Cheshire based author Victoria Johns writes racy romance and has a legion  of followers, eagerly waiting for her next book. She says:

“I love a fairy tale; a badass fairy tale where a beautiful real girl meets a protective guy who will move the earth and stars to give her that happily ever after.  My kind of fairy tales are full of girls with life-long friendships, hot guys, twists and turns, oh and the odd villain or two!”

With new book Survivor recently published and flying off the shelves I tracked her down and over a cup of coffee found out about the author behind the books…

Tell me a little bit about yourself…

I’m a little bit crazy!  I have a wonderful husband and son, who keep me on my toes and indulge me all my writing endeavours.  I sometimes have to pinch myself because I can’t believe I’m living the dream! I love to sew and am having a blast learning the techniques required to master the art of dress making.  I’ve made lots of friends in the crafting community, who understand why I love writing, especially with the crazy topics of conversation that can spring up across a sewing table.  When I’m not sewing or writing I try to get out and see some of Cheshire’s country side on my bike and am a member of a local cycling club.

When did you first realise you were going to be a writer?

I look back and think I’ve always had a touch of flair for this kind of thing, although my family would call this drama!  The stories that I’ve created have been bumbling around in my head for a while and I set out to achieve getting a book published before I hit the age of 40.  I did it with six months to spare and have just carried on because it is an achievement to be proud of and such good fun!

How do you go about researching detail and ensuring your books are realistic?

When I wrote the first draft of my first book, I had a specific place in setting and community in mind.  I wanted my characters to have jobs that were nothing like anything I’ve ever done, because I figured it would be a great chance to learn something new.  Where I didn’t have a clue about a character’s job, I researched using the internet or by getting in touch with people or organisations who did have the knowledge.  The town I’ve created, it a fictional place, with fictional people and it’s my dream town… but that’s possible because it’s full of sinfully hot guys!

Do you have a special place for writing and dedicate a certain number of hours per day and are you self-disciplined enough to stick to it? 

I do have a writing room, I call it The Cave.  If I’m pressing towards a deadline, I will hole up in there but a lot of the time I will follow the sun, the view or the peace and quiet.  I write long hand, in pretty books with lush pens, so I love seeing the flow of words.  I try not to get bogged down by setting a target number of words during a session.  If I have an idea, I will go for it or make notes until I have time to explore further.  If the story has gone to place that I didn’t expect, I’m OK to sit it out and wait for the inspiration to find me again.

When you’re not writing, what do you like to read?

I love to read books in the genre that I write, that’s why I love writing the stories that I do.  I’m a member of a book club and make a point of not suggesting a book, I find it refreshing to have someone else who prefers a different genre, give me something that I probably would never normally choose.  As a result, I’ve read some great historical fiction, thrillers and titles by authors I’ve not come across.  I love the surprise of it, I don’t read the blurb, I just dive right in and love the story for the surprises it delivers.

Is it true that you should never say anything interesting to an author because you’re bound to see it in print eventually?

In some cases yes, although you do hear the phrase ‘I’ve got a great story for you…’ a lot when you go out for a drink.  I tend to find myself using phrases, descriptions and characteristics of people I meet in my stories rather than their experiences themselves.

Do you feel sad when you’ve finished writing a book?

It’s always a mixture of emotions.   Sad that you’re time with those characters are over, joy that you’ve got the end and then fear… that all those tiny words will not mean as much to someone else as they do to you at the very moment.

Why did you start to write?

I made the mistake of saying, “I’ve got an idea for a series,” to a friend, who just said, “well get on with it.”  With the opportunity to self-publish, I just went for it.

Do you know the ending to your book when you start to write it? Have you ever changed the ending after you started to write?

I write sexy stories, so I know who will end up with whom, but how they actually get there is a mystery!  I don’t plan in a structured creative writing sense, I find that restrictive.  E.L Doctorow says, “Writing a novel is like driving a car at night.  You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.”  When I read that for the first time, I knew it was my creative style being described.

