Today we are delighted to introduce one of our new writing interns here at Kingdom Pen! We had the honor of interviewing Grace A. Johnson, and we are presenting the interview here for you today!
Thank you so much Grace Johnson for doing this interview!
Kingdom Pen: Tell us a little bit about yourself. What are three interesting facts?
Grace Johnson: Well, I wouldn’t call myself an interesting person, per se, but three things you might not know about me are:
#1 I am the oldest of seven kids—our ages range from fifteen to two. We’re all homeschooled, as well.
#2 I prefer tea over coffee. The latter makes me nauseous. I’m finding that I prefer peach herbal tea and rooibos to any other kind—particularly chamomile. I can’t even make myself like chamomile tea.
#3 I have no other talent but writing. I am a self-taught hobbyist—I paint everyday objects that still turn out abstract, draw roses, sing in the shower, dance ballet, bake spelt flour cookies, cook pretty much anything, sew by hand, graphic design, and take mediocre photographs. In other words, I just write.
KP: What are your goals as a writer?
GJ: Ah, the question for which I have virtually no answer. To be honest, I have a long and slightly unrealistic writer’s bucket list that includes things like “Have one of my books made into a major motion picture” and “Collaborate on a novel/series with insert really famous author’s name here,” but, uh, I don’t know how well all of that will go over.
The more realistic answer is far simpler. I self-published my first novel back in Spring of 2019, so my upcoming goals are (1) to have at least one novel traditionally published (I’d like to remain a predominately indie author) and (2) inspire other young Christian writers to pursue God’s calling on their lives.
More than anything else in the world, I want to follow God’s will for my life. At this point, that’s to be a writer. In a few years, that may mean being a wife and mother or a missionary. While in this stage, I want to reach others for Christ and encourage my fellow writers to reach for the stars!
KP: What is your favorite thing to write - poetry, short stories, novels, screenplays, etc?
GJ: Novels are #1, for me. That being said, I’ve become partial to poetry within the last several months, so I’ve been tapping into my more inspired side and trying my hand at a few poems. I’ve not yet gotten the hang of the rules and methods, so *shrugs* I’m not sure what will become of it. I’ve only ever posted one poem on my blog because I’m too ashamed at the poor quality at this point.
Lately, I’ve been learning the art of the short story and novella, and I’ve written a few of those. I prefer the length and freedom of the novel, but there’s something enticing and less stressful about shorter projects.
I once wanted to write a screenplay. Suffice it to say I like narrative way too much.
KP: What genre of writing are you particularly drawn to?
GJ: Predominantly romance, to be honest. (I’m sure I stepped on a few toes there.) Almost everything I write, regardless of the subgenres or settings, includes romance. I do have a few projects that are a little lax on the romance, though.
All but one of my published works are historical, and I’ve found that to be my most comfortable niche (Bonus: my favorite time periods are Victorian, Regency, and the Golden Age of Piracy; but I love them all.)
However, I’ve always been a fantasy and mystery girl, from the moment I could read. I’ve been fiddling with a wide variety of fantasy stories and series, but it’s been only recently that I’ve found a few that click.
I try to incorporate mystery, action/adventure, and suspense into everything I write (which is really quite easy when one writes pirate novels), and God is #1, of course.
So, long story short, I write them all, but historical romance will no doubt remain the predominant genre throughout the rest of my writing career.
KP: Which author has most influenced the way you write?
GJ: I love this question! There are so many! The authors that have influenced what I write about are Jerry B. Jenkins, Frank E. Peretti, C.S. Lewis, Melanie Dickerson (I would not be where I am today if not for her), Jody Hedlund, Lynn Morris, MaryLu Tyndall, and Roseanna M. White. Some of my greatest inspirations are in fact television shows, but I won’t get into that. It’s a long list!
The authors who have influenced how I write are the ones from which I drew my voices. I say voices because I write so many! I have one that belongs to my most favorite character, Rina, one inspired by Jane Austen, one inspired by Georgette Heyer, a few I’ve created for other characters, and one I developed for myself (which was inspired by the Holy Spirit).
