The Blogging Book: Author Interview: Shelli Johannes-Wells

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 31^st., 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.