FEATURED AUTHOR: RM Johnson

RM Johnson is the author of eight novels, including bestsellers The Harris Family and The Million Dollar Divorce. He holds an MFA in creative writing from Chicago State University. He currently lives in Atlanta, GA where he is at work on the final installment of the Million Dollar series.

THE MILLION DOLLAR DECEPTION


Monica Kenny has a decision to make—stay with Lewis Waters, the younger man she knows may not be right for her, or leave him, venture out on her own, and face the possibility of falling for another man who may leave her, as her ex-husband did, because she could not have children.
But when her ex-husband Nate realizes he made the biggest mistake of his life, losing his wife to Lewis Waters, the young, down-on-his-luck thug he had hired to seduce Monica a year ago, he decides to win her back. He uses all his cunning, expertise and money to destroy Lewis and take his wife back. Unfortunately, there will be life and death repercussions…

What would you like your readers to take away from your book?

First let me say, THE MILLION DOLLAR DECEPTION is the second book in the MILLION DOLLAR trilogy. It serves as a bridge, connecting THE MILLION DOLLAR DIVORCE to the final installment, which I have yet to name. But it does well in keeping the reader entertained and intrigued. It’s different than the first book, but better. It’s faster moving, a bit more tragic, and not like much of what else is out there in the genre in which I writer. More than taking something away from the book, I want readers to be thoroughly entertained, fulfilled, and awaiting the last book, once they’ve completed this one. I believe that’s the feeling they’ll get.

What did you learn while writing this book?

Each time I write a book, I learn a little more. Sure, I learn a little more about the characters, but it’s craft lessons that I pay most attention to. While writing this book, I learned what it takes to keep readers interested while writing as few words as possible. What I mean by that is, in my opinion, writing should be tight, and concise. I think readers appreciate that. You know, get to the point. An example: Who would you rather speak to? Someone who talks for five minutes before making a point. Or someone who is direct, tells you what you want to hear immediately.

What is the hardest part about the writing business?

What I’ve learned in my ten years of publishing, is that it’s not necessarily about the quality of the work that makes an author popular or successful. Although, I still consider that the most important thing, and should always be the priority. But marketing and promotion is what sells books most of the time. Not to say there aren’t best-sellers made from brilliant writing. There are. But come up with a great, commercial idea, find a unique way to promote it, and you’re well on your way to a successful publishing career. So the hardest part about the writing business, I think, is continuing trying to find ways to draw attention to my books, either through promotion, or the subject matter I chose to write about.

What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

As writers, most of us do the best we can, all the time. Unfortunately, unlike most other professionals, if you have a bad day, it lasts only a day. If you fill the copier with pink paper instead of white, well, it’s a pretty easy fix. When Kobe Bryant has a bad day at work, he can redeem himself the next day on the court. A novelist has a bad showing, that work is in print for the next ten, twenty years. Maybe longer. No writer wants to waste paper. So remember, next time you’re huffing mad, while suffering through your favorite author’s latest release. Remember, she tried, and you’ve had bad days before, too.

Our theme this month is Online Marketing. What online marketing have you found that particularly works well for you?

The online marketing I do is to email my friends and fans in my email address book and let them know the new book is soon to be released.

What are three things you wish you'd known before you reached where you are now?

Marketing, marketing, marketing!

Was there ever a time in your writing career you thought of quitting?

Never.

Do you have any advice for the aspiring writer?

Study writing. Read as much as you can. Research the market. Practice. Write short stories first, even if they’re just a page long. Continue to increase in length. Don’t become discouraged. Write every day, and know, if you only write a page per day, in one year, you would’ve completed an entire novel.

Five questions about books:

One book you’ve read more than once.

THE OUTSIDER by Richard Wright. My favorite book.

One book you couldn’t put down until you finished.

I don’t think I’ve read one of those.

One book that made you laugh.

Many of Stephan King’s books. I have a strange sense of humor.

One book that made you cry.

Uh, nope. That’s never happened.

One book you wish you'd written.

Can’t think of one.

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

My website address is http://rmnovels.com/