Julie Lessman has also greatly impacted the way I write and what I write about. The way she uses everyday words and phrases to convey something entirely new, the way she writes such fantastic romance, and the way she infuses her stories with the power of the Holy Spirit is simply amazing!
KP: What’s your favorite thing about Kingdom Pen?
GJ: EVERYTHING! I’d never been part of a writing community prior to discovering KP in August of 2020. Granted, I’d never been part of anything writing-related or any community (aside from Goodreads, but I don’t count that).
I adore the people, first of all! Some of the coolest people, greatest minds, and kindest hearts are here on Kingdom Pen! I’ve made a ton of new friends and gained a lot of confidence in myself and my writing.
Secondly, I love KP for KP! Everything about them—their mission, resources, and heart for God—is admirable and inspiring. I’m so proud to be a part of their team!
Third, the KP forum is just fantastic! Everyone is so sweet and encouraging, fun and creative, and so full of joy! I really enjoy having an outlet to ask questions, get feedback, and share ideas and inspiration.
(And I used a lot of exclamation marks in that answer!)
KP: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment? (It’s okay to brag a little on this one!)
GJ: Y’all, my conscience is telling me to refrain from bragging... but it’s just too difficult! Honestly, I can only boast in Christ. I couldn’t have made it as far as I have without Him, that’s for sure! I consider self-publishing six books in a year and a half my biggest accomplishment, by far. Technically, that’s two full-length novels, a novella, and three short stories, so it’s not all that much, but I’m very proud of the progress I’ve made. None of the books are perfect (and I probably should have waited to publish them), but I’m so glad that my babies books are out there for people to read and enjoy!
I did the math the other day and found out that—between unseen chapters, several uncompleted manuscripts, my published works, etc—I have written about 500k in only five years of writing! Considering that, about six years ago, I absolutely hated writing of any sort, 100k a year is a pretty big accomplishment. I haven’t ever been that dedicated to anything in my short lifespan, so that’s actually very encouraging to me that God has given me the much-needed motivation and passion for writing!
On that note, I recently hit the 130k mark in my WIP, which makes this the longest project in the terms of word count and how long I’ve been working on it. I started outlining in December of 2019 and writing in March of 2020. I’m excited at how far I’ve come, but I’ve still got a long way to go before I reach The End.
KP: Do you have something to say to the KeePers of Pen? Sage pieces of advice? Words of encouragement? Random tidbits?
GJ: Well, if there’s anything I wish someone had told me when I first started out, it would be “Don’t follow the rules.” There is no denying the impact “rules” and advice can have on a wet-behind-the-ears writer. Sometimes it builds them up, but most of the time, the pressure only serves to stifle their creativity.
It’s creative writing for a reason, guys. I’ll be honest with y’all (I mean, I wouldn’t lie), I don’t draft or plot and I barely outline. I begin sentences with and and but (grave offenses in the world of college English teachers). I don’t do anything anyone advises writers to do. I say all that to say that writing is both a craft and an art. You have to work at it, feel your way through. Learn what works for you. Some writers stick to a schedule, an outline, and a list of rules. Others write when the inspiration strikes and flit from one project to the other. That doesn’t make them less of an author than the other or their stories better or worse. It’s simply what works for them.
Find your voice, your style, and go with it! Don’t let the “rules,” other writers, or societal norms dictate how you follow God’s call!
They’re more like guidelines anyway.
Also, if anyone ever does an interview with you and you write extremely long answers for each question, don’t feel ashamed. You’re not the only one!
KP: What’s the premise of the story you're currently working on?
GJ: Ooh, ooh! Well, I’m working on more projects than one, but since I’m committing the most time to only one in particular, I’ll stick with it! No spoilers, though. I promise.
It’s called Bound and Determined, and is the third book in a six-novel series (I say six-novel because I have a few short stories interspersed throughout). It’s a continuation of my last two novels, telling the story of my favorite child MC, Rina, whose life first began changing drastically when she found out—wait. Nope. Never mind. Spoilers! I’d give you BAD’s blurb, but it’s kind of long, so let me see if I can summarize it.