How do you come up with your characters, are they based on people you have met or events that have happened in your life?

Some of the characters are based on people I know and love and I’m one of them! I didn’t know I’d carry on after I started writing the first and thought if I only write one book, I’m going to be in it!

What’s the new book SURVIVOR  about?

A girl with a troubled past is on the run and trying to start again, whilst keeping her secrets hidden.  We all know that past troubles usually come looking for you and when they do, they need a guy with specialist skills to keep them from dragging her back down again.  The problem is, her secrets come with their own specialist skills, and these are ones that put them both in harm’s way.

 And the series?

The Soul Mates Series is a spin off from the original Soul Sisters Series.  People, who love the first series, will have the chance to catch up with their favourite original characters as their paths cross over.  The Soul Sisters were all around the leading ladies getting the guys that can keep them out of the trouble, this new series, centres on a new set of guys who trip across that one special person when they least expect it. The new book Survivor can be read as a standalone novel, or slots into the original series at any point.

If you could chose to be a character from ‘Survivor‘, who would you be and why?

The lead female, Lacey.  She’s young, vibrant and not afraid of fighting for what she wants.  She’s had a difficult childhood and worked hard to be the best person she can be… and she gets to fall in love for the first time, a truly wonderful feeling!

Twenty words on why Survivor should be a reader’s next read…

It’s a badass fairy story, the happily ever after is hard fought for and it’ll bring out your wild side.

What do you like to do when not writing?

Sewing, cycling and sneaking cuddles from my son who is too cool to hug his mum!

What’s next for Victoria Johns as a writer?

As most writers will tell you, there are always stories bubbling in their heads, demanding a life of their own.  I can’t wait for them to come to life. 

I’ll be attending the Manchester Author Event on August 13^th and the Sandbach Author Event on 5^th November.  I would love to meet as many people as possible who get involved in our wonderful book world, if you’re going please come along and say hello!

Download SURVIVOR here: SURVIVOR

You can contact the lovely Victoria Johns here:

Twitter: @victoriajohns75

Facebook

Website

Literature festivals and author talks abound at the moment and I’ve been to some really great talks over the last few weeks. These included the more memorable:  Hentertaining with the brilliant poet Helen Kay who had me is stitches with her chicken poetry…To being  glued to the screen as Sarah Raven  talked about her new book Good Good Food which had me completely re-thinking my diet.

And publisher Eleanor Dryden and crime author Angela Clarke (Follow Me) made a great double act at the Northwich LitFest – they had some interesting writing and publishing insights to share.

So what makes a good author event? I have to admit I have nodded off at one or two and was amazed when a very high profile failed to deliver to an audience desperate to grab a snippet of anything related to the author’s fascinating life.

From the London Book Fair to Cheltenham and Hay – I love these events and have high expectations. One of my favourite author talks was by David Suchet at Cheltenham – such an interesting man! I’m also looking forward to hearing #1 best-selling, self-publisher, Tracey Bloom at the RNA Conference in a few weeks time when she will talk about self-publishing prior to getting a publishing deal. I met Tracey a few years ago at the Chipping Festival and she was just about to launch No One Ever Has Sex On A Tuesday – even then it was clear that she was going to go global.

A few months ago I started an author social group. With fellow author Nikki Ashton we came up with The Cheshirati and now meet once a month with authors from Cheshire and the surrounding counties. It is a great group and so inspiring to chat to other authors about the one topic that binds us all – writing. I always come away feeling very inspired and humbled to have spent time in the company of some very inspirational people and we are planning author events for the coming months.

Nikki and I spoke at the Northwich LitFest , run by romance author Susie Osborne. We’d thought about how to structure the event but having never done one together had no idea how it would work. I have to say that it was great fun, a real learning curve and something that we can work on and hopefully roll out. We asked our readers (via social media) what questions they would like answered and used some of these in the talk. There were some great questions from, Is it true that you should never say anything interesting to an author because you’re bound to see it in print eventually? to Is it all worth it? and really made me think about my own writing life. Nikki is hugely successful as a self-publisher and the audience seemed very interested in the Indie V Trad publishing debate.

