Sherri Wilson Johnson Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.
A. I live in Georgia with my husband and our Chihuahua. I love spending time with my grown children and friends or curling up with a good book or current work-in-progress. I enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles in the winter, watching Bob Ross painting videos (although I can’t paint), and I count the days every year until I can take another trip to the beach.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
A. I have always wanted to be a writer. I first began writing (telling) stories when I was 8 years old.

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?
A. I received my first book contract in 2008 from a small publisher. Later, they published my second book. After a few years of dissatisfaction, I decided to get my rights back and publish the books and their sequels myself. I have now published six Inspirational Romances. I recently signed a contract with Barbour Publishing for a novella collection set on the Erie Canal.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release Grafted into Deceit?
A: Disappearing business funds and a missing dead body have Marina Acres doubting everyone – including the detective who can’t solve his case without her help.
When Marina Acres launches an investigation to find her company’s missing money, she becomes a killer’s target and uncovers a tangled vine of deception in the process. Detective Steven Pennington, who suspects drugs are at the root of the problem, must keep Marina safe from the killer while keeping himself from falling for yet another victim. Marina refuses to believe that her business partner could be part of a drug trafficking ring, but when evidence points its finger at her, she must join the fight with Steven to weed out the killer.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for Grafted into Deceit?
A: Driving down the road one night around a dark and scary curve, I envisioned someone running out in front of me and what would happen afterward. This became the inspiration for the opening scene of the book.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?
A: Even though there are untrustworthy people in this world, there are people you can trust. It’s okay to let people help in a time of need.

Q: What inspires you to write?
A. Knowing that the message I write will possibly be used to help bring someone closer to God and closer to themselves.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?
A. I am now working on my Erie Canal story, called The Bridge Between Us, for the Barbour collection.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?
A. I love to read and spend time with family and friends. If I’m feeling adventurous, I like to ride roller coasters.