1 – When did you first get the urge to write?
I grew up in a family of writers, so writing was always the
thing to do. At university, I took English and early in my writing life, I
wrote a lot of magazine articles. I then evolved to children’s stories and eventually,
romance.
2 – What happened to your first ever manuscript?
A hard copy draft of my first novel is sitting in a box in
my spare room. My sister and I co-authored it, and sometimes I think about
dusting it off and revising it now that we both know a lot more about writing a
novel.
3 – What do your family and friends think of your passion
for writing?
They support me all the way. My husband even proofreads and
says he enjoys my books even though romance is not his usual genre. My sister Donna Gartshore writes for Harlequin Love
Inspired, and we have great discussions and trade ideas at family dinners. If
others get tired of our conversations about writing, they are kind enough not
to tell us!
4 – Have you ever used someone you know as a character in a
book?
No, my characters are fictional, but real-life experiences
definitely influence my books. Sometimes my characters have qualities I wish I
had.
In LOVE LEADS THE WAY, Tessa and Mark both support a mother
with dementia which brings some tough but also light moments. My late dad died
of complications from Alzheimer’s, so that part of the book is close to my
heart. He was a journalist who always encouraged me to read and write.
My loyal, old golden retriever, Sophie, is the inspiration
for the dogs in my books.
5 – Tell us about this book.
She coaches him
in team leadership, but do they both need lessons in love?
Single mom Tessa Shore runs a successful
leadership program at work and supports a mother with dementia. She can handle
any challenge in her jam-packed schedule as long as nothing spins out of
control…especially her feelings.
Engineer
Mark Delaney is an expert on pipelines at the same company, but his
interpersonal skills need a makeover. Advancing to an executive job requires
enrollment in a leadership course he doesn't think he needs.
When
their professional and personal issues entangle, life at the office gets a lot
more complicated. Romance is impