Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m Maria Johnson (pen name) and I’m the author of one published book, ‘The Boy from the Snow’. It’s a Celtic historical fiction, telling the story of a soldier named Daniel. Despite the battles that come his way, Daniel is content in his life until he discovers a truth that causes him to question everything he knows. Whilst he then searches for answers, a greater enemy is waiting to rise.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My novel is ‘The Boy from the Snow’, a Celtic historical fiction set in 590AD. I’ve had the basic plot and main characters in my head for years, since I was about 7. My brother used to build things with Lego and I would take the little yellow people to play with and make up stories. One was a soldier and one was a king character and soon the idea for ‘The Boy from the Snow’ was born.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really! At the moment with my current work I’m chipping away at multiple scenes which is a new experience for me, my previous work has usually been writing far more chronological. It should make the editing phase more interesting, but it’s just the way the plot has developed in lots of directions at once. No sooner have I had one idea than another pops into my head- and I want to write it all down in case I forget any of it!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favourite author & book is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. It was probably reading Jane Eyre several times when I was growing up that inspired me to want to take writing more seriously. I think my book has been influenced by a bit by ‘The Lord of the Rings’ by Tolkien, too, because even though it’s set in our world, the Celtic era is so different from modern day that it definitely has a fantasy feel to it.
What are you working on now?
A few months ago I finished a round of edits for the sequel to ‘The Boy from the Snow’ and since then I’ve put that on the back-burner for a bit. Currently I’m about halfway through my first draft of a potential third novel, also continuing my MC Daniel’s story. I’d love it to be a trilogy one day!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Here is my website: https://mariajohnsonauthor.wixsite.com/mariajohnsonauthor/about
My main home for promoting my book and for engaging with other authors and readers is twitter: https://twitter.com/MariaJauthor
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is not to give up, whether published or not. So many aspects of the process can be daunting- I remember being quite anxious when hearing advice from marketers like ‘writing a book is the easy part, the hard part is selling it’. The world of publishing is a tough business and it can feel quite disheartening.
However, there are brilliant resources and support out there- one of the most helpful things I’ve found is the writing community on Twitter, where I feel like we’re all in it together to help each other- I’ve increased my book sales through it and even made a few friends! So don’t give up, because you’re not alone and you never know what might happen to that thing you’re writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve heard was on Twitter- that each of us as writers have a unique voice and whilst it’s common for authors to have the same ideas, be it plot or character development, nobody else will quite be able to tell a story the way that you can. I think the advice to concentrate on what makes you unique as a writer and letting your voice grow and develop is fantastic.
What are you reading now?
At the moment, I’m reading Annie Whitehead’s ‘To be a Queen’, an Anglo-Saxon historical fiction telling the story of Aethelflaed, the daughter of King Alfred. Writing historical fiction has really awoken a passion for reading in that genre which I’m loving. Really enjoying ‘To be a Queen’ so far!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, that would be continuing to write the first draft of my potential third novel, continuing Daniel’s story from ‘The Boy from the Snow’. At some point in the near future I’m hoping to develop the sequel more.
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?
Great question! The 3 or 4 books I’d take are:
The Bible (I’m a Christian)
Jane Eyre
A large lined notebook with a pen attached so I can continue writing.
If I was allowed to take my own book, then ‘The Boy from the Snow; (because I’d miss Daniel too much otherwise!)
Author Websites and Profiles
Maria Johnson Website
Maria Johnson Amazon Profile
Maria Johnson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account