A female ex-pirate captain is faced with the opportunity to pirate again—this time to save the life of an innocent child. Will she risk her life and family for a stranger, or will she leave the young girl and her sister floundering? Either path is too great a sacrifice.
KP: What is your favorite thing about writing?
GJ: Oh, now this is a tough one. I love so much of it! I honestly can’t imagine where I’d be if I weren’t writing. No, wait. I can. I’d be dancing (or I would’ve been, until COVID), and I no doubt would’ve been miserable. Not that I don’t love dancing; it’s just far more physical stress than I can handle.
Although that’s not to say I handle the mental and emotional stress of being a writer all that well either.
Right then. Well, we know the pressure isn’t my favorite thing.
I love creating worlds, people, love stories. I love witnessing to others through my writing. I love being a creative vessel of the Holy Spirit. I love seeing my dreams come to life across the page. I love pouring my heart and soul into something so beautiful and fulfilling. I love bleeding onto paper and my laptop keyboard. (That was supposed to sound romantic, but somehow plastic computer keys don’t cut it.)
But I think my most favorite thing—aside from all the creating and all the wording and all the amazing characters—is when I’m not the one writing. Seriously. When God begins to speak through me, write through me, and I walk away from my computer with Holy Spirit-written words on my screen, the most wondrous feeling overwhelms me. It’s not something I can put into words…it’s not something my mind can even comprehend. I just know, even if I’m at my most discouraged and depressed point, that God has a purpose and a plan for my writing. Even if no one else understands or even enjoys my writing, He does. The Creator of the cosmos has a hand in every word I write, and that’s enough.
KP: What is your biggest struggle as a writer? Biggest fear?
GJ: Writing. Not writing enough.
Let me explain. My biggest struggle is time management. I have (1) very little time to write (which I should be doing now…) and (2) very little focus on writing. Procrastination is every writer’s mortal enemy, after all, so that’s nothing new, I suppose. I have a million and one projects that I work on within a span of four hours a day, so balancing all of it (reading, blogging, school, learning to drive, scrolling through Pinterest, checking my email, watching Lifehouse music videos) is a challenge. Granted, some of that is probably unnecessary, but I’m only human.
My biggest fear is...gosh. I hate to admit to being afraid—we’re not called to have spirits of fear, you know. But there’s no denying that we all have weak moments. In those weak moments, I wonder if it’s worth it. If I’m worthy of it. If anyone even cares. Yes, yes. Teen writer angst, I know. But there are times when I need confirmation that what I’m doing is impacting other people—even if in just a small way. That I’m not the only one who cares. I think my biggest fear is simply not being enough, in multiple ways.
(Y’all do realize I’m admitting my deepest, darkest secrets to you, right? Don’t abuse this privilege.)
This is getting depressing. Moving on!
KP: What does your daily writing routine like?
GJ: Routine? Dang, I wish I had one! Well, with two toddler siblings, I get absolutely no down-time, me time, or quiet time until—you guessed it—nap-time! I only get about an hour or two in the afternoons to write blog posts, check my email (which you don’t realize takes a tremendous amount of time until you actually have an email...or two), write book reviews, do research, procrastinate.
My best writing time is always at night, while everyone in the entire house (except for my dad, most nights) is pleasantly asleep. I save the actual writing for the two hours I get then. Unlike tonight, I’ll usually write about five hundred words to make my daily goal. On the extremely rare (note the sarcasm) occasion that I have stuff to do, I’ll forgo writing for the night to finish up on other things. Like reading or blogging or designing.
KP: Tell us about your favorite (or the most memorable) character you’ve created! (Write as much as you want! No, really!)
GJ: I’mma take y’all up on that. Well, I did the math and I have roughly 3,700 characters (that’s one idea a day, two characters per idea, everyday for five years), so this will be an interesting question to answer.
