Interview With Author Johannah Spero
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Thanks so much! I’m an educator who teaches composition and creative writing at SUNY Adirondack. I live in the Lake George, NY area (where I grew up) with my husband and three kids. I love to write and have penned over a dozen novels, though only 8 have been published so far. I self pubbed my debut in 2014, Catcher’s Keeper, and am currently transferring many of my titles to KDP after reclaiming my rights.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest publication, Spike!, is a relaunch of my 2015 release (then titled Forte). After getting my rights back, I took the opportunity to streamline the story, and shift the brand of the story toward its volleyball motif. It’s been an interesting process and I’ve learned a lot.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t like to talk about my books until they are published…or at least the draft is complete. It feels like giving the story away, too soon.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite author is Lisa Jewell. She’s got the perfect blend of twist, suspense, detail, and character building. I also love Lily King’s writing. Elizabeth Gilbert’s fiction is underrated — she’s amazing too.
What are you working on now?
My latest WIP is complete at 65k words and is titled LOVE BOMB and asks the question: What if the Tinder Swindler tried to scam Anna Delvey? It’s a fun one.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still figuring that out, LOL! I’ve tried many strategies and am still not sure what results in the most sales but the promotional activity that I most enjoy are live book events.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The single most effective piece of feedback ever: “You’re doing great!”
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My editor friend, after reading one of my earlier novels: “Great story. Too many words.”
What are you reading now?
North Woods by Daniel Mason and Really Good, Actually by Monica Hersey
What’s next for you as a writer?
This summer I plan to relaunch my romantic suspense, and next year I hope to launch LOVE BOMB and the second book in the Spike! series.
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?
That is a tough question! They would have to be books that could be read over and over.
– Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver, because when I taught that book as a student teacher, I uncovered layers I have yet to understand.
– Yellow Raft in Blue Water by Michael Dorris, because it was the first mult-POV book that made me feel everything.
– The Red Garden by Alice Hoffman, a mosaic of mystical stories set in the Berkshires, I’ve been wanting to reread this one anyway!
– and, of course, the most recent Best American Poetry anthology… (no explanation needed!)
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