Author talks are a great way to get inspiration. Whether you aspire to achieve the same success of merely glean a nugget of useful information that will help your writing in some way. To be in a room with like-minded people is very energising. I’m not sure if I like giving talks. I find it very daunting to stand before a sea of expectant faces and always have my fingers crossed, hoping that they’ll be friendly. Nothing puts you off more when someone yawns or another keeps checking their mobile, however it is a great feeling when, at the end, folk buzz around to talk to you and buy books.

My next talk is on Tuesday 21st June. It is part of the Hotair Fringe Event at this years Stoke Literary Festival .

More events will follow in due course with authors from the lovely Cheshirati group.

For details of The Cheshirati please contact on our Facebook page:

What’s your favourite literary / author event and what would you ask the author?

C xx

OUT NOW

Coffee Tea The Caribbean & Me  Amazon Best Seller

“Your perfect summer read!”

I’m delighted to host the lovely author Sheryl Browne on my blog today. Her new book, Learning To Love is now available and is one of this summer’s must-reads …

Over to you Sheryl!

Thank you so much, Caroline, for featuring me on your lovely blog. Thank you too to all those readers and book-bloggers for your wonderful support. The road to publication can sometimes be a little bit bumpy. Without you, I might still be languishing down the potholes.

Details of my new book:

Sometimes help comes from the most unlikely places …

Living in a small village like Hibberton, it’s expected that your neighbours help you in a time of need. But when Andrea Kelly’s house burns down, taking all her earthly possessions with it, it’s the distant and aloof Doctor David Adams – the person she would least expect – who opens his door not just to her, but to her three kids and slightly dotty elderly mother as well.

