Do you love meeting new authors?
I do!
I want to introduce you to fellow Scrivenings Press author, Mary Pat Johns.
Mary Pat Johns’ writing career began once she retired from years of teaching speech and writing. She’s written devotions for online publications and had short stories published by Chicken Soup for the Soul. She currently writes a weekly column for the local newspaper. Romance in Valiant is her first series. Countin’ On Jesse debuted in 2023, and Lovin’ On Red, released in April, 2024. Glitter and the Grouch will release in September, 2024. After her son deployed to and returned from Afghanistan, God put it in her heart to tell stories of veterans and their reintegration into civilian life after suffering the traumas of war.
Christina: Welcome, Mary Pat! Let’s talk books. What’s your book called?
Mary Pat: Glitter and the Grouch
Christina: When will it be released?
Mary Pat: It will be released in September 2024.
Christina: Is it a series?
Mary Pat: Yes. It can be read as a standalone, but the story focuses on two minor characters from Books 1 & 2. (They demanded their own story.)
Christina: I love that! Characters have a mind of their own!
Can you share the blurb for Glitter and the Grouch with us?
Mary Pat: Sure!
Silas and Nat don’t get along, but they can’t leave each other alone either. When a prank goes terribly wrong at their workplace, they face an impossible choice.
They must compete in a canoe race together or forfeit their futures at Peeps. Good thing quitting isn’t in their DNA, because their boss isn’t backing down an inch. He assures them they can accomplish anything they set their minds to, even if it means covering 260 miles of river. There’s only one catch—they have to be in the same boat.
Will they reach deep inside to find out what they’re made of? Or will they succumb to the physical rigors of the event and the machinations of Nat’s controlling ex?
Christina: That sounds like a fun story! What’s the inspiration behind it?
Mary Pat: Every June, in Texas, a truly inspiring canoe race takes place. The Texas Water Safari is known as “the toughest canoe race in the world.” I have friends who make it an annual event. It’s so inspiring to see men and women endure the rigors of the race, I wanted to spotlight it. Glitter and the Grouch is the story of opposites who fall in love during the race.
Christina: I love that you used a real-life event.
When it comes to writing, what’s your favorite part of your writing process?
Mary Pat: I suffer through first drafts, and usually write “short.” That means I need to write 10-20 thousand more words to meet the word limit. My favorite part is adding in the necessary extras to round out the story.
Christina: If you could give one piece of advice to budding creatives what would it be?
Mary Pat: Settle in and be patient with yourself. It takes a while to hone the skill of writing, especially fiction.
Christina: Great advice! Now for some fun! Name something quirky in your workspace. Can you give a little backstory about said item?
Mary Pat: I have two things: the first is a handkerchief, since I write the emotional scenes with tears running down my cheeks.
The second is a tiny yellow duck my grandson gave me. I keep it close to my planner to help me remember to keep my ducks in a row.
Christina: Awe, that’s cute. I need to remember to keep tissues close.
What’s your favorite snack to get your creative juices flowing?
Mary Pat: Usually, a piece of fruit if I’m really hungry, but my go-to is hot tea. I drink fruity flavors in the morning, and black tea in the afternoon.
Christina: Tea’s a great afternoon snack. What book are you reading right now?
Mary Pat: I’m reading the Tattooist of Auschwitz for a change of pace, but looking forward to Lori DeJong’s latest release, Love’s True Home.
Christina: I just finished Lori’s. You’ll love it! Okay, here’s another question: You just won free tickets to anywhere in the world! Where are you going? And who are you taking?
Mary Pat: My free tickets would be for an Alaskan cruise with my husband. I have always wanted to see that wild, rugged land.
Christina: Alaska sounds great! I’ve never been either.
What will you be working on next?
Mary Pat: Right now, I’m finishing the first draft for the last book in this series, Waitin’ On Paige, and it follows my writing pattern—too short. I’ve already got ideas how to expand the word count, and I’m excited about how it will all work out. My hope is that this series ends with the reader wanting to know what’s next.
Christina: I love the titles in your series! Now, because every writer get’s asked this, are you a plotter or a pantser?
Mary Pat: I’m a little of both. I usually know the mid-point event and the climax, but rarely know how it begins. The first three chapters take several drafts as I figure out the story. Only when the beginning is fairly solid, do I move on. As the story reveals itself, I go back and tweak the set up as many times as necessary. The in between scenes are pure pantser and I’m often surprised at what happens.
Christina: Thank you for sharing with us Mary Pat. I enjoyed getting to know you and hearing about your new release!
To learn more about her writing journey or to check out her books, you can connect with Mary Pat on these social media sites:
FB link: https://www.facebook.com/marypatjohnsauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marypatjohnsauthor/
Website: https://www.marypatjohns.com
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-pat-johns
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/43636180.Mary_Pat_Johns