One of my al-time favorite books. But don't put me in the drawing--I have an e-version and a trade size!

Johnnie Alexander From Memphis, Tennessee At 8/11/2015 8:25:50 PM

Connie, that was such a sweet thing to say. Thank you! Patti, I agree about the School of Hard Knocks. Always an education.

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 8/10/2015 7:25:44 PM

We could never have written the stories we do when we were younger. Sometimes a degree from the University of Hard Knocks is the best education for a good writer! Thanks for stopping by, Connie!

Connie Saunders From Kentucky At 8/10/2015 11:35:53 AM

Johnnie, I think many of us think ""what if"" and wonder why we didn't try something sooner but often times, maturity is the key to success. I feel sure that God's plan will give you many more years to write and entertain your fans. Blessings! Connie

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 8/9/2015 8:04:37 PM

Hi Cindi & Gail. Writers conferences are wonderful! You get the opportunity to give your pitch face to face. Gail, I'm glad Johnnie's interview spoke to and encouraged you. Sorry I'm getting my response to you up late, ladies. Am staying with my sister on vacation & Internet service is sporadic.

gail Kittleson From Iowa At 8/9/2015 5:16:38 PM

Hi Johnnie, Thanks for giving me so many blogs to choose from to read about you! In this one, I definitely resonate to the hurt of rejection and the need to keep the goal in mind. So glad you did!! You don't need to put me in the drawing, since I'm already the happy owner of Treasure?thank you!

Johnnie Alexander From Memphis, Tennessee At 8/7/2015 11:27:32 AM

Hey, the internet imps strike when we least expect it! Thanks again for being such a great hostess.

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 8/6/2015 6:34:49 PM

Okay, Johnnie, I have now made the correction and the right book is on the post. Good grief! Again, I am sorry!

Johnnie Alexander From Memphis, Tennessee At 8/6/2015 1:19:40 PM

My internet disappeared for a moment; so distracting. I'm so sorry but I messed up on my replies. Deanna, please read the story and find out! (The epilogue may be my favorite part of the story. LOL) Elaine, thank you. Your comment encouraged me. It's all in God's timing, right?

Johnnie Alexander From Memphis, Tennessee At 8/6/2015 1:11:44 PM

Hi, Elaine. This is still one of my favorite eras, too. Though after Downton Abbey came on, I read Anne Perry's WWI series of novels. That's another fascinating time. Thanks for being here.

Johnnie Alexander From Memphis, Tennessee At 8/6/2015 1:07:34 PM

Cindi, this is one reason it's so important to attend writers conferences and become acquainted with the publishing professionals. You just never know what may happen.

Johnnie Alexander From Memphis, Tennessee At 8/6/2015 1:04:26 PM

Patti, thank you so much for showcasing Where Treasure Hides on your site. I'm honored to be here.

Cindi Altman From Pennsylvania At 8/6/2015 12:49:47 PM

I've heard that writing conferences are important for authors. How exciting that you met your agent and that she forwarded your proposal.

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 8/6/2015 8:37:07 AM

Thank you for stopping by, Deanna. I enjoy historical work as well. It amazes me how good writers can take me right back to that time in history.

Deanna S From Nebraska At 8/6/2015 8:28:49 AM

I'm needing to find out if Alison and Ian have the faith to fight for their love? I do enjoy reading stories about this time in history!

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 8/6/2015 8:03:18 AM

Hi Elaine. Thank you so much for stopping by. I believe God has some of us scheduled to bloom later in life. We just need to find our place on His timetable.

Elaine Stock From NY At 8/6/2015 3:24:13 AM

Johnnie, I was very encouraged by your words. I've often asked myself why I haven't pubbed years ago, but looking back my stories would have been different and I'm not disappointed on that level. Would love to win your book!