Andrea needs all the help she can get, dealing with aftermath of the fire and the suspicious absence of her husband, Jonathan. But, as she gets to know David and his troubled son, Jake, she begins to realise that maybe they need her help as much as she needs theirs …

~~~

Learning to love is here! Could it have ever found a more perfect home than with Choc Lit, where heroes are like Chocolate: irresistible?

Could it have ever found a more beautiful cover?

Would you like to see the video?

https://youtu.be/h5qbZycC8y4

Here is an excerpt…

David turned his attention back to his son, who was surrounded by a sea of photographs, he realised. Photographs of Michelle, from the albums in the spare room.

Cautiously, David walked across to stand by Jake’s side. Then, hands in pockets, he waited again, wondering what to say that could even begin to heal their relationship. What would he want to hear, if he were Jake?

Sorry perhaps? Wholly inadequate, David knew, but it might be a start.

He looked down at his son, whose head was bent in concentration on his endeavours.

He needed a haircut. Needed a lot of things.

David closed his eyes as he noticed the bottle of perfume tucked in the corner of Jake’s Adidas shoebox.

Michelle’s perfume.

Because Jake wanted something to remind him of her.

‘Need any help, Jake?’ David asked softly.

Jake didn’t answer. That was okay. David didn’t really expect him to. He swallowed back a lump in his throat, then took a gamble, crouched down next to Jake – and silently waited.

Biding his time, he studied the photographs quietly alongside his son. ‘You’ve chosen all the good ones,’ he ventured.

Jake did respond then, somewhere between a nod and a shrug.

‘Not many fun ones though.’ David reached for a photograph. One he’d taken himself on what turned out to be their last time at the theme park together: Michelle, Jake in front of her on the log flume, both shrieking with laugher and soaked through to the skin.

Probably the last time she had laughed – with him.

David breathed in, hard. ‘I did make her sad, Jake,’ he said quietly. ‘I’m sorry. I know it doesn’t help much, but … I wish I hadn’t.’

Jake’s head dropped even lower.

‘She did laugh though, you know, Jake. With you.’

David placed the photograph carefully in the box. ‘Alton Towers,’ he said, ‘summer before last. She laughed so much she had to dash to the loo, remember?’

Jake dragged the back of his hand under his nose.

‘She couldn’t have been that happy without you, Jake. You gave her the gift of laugher. That’s something to be glad about. To be proud of.’

David stopped, his chest filling up as he watched a slow tear fall from his son’s face.

David hesitated, then rested a hand lightly on Jake’s shoulder. Jake didn’t shrug him off.

‘You won her a stuffed toy that day, do you remember? What was it? A tiger?’

‘Tigger.’ Jake finally spoke.

‘That’s right,’ David said, his throat tight. ‘Tigger.’

‘She kept it in the car,’ Jake picked up in a small voice.

The car she never arrived at the hospital in, David realised, overwhelming guilt slicing through him. ‘She kept a whole family of furry friends in the car. I’m surprised there was room for her.’

Jake’s mouth twitched into a small smile. ‘She talked to them.’ He glanced up at David, his huge blue eyes glassy with tears.

‘That was the little girl inside her. The little girl you made laugh.’ David squeezed Jake’s shoulder. He actually felt like whooping. Like punching the air. Like picking Jake up and hugging him so hard … Jake had looked at him. Full on. No anger.

David closed his eyes, relief washing over him. ‘I have one of Mum’s stuffed toys,’ he said throatily. ‘One she kept. Not Tigger, but … Do you want me to fetch it?’

Jake nodded.

‘Right.’ David smiled. ‘Back in two.’ He dragged his forearm across his eyes as he headed for his own room. He had something else, too. Something he’d wanted to give Jake before, but somehow couldn’t.

The antique locket he’d bought Michelle for her thirtieth birthday was in the bedside drawer. David collected it, ran his thumb over the engraved rose gold surface of it. If Jake needed something to remind him of his mother, this was it.

‘Bedtime Bear,’ David announced, joining Jake back on the floor. ‘Your very first toy.’ He handed his son the scruffy little white bear.

Jake laughed and David really did feel like crying then.

‘I have something else for you, Jake.’ He passed him the locket. ‘It was very special to her,’ he said gently as Jake’s eyes fell on the photograph of himself inside it. ‘She wore it right next to her heart. And that,’ he went on as Jake looked at the lock of hair on the opposite side of the locket, ‘is your hair and hers, entwined.’

Jake went very quiet.

‘Okay?’ David asked.

Jake nodded vigorously. ‘Okay,’ he said, around a sharp intake of breath. David reached out, ran his hand through Jake’s unruly crop, and then allowed it to stray to his shoulder. He wanted very much to hold him, to reassure him. But Jake’s body language was tense. It would take time, David knew, but maybe someday, Jake would let him back in.

Tempted? Even I am, having read some of the gorgeous pre-release reviews.

You can grab your copy here: Amazon

For anyone kind enough to purchase the book, I would love your feedback. Because, at the end of the day, the fate of Doctor Adams is in the hands of the reader.

Keep safe all!

Sheryl x

