I am so excited to have Author of Untraceable, Shelli Johannes-Wells
on the blog today! Untraceable was released November 29th.
Welcome, and Thank you for taking the time out of your day to
answer some questions for us!
Bio:
S.R.
Johannes lives in Atlanta Georgia with her dog, British-accented
husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess,
which she hopes- someday- will change the world. After earning an MBA
and working in corporate america, S.R. Johannes traded in her expensive
suits, high heels, and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and her
love of writing. You can find her hanging out online and visit her at srjohannes.com
When and why did you begin writing?
I always loved to write. When I
was younger, I used to write short stories and poems. I even won a State essay
contest, which to me was the lottery. But it went on the back burner all
through college and my marketing career. After I had my daughter, I took
maternity leave. Since I was an executive, I got 5 months. I started writing
while she was napping.
What inspired you to write this book?
I am always concerned about
wrongs to nature and my husband camps a lot. He came back one weekend from
camping and talking about how remote some places are. So emotes people could do
things and get away with it. That sparked an idea that grew over time.
How did you get interested in writing this
particular genre?
I think my brain stopped growing
at 16. I relate better to teens and love young adult books. I also wanted to
write strong girl characters.
How many books have you written?
Written? About 5. This is
my first published one.
Is there anything you wish was different
about this book?
Besides more sales and movie deal??
J No I love this book just the way it is. I’m
very proud of it.
Is this book based on someone you know, or
events in your own life?
All my characters have pieces of
me - or someone I know - in them. That’s what makes writing so personal to most
authors. I did visit NC and see the bear pits. I was so horrified; I had to do
something to speak out against them.
What books have influenced your life most?
My life? Kahil Gibran, Bible, and
teaching of Dali Lama. For my writing? James Patterson, Sue Grafton, and James
Hall.
Do you have any current projects you’re
working on?
I have a tween paranormal book, On the Bright Side, that was almost bought
by a publishing house back in 2009 coming Jan 31st., 2012. And Uncontrollable (the sequel to Untraceable) is scheduled for summer
2012. I am also part of an indie pub group and we have an anthology coming out
for Valentine’s Day with short stories from boy characters.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging
in your writing?
Voice is harder for me than plot.
How
long does it take you to write a book?
6 months to a year from beginning to
end.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Follow your heart and find
confidence in your writing.
If you could jump into a
book, and live in that world... Which would it be?
A utopic one that was truly utopic J
What
do you think makes a good story?
I cannot read a book unless it is pacy and
then makes me cry.
How do you react to a bad review?
I haven’t really gotten one yet. (knock on wood) But I would try not to.
If it were constructive and well thought out, it wouldn’t bother me. Not
everyone connects with a book. But if it were a personal attack on me or just
plain mean, I wouldn’t (and don’t) give it any credibility. That is for any bad
review – not just any for me.
Where is your favorite place
to write?
My office. As long as it’s quiet. I can’t write in public, I have adhd so
I get too distracted.
What’s the best thing about being an author?
I love the feeling of writing.
Making up stories that people connect to. Seeing people care about your
characters as if they were real.
Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today! It was so much fun!
Be sure to check out Untraceable.
Grace
grew up in the woods. When her forest ranger dad disappears on patrol,
she fights town authorities, tribal officials, & nature to prove
he’s alive. Torn between a hot boy and cute ex, she heads into the
wilderness to find her dad. Soon, Grace is caught in a web of
conspiracy, deception, and murder. It will take more than a compass and
motorcycle for this tough heroine to save all she loves.
buy the book
connect with the Author