Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a storyteller since I was introduced to role-playing games at age twelve. My professional career and family kept me busy enough that my stories were told in-person, to friends. Until now. I took up the (digital) pen with the goal of exploring where current social and technological trends might lead us. I have published the first book of a planned four book series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Gods We Make is the title. There’s some mystery to it that will be revealed as the series progresses. There is a hint in Arthur C. Clarke’s third law, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My time for writing is sporadic. I use Scribophile to compose my works and find the mobile version wonderful for capturing flashes of insight, snippets of conversation, or interesting personality quirks that I notice while on the go.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up loving Tolkien, Arthur C. Clarke, and Michael Crichton. My hands-down favorite current author is Brandon Sanderson.
What are you working on now?
The Gods We Seek, the second book in The Gods series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m unsure about promoting books, as this is my first, but I find that being genuine in all you do is a good policy.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
That may be presumptuous given my new author status, but my advice is to write your characters as real people, never have them do something for the convenience of the plot, and always know what their individual motives are. When following my own advice, a love interest in TGWM morphed into a sinister, secondary villain. The story is stronger for it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be genuine.
What are you reading now?
The Atlantis Gene, while waiting for Mr. Sanderson to release Oathbringer.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m taking a breather to reflect on how my first book is received. There are people who aren’t my mom that really like it (thank you, beta readers, for the wonderful feedback) but I’m sure I can learn plenty by stepping back and watching. I got off to a strong start on the first draft of The Gods We Seek. In a few weeks, I’ll jump back into that.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Brandon Sanderson’s collected works. Yeah, I’m a bit of a fanboy.
Author Websites and Profiles
Eric Johannsen Website
Eric Johannsen’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account