Heartache, humour, love, loss & betrayal, Sheryl Browne brings you sassy, sexy, heart-wrenching fiction. A member of the Crime Writers’ Association, Romantic Novelists’ Association and shortlisted for the Best Romantic e-book Love Stories Award 2015, Sheryl has several books published and two short stories in Birmingham City University anthologies, where she completed her MA in Creative Writing.

Recommended to the publisher by the WH Smith Travel fiction buyer, Sheryl’s contemporary fiction comes to you from award winning Choc Lit.

Author Links

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon | Amazon US | Pinterest

Loveahappyending Lifestyle

Choc Lit | Romantic Novelists’ Association

Thinking of a holiday? Here’s an excerpt from Coffee Tea The Caribbean & Me to get you in the mood…

“By heck, this is the life!” Hattie tucked her bag into a storage area as a stewardess placed a glass of champagne and a packet of savoury snacks on a table between their seats.

  “Ah, business class, the only way to travel.” Hattie raised her glass and eased into the comfortable leather surround. “How long is the flight?” she asked and rummaged around for an inflight magazine, “I think I could settle on here for days.” She tossed a cashew nut into the air and deftly caught it with a wide-open mouth.

  “Don’t smudge your lipstick,” Jo said as she watched Hattie repeat the process.

  “Virgin Atlantic,” Hattie read the headline, “that’s us – two virgins crossing the Atlantic.”

  Jo fastened her safety belt and breathed a sigh of relief. They’d made it to their seats with only a few minutes to spare before take-off. Hattie had lingered in the duty-free shop, oblivious to the final call for passengers Docherty and Contaldo and it had been a frantic rush to get to the boarding gate.

  “What time are they serving dinner?” Hattie asked as the stewardess reached above their heads and closed the overhead locker.

  “I think they might want to take off first,” Jo smiled at the pretty girl in her tailored red uniform.

It had been a frantic dash to get to the airport. Jo had hoped for a leisurely journey but Hattie had thrown a last minute panic and insisted on repacking her cases, adding five more outfits that Jo had never seen before. Combined with Hattie’s need to have a cooked breakfast, “For the journey, you don’t know when we’ll get fed again…” they’d left an hour later than planned. Pete had offered to give them a lift and as he was collecting Meg that morning, it made sense to accept. He’d arrived in his Mercedes saloon and stared at the mountains of luggage on the driveway at Kirkton House.

  “How long did you say you’re going for?” Pete asked.

  “It’s all Hattie’s,” Jo replied as she placed her solitary case in line and wondered how on earth it would all fit in.

  “I’m not sitting with that scruffy mongrel!” Hattie threw herself onto the front seat and slammed the door. She lowered the window and glared at Meg who was sitting morosely by the suitcases, her head nudging Jo’s legs as Pete began to load bags into the car.

  “You look like one of the Beverly Hillbillies,” Hattie said sarcastically as she watched Jo clamber into the back and squeeze next to Meg, amidst mounds of luggage. “Barley sugar?” Hattie reached for a bag of sweets, deep in the depths of her bulging handbag.

  Relieved that the cases were safely stowed, Pete slid into the driver’s seat. “I wish I was coming with you, lasses,” he said as the engine roared into life and he pulled onto the main road.

  “Well I’m very glad you’re not,” Hattie replied rudely, “we don’t need a chaperone where we’re going.” She turned and gave Pete a salacious wink, “Ever thought of opening a kennels when you retire?” Hattie nodded towards Meg, who’d snuggled on Jo’s knee.

  Jo put her arm protectively round the dog.

  “Let’s just hope that the good folk of Barbados understand your warm Westmarland wit and humour,” Pete commented wryly as he took a barley sugar and began the journey to Manchester airport.

The plane took off and Jo and Hattie were finally on their way to Barbados. With eight hours to kill, Hattie fiddled about with the inflight entertainment. Jo turned her head and ignoring Hattie’s fumbling and cursing, stared out of the window. The plane had risen steeply and now levelled off to cruise above the clouds, where a deep blue horizon stretched as far as the eye could see. She sipped her drink and wondered if she was dreaming? Was she really going on a Caribbean holiday as a single woman? After a lifetime of being escorted by a man, this was something that she had never imagined and the thought filled her with anxiety, even with Hattie’s company. How Jo wished that her beloved John was here, holding her hand, and for the zillionth time she wondered if the pain of loss would ever ease.

  “These bleedin’ earphones don’t work!” Hattie punched wildly at her control panel.

  “Have you tried plugging them in?” Jo asked and taking the wires from Hattie’s fingers, connected the sound.

  “Ouch!” Hattie shouted as the opening music to a feature film blasted her ear drums, “Get us another drink Jo – I need to steady my nerves before I start watching, Twelve Years A Slag.”

  Jo closed her eyes and smiled. Whatever would she do without her friend? Hattie was like sunshine on a rainy day and Jo had a feeling that this holiday was going to be eventful. Was Hattie ready for Barbados, but more importantly, was Barbados ready for Hattie?

Coffee Tea The Caribbean & Me