A.R. Johnston

What’s your background, what compelled you to start writing?

Just a small town girl who has always had a passion for books and making up her own stories. My mother always said my room was a fire hazard growing up. I still have some stories I wrote from elementary school!

What book from your childhood do you remember the best? Why?

I have to pick only one? Cause there are several. Raggedy Ann and Andy and the Camel with the Wrinkled Knees – I LOVED it, used to get my dad to read it all the time. It was first addition copy that had been my grandmothers. Where the SideWalk Ends – I love reading this one even now, always makes me smile.

Which other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you be a better writer?

Maya Daniels, Misty Hodges are the top two author friends. They kick my butt to keep writing when I have days that I think I shouldn’t bother. They are amazing friends, pushing me to keep going.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Never stop writing no matter what. You deserve to let your imagination run wild. Your stories are good enough and need to be shared with the world, don’t let any tell you different. No matter how many rejections you get, keep going!

What does literary success look like to you?

Success was my first acceptance. That was a thrill of a life time. Sure, I love putting my name on a novel but the first acceptance, the memory still makes me grin.

How many hours a day do you write?

Never enough hours into writing, I wish I had time to write more

What is a little-known fact about you?

That I’m a jewelry designer as well and I have a list of celebrities and music stars who have my jewelry.

How many half-finished and unpublished books do you have right now?

Far too many. So many stories to tell.