Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Johnny Ricketts Jr. I live in Texas with my lovely wife Angela and our two beautiful children. We are a writer/illustrator power couple! ;D I have written two books in the Johnny Pawprints series (with a third and fourth on the way!).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Our latest book is Johnny Pawprints and the Case of the Missing Colors. We wanted to showcase colorful, cute characters that kids would gravitate to. More importantly, we want stories that can be enjoyed by parents as well as their children. I think a child has much more fun when their parent enjoys reading along with them. The interaction with my kids is what ignited my passion for writing children’s stories.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can only write at night. All of my best ideas happen after 9 pm. But I assure you, I am not an owl.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Chester Gould, Arthur Conan Doyle, Poe, Christie. In the kids genre williambee, Dr. Seuss, and Roald Dahl.
What are you working on now?
We are currently wrapping up book 3 and 4 of Johnny Pawprints first series and are hard at work on series 2. I am also in the early stages of writing my first YA novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
We promote through Amazon now, but have decided to promote more time and effort into finding other promotion sources.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Just write wherever and whenever you can. I have so many amazing ideas float into the heavens throughout the day because I don’t take the time to jot them down.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never be too self-reliant. Ask for help.
What are you reading now?
A Wrinkle in Time.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue to improve. Look for constructive criticism.
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?
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Detective, The Big Sleep
Author Websites and Profiles
Johnny Ricketts Jr Amazon Profile