Liz Johnson Interview

Q: How long have you been writing and what other careers or jobs have you had?
A. I wrote my first story when I was seven, and I kept at it all through elementary school, junior high and high school. In college I pursued a degree in public relations. It was always my goal to work in Christian publishing, even though I didn’t know much about the industry. After graduating, I worked in a bookstore then at a newspaper in the advertising sales department, and I kept writing. I was getting better, taking extra classes, and learning about the world of publishing. I landed my first job as a publicist for a Christian publisher in 2006, and Love Inspired Suspense published my first novel in the summer of 2009. Eight years later, I’m still working in Christian publishing—I’m the editorial and marketing manager for a nonfiction team at a major publisher in Nashville by day. And I write late at night (and over my lunch breaks) because I still have so many stories to tell.

Q: Do you write in only one genre and if so which one and why? If not, which ones and why?
A: I mostly write romantic suspense because I love the nail-biting moments in every book. But I also write contemporary romance, and I’ve even dabbled in historical romance with a novella that came out in 2010. Love is a running theme in all my books, so it just makes sense that I would write romances. Besides, I love happily ever afters.

Q: How does your faith play into your writing?
A. I’ve moved all over the country, both as a child and now as an adult, and the one constant I’ve found is that God is always with me. God’s love for his children astounds me, and I hope my writing reflects that. He’s always at work in my life, and usually, without planning it, the lessons that I’m learning show up in my characters’ lives, too.

Q: How do you choose your settings for your books?
A. The major setting for my Men of Valor miniseries about a team of navy SEALs was kind of chosen for me. SEALs are stationed in either Virginia or San Diego, and since I grew up about a three-hour drive from San Diego, it was an easy choice to make Southern California the hub for these books. Generally, I choose a place that I’ve been or create a fictional place to meet my story’s needs. I even invented an entire Middle Eastern country for SEAL Under Siege. I generally let the story tell me what it needs, and then I find a place that meets those requirements. It helps if I’m familiar with it, like I am with San Diego.

Q: Do you base your characters on people you know or are they totally made up?
A: My characters are entirely made up. Well, except for the dog, Henry, in my first book, The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn. He belongs to the sweet friend who encouraged me to finish that book, and in her honor, I let Henry play a key role in the final chapters.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release, Navy SEAL Noel?
A: Abducted by a drug cartel, scientist Jessalynn McCoy’s orders are simple—produce a deadly toxin, or be killed. Trapped with no options, she’s desperate for help…she just never expected it from Will Gumble. The boy who let her down years ago is now a navy SEAL. She trusts his skills, his experience. Yet trusting him is a struggle. Will’s Christmas wish is to heal their damaged relationship and get them to safety. But time is running out. Any mistake could mean the difference between spending the holidays together or apart forever.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for this story?
A: Will showed up in my first SEAL book, A Promise to Protect, and I just knew he was special. He had a bad habit of mouthing off to his superiors, but I could see his kind heart. I couldn’t wait to tell his story and meet his high school best friend, Jess. I knew from the beginning that Will had ruined his relationship with Jess, so I asked myself what would make him go after her ten years later. The entire story flowed out of that question.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?
A: First, that God is with us. Always. Even in the darkest, scariest moments. Second, that forgiveness is a choice. It’s a tough one, but trying to forgive is forgiving. It’s a process, a daily choice, and choosing it is the path to freedom.

Q: Tell us what you like about the main characters of this book.
A: I love that Jess says what’s on her mind, and Will doesn’t know how to respond. He can’t say what’s on his mind, or he risks revealing a secret that isn’t his to share. Will knows how to pick his battles. Jess is spunky and opinionated, and Will has to figure out how and when to put his foot down in order to keep her safe. But always, always, her safety is his top priority.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?
A. Right now I’m working on a contemporary romance series set on Prince Edward Island. The first book is scheduled to release from Revell in early 2016.

Q: If money were no object what vacation would you like to take and why?
A. I would love to visit Ireland and Scotland. Stunningly beautiful and rich with history. It sounds perfect to me.

Q: What is the silliest thing you have ever done?
A. My best friend and I completed a 5k Glo Run, which involved neon necklaces, oversized sunglasses, and springing antennae headbands. It was ridiculous, but such a fun night!

Q: What is the hardest thing you have ever done?
A. Going wherever God called. At 24 I moved 1100 miles away from my family. And at 28, I moved across the country. It’s hard to leave behind friends and family and everything familiar to be on your own in a city you’ve only been to once. Leaving is hard. Seeing God show up in unexpected ways in your new home is amazing. When I think I’m most alone, God reminds me he’s right there beside me.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?
A. Readers can keep up with me at www.LizJohnsonBooks.com, www.Facebook.com/LizJohnsonBooks, and www.Twitter.com/LizJohnsonBooks.

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?
A. Thank you so much for having me! It’s such a treat to be here.