Meet J. S. Johnston
Indie Author Spotlight
Welcome to Indie Author Spotlight where I interview talented writers who have valuable insights to share on their writing process, publication, and what it means to be an indie author.
J. S. Johnston is an indie author from Tampa, Florida. He has written three novels and a slew of science fiction and paranormal short stories. He is the host of the YouTube podcast The Plot Hole where he talks with other writers about writing and publishing.
And now, the interview . . .
How did you initially get into fiction writing?
Back when I was stationed on at aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf for months at a time, it got pretty monotonous. One day, I wrote about a dream I had and sent it to a female friend. She misunderstood that it was a dream and asked for the rest of the story. So, I wrote more. And I kept writing, just to entertain myself during the months I spent at sea. It became a hobby that let me escape into a world of my own making. A few years ago, I found out how much easier it had gotten to contact agents, publishers, editors, and cover designers especially after the COVID lockdown. So that’s what I’ve been doing since then and haven’t stopped.
You write crime mysteries infused with science fiction and fantasy elements. Tell us about the merger of these genres.
The best stories are a merger of different genres. I’ve been working in IT for a long time, and troubleshooting is a lot like detective work. So, I love a good crime mystery. And sci-fi lets you explore questions about morality, philosophy, and the nature and the future of humanity that other genres just can’t. It just seemed natural to combine them.
What’s your writing process? Do you start with characters? Plot ideas? How do you get started on a project?
Every story is different. Sometimes it starts with a bit of dialogue. Sometimes with a situation. I’ll even get inspired by songs and dreams then it will grow from there like the crystals in science kits they sell to kids.
Do you draw inspiration for your characters from people you know?
Most of my characters are a mix of people I know or a piece of myself. I always write a place for Idris Elba, just in case someone wants to make a movie.
Tell us about your writing routine. Do you have any creative rituals or a favorite place to write?
I work the evening shift, so I’ll write for a few hours in the morning. I sit down to write at the desk in my Nerd Cave at the same time every day so I’ll feel more like writing when it’s time to write.
What criticism have you received that has helped you grow as a writer?
A lot, actually. The biggest one, a lit agent once told me to slow down and let my writing breathe. Let my readers have a little more time with the scene. Every time I edit, I remember what she said, and I really feel that my writing is a lot better because I keep that in mind.
Who are your biggest influences? Favorite books?
One of my biggest influences is Jack Kerouac. The way his prose flowed out of him and still sounded like poetry fascinates me. I would love to be more like him. My favorite books will always be the Alice in Wonderland books. They’re simply genius.
Tell us about your video podcast The Plot Hole. What made you want to start a podcast and what’s it been like?
My YouTube channel, Wordfully Yours, was originally supposed to me only book reviews. Whenever I read a book, I would go looking for review videos where people talked about them. But most of the time, they just didn’t exist. So, I made a channel to fill that gap and hoped to start conversations with fellow readers. But when I made the review videos, they had very low views and those conversations never happened. Then one day, I started to experiment with shorts about being an author and they caught on like wildfire. The Plot Hole podcast was born soon after. The other authors in the videos are from my writing group.
What is your approach to marketing? What has worked for you? What hasn’t?
I hate marketing. I can see why people pay other people to do it. Thus far, the only thing that’s worked for me has been advertising on Amazon. I’ve made most of my sales from bookstores as a local author.
What role does social media play in promoting your writing?
Social media hasn’t boosted sales for me. I use it to connect to other writers in the community. And it’s the easiest way for my readers to keep in touch with me and what I’m up to.
What are you working on now?
A sequel to my first book, Blood Night. That’s all I’ll say.
Where can readers find you?
I’m all over social media and YouTube. (I can’t stand TikTok 😝)
You can find J. S. Johnston on Twitter/X @JSJohnstonauthr, on Instagram/Threads @js.johnston. Check out his YouTube channel Wordfully Yours. He’s also on Substack
where you can read a lot of his paranormal and science fiction stories!His novels are available on Amazon, including his newest release The Man in the Disappearing Suit.
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