Right off the bat, one of my favorite characters is Rina. I’m not certain if I should call her a favorite or memorable or what—I think, if it weren’t for how I close I am to her, I might not like her much at all. We are total opposites in every way. (Which is hilarious, because every single one of my other characters are almost exactly like me.) And she’s kind of annoying at times. Not personality-wise...just how difficult she is.
That being said, she’s a part of me. She has a voice. I can think and speak in her voice sometimes (but, no, I do not hear voices inside my head). She certainly wasn’t my first ever character, but she’s my first published one, first first-person one, and overall one of my favorite characters to write.
I have yet to create a hero or heroine who is actually my complete favorite, because they all end up either becoming too much like me or because I’m not sure what exactly I’m looking for in a favorite. However, several characters stick out to me as being absolutely amazing, unique, and voted Most Likely to Succeed in the Book World.
(Note: I originally wrote a detailed description of the four characters I will soon tell you about, but once I reviewed it and realized it was (1) over five hundred words long and (2) informative to the point of being confusing, I decided to keep things short and sweet.)
So, I realize that the question was about my favorite character, as in, only one. So honorable mentions go to Lady Samantha, Rhys Sterling, Keaton Clarke, and Ramson Grantham.
Lady Sam is one of my most hilarious characters ever! She is so fun and unique and I just can’t wait to write her! Rhys is my version of Rhett Butler. What more can I say? Keaton is one of the POV characters in my WIP, and somehow, he’s become me. I’m learning my life lessons by teaching him his! And then Ransom? Well, he is my worst villain EVER! So, yeah, he is definitely a memorable character.
KP: I know that you are a self-published author! What’s that like? Do you have any advice for any KeePers who are thinking about self-publishing?
GJ: This is probably my favorite questions of them all! I’m so glad you asked! First of all, I absolutely love being a self-published author! I mean, I’ve put deadlines and needless pressure on myself...but it’s worth it. Every time I see that someone’s reading one of my books or I read a new review, my heart swells!
I think it goes without saying that I am a staunch supporter of self- and indie-publishing. The possibilities are endless! You get all the rights to your manuscript and don’t have to deal with contracts and legal mumbo-jumbo. You get the opportunity to publish—you don’t have to go through rejection after rejection or have to edit your story down to the bone just to make it marketable.
I’ve been talking to several KeePers about self-published lately, and their biggest concerns are (1) the audience, (2) making money, and (3) quality.
With traditional publishing, you’ve already got a readership right at your fingertips before you even publish your novel. The publishing company has readers patiently awaiting their next release—and then they put their well-known name on your book and market it like crazy. You don’t have to worry about getting your story into the hands of readers.
But with self-publishing, you do. That’s what most of everyone worries about—getting readers. I mean, your friends and family will surely read your book, but other people? True readers? Reviewers? People who need to read your book and the message you wrote into it? It seems like a lot of work to get one book to that many people, the kind of work one unknown author can’t do.
However, your audience should be the last of your worries. Don’t let the success and widespread reach of traditional publishing sway you. God will lead people to your book—and there are things you can do to help that. Unlike five or ten years ago, there are numerous resources that are either free or inexpensive that allow you to create a readership. Sites like Booksprout and Bookfunnel get ARCs and review copies into the hands of readers and reviewers. Sites like IndieStoryGeek are free to join and get your book in the indie community. The infamous Goodreads is probably the best way to establish a readership, starting with being a reader yourself!
If that’s not something a writer worries about, it’s money. Seriously! You can’t deny that making at least some profit off of your book isn’t an alluring prospect. It takes money to self-publish a book to begin with, and after that, you certainly want to make something back. Traditional is often thought of as the money-maker, but it’s not. You can make the same amount, if not more, with indie. How? By being in full control of your royalties and manuscript. You can pick a publishing platform that allows you a royalty percentage you feel comfortable with, and then you can market your book however you like! With Kindle Direct Publishing, I can even purchase my books at a discount and resell them for more than what I make on Amazon—I’ve made most of my profit that way.
But then there’s quality. Indie books are often dissed for being poor quality, unedited, and having crappy covers. It doesn’t have to be this way, folks! You can create a quality book for cheap! Some platforms, like KDP, assign you free ISBNs and give you access to a cover creator, or you can use tools like Canva for creating a quality cover and apps like Grammarly and Hemingway Editor to self-edit. (Granted, I recommend at least having betas. Please don’t rely on your own editing skills. They like to hide when you work on your own writing, trust me.) For inexpensive, you can buy premade covers or commission one made—and, let me tell you, there are some fantastic designers out there! Family, friends, or even school teachers can make great editors, or you can hire editors and critics (like Jenna Terese, Jane Maree, R.M. Archer, and Hope Ann) for a decent price.
To sum up that extremely long answer, I would say to writers considering self-publishing two things: Don’t let indie/self’s bad rap turn you away. The indie industry is growing, and more and more people are becoming aware of the talent writers have and the merits of self-publishing. What’s more, don’t rush into things. I know it sounds great—self-publishing a book takes, like, two days—but do your research. Find the platform that’s right for you. And polish your manuscript. Just because you don’t have agents and editors breathing down your neck doesn’t mean you can throw something together and call it worth reading. Take your time. Edit. Rewrite. Edit again. Have alpha and beta readers.
Take it from me—I rushed into publishing with my first novel, and I wish I hadn’t. I don’t regret publishing Held Captive at all, but I should have waited and had a quality manuscript to put out there. Do your research. Pray about it. And take it one step at a time.
Anyway, I know that was a very long answer, but maybe you didn’t skip it and you felt encouraged to self-publish your book. Trust me, it’s worth it. Your story is worth it!
KP: If you could be any character from a novel for a day, who would it be and why?
GJ: Well, seeing as how there is no specification of whether or not it’s one of my characters or someone else’s, I’ll do both.
If I could be any of my characters...hmm...I should probably pick the one with the easiest life...which leaves pretty much no one to choose from! To be honest, I would really love to be Rina. Yeah, I’ve ruined her life a hundred times over, but I’d be her on a good day. I mean, who doesn’t want to sail the seven seas as a pirate? Er, privateer?
Now, if I had to be someone else’s character? My initial answer would be Julie Lessman’s Charity O’Connor—but that’s only because I am SO in love with her love interest Mitch. Basically, if I could be Mitch’s wife, I’d be content for the rest of my life. (Seriously. Just let me fangirl, will ya?)
But seeing as how I wouldn’t actually want to be Charity herself and that being married to Mitch Dennehy is a very shallow reason, I’ll pick another character. *pauses to think*
Well, I wish I could live in the Regency era like any of Jane Austen’s heroines, or could go on fantastical adventures like the Pevensies.
But really? I’m fine being me!
Grace A. Johnson
Grace A. Johnson first began writing at four. Of course, in those days her stories were merely scribbles. As time went on, she went from princess stories to Barbie picture books to some of her very first novels at ten.
Held Captive was one of the first, and was published after nearly two years of hard work. She is now a college student balancing her home-life with her schooling and her writing. Her greatest inspiration is her Savior and friend, Jesus Christ, and her one mission is to reach others for him.
She writes at: https://www.graceajohnson.com
Become an Unstoppable Writer!
This is AWESOME! I really loved all of your answers, and the ones about self-publishing really helped me, because I’m not sure (this is very far off ofc, I’m not even half through my first novel XD) whether I want to trad pub or not. Anyways, this was a great article, and I’d like to see more interviews like this!! 😀
Thank you, Grace!! I had a ton of fun doing this interview, and I’m so glad I was able to help you concerning publishing! If you ever have any questions, you can always shoot me an email!!
Brilliant interview, my lady! I really love seeing more about you and your writing!
Aw, thank you so much!!! 🙂
Great interview, Grace!! Girl, you’ve been a huge inspiration for my own writing. After seeing all of your achievements as a writer, it really motivates me and has pushed me to work harder than ever 🙂
AWWWW! Lexi!!! Thank you so much!!! I’m so glad I’ve inspired you!!!!! <3 You are such a fabulous writer, my friend!
Of course!! I mean it <3 And thank you!! That means a lot to hear, especially being a first-time novelist! : )
<3 You're so welcome!!!! You are leagues beyond most first-timers, and GURL you have mastered the art of creating heart-stealing characters, because within two chapters, you had me fangirling over everybody! And I don't usually start fangirling so soon! 🙂
Aw, thank you!!! 🙂 You just made me smile so big!!! (And I’m so happy so many people like my characters–I was worried they wouldn’t be likable!) Thank you! <3
You’re so welcome!! Girl, they are fantabulous!!!
This is so excellent Grace! Brilliant answers and all your writerly achievements are awesome!
Aw, thank you so much, Abigail!! 🙂
Ooh, this was great!
Thank you!
AH! So much amazingness in this interview! I really enjoyed getting to learn more about you, your writing, and your characters. Oh, and Rina sounds awesome. 🙂
All thanks to you and your fantastic questions! Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity! I feel like I’ve learned more about myself! XD And thank you! I’ll tell her you said that! 😉
I looove do reading your interview, @gracie-j !!! (honestly, I saw myself in a looot of the answers you gave, including night-time writing, being the oldest of a lot of siblings, graphic designing, 2019 being the year I published EoS, and even a lot of our favorite authors!! XD) I TOTALLY need to check out Held Captive!!! What are some other books you published?? (Also, I didn’t know you were published XD)
Also, there is a website I sell my pre-made book covers on called thebookcoverdesigner.com! You might think about looking at that if you want to make a few extra bucks! (You control pricing on your covers.)
God bless you and your family!! (And your writing career ;D)
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! Wow, there are a ton of similarities!! I’ve published seven books (four short stories, a novella, and two novels): Held Captive, Prisoner at Heart, The Gift of Her Heart, A Christmas to Remember, Home for Christmas, The River, and Six O’clock!
I didn’t know you were published either, until the other day, so…
Ohmygosh, for real?? I’ll so have to check that out!!! That sounds like the coolest thing ever!
God bless you too!!! <3
Aaaahhh, GRACE!!! This was AWESOME!!! Also, I’m reallyyyy happy that you put in the part about not following the rules in the post. Gonna be honest, I’m someone who always feels like I have to do A, B, and C, just ’cause a writer or someone said that’s how you do it, and it makes writing not as fun. :,( But, I’m gonna try to just forget the rules, ’cause there’s times when they’re just not needed!!!!!!!!!!! LOOOVED reading your answers to the questions!!!!!!!!! <333
Thank you!!! I was actually hesitant to say that (because I know the rules work for some), but I stand by that non-rule proudly! Never feel like you have to conform! 🙂
I have purchased and read your first two novels. I thoroughly enjoyed each of them. Like you, I love the Victorian Age. I am so inspired by you as a writer, but more so at how you are a beautiful young Christian lady. I hope to meet you in person someday.
May God continue to bless you is my prayer.
Aw, thank you so much, Mrs. Carter!! I’m so glad you enjoyed my novels! I hope to meet you as well!! God bless!
Amazing spotlight, Gracie! I loved reading all your answers!
Thank you so much!!
I’ve published two picture books already, just like you! (Not trying to brag, but I’m pretty sure I published my first one when I was twelve, and I’m fourteen now.) Most of my novels are fanfictions–the Warriors and Wings of Fire series get the most attention–but I have two possibly novel length original stories. One’s called Griffin Darkwing, about the titular character crashing on a world full of centaur-like beasts (but instead of being half horse they’re half dinosaur) and he ends up having to help them battle off evil dragons…. The other doesn’t have a name, it’s about a girl named Torrent and her cat, Beaumont, who can write, read, etc. It’s not dystopian but it’s about her and her friends/family fighting the dictator of their planet, Indy.
Congratulations!!! That’s an amazing accomplishment!! I love the sound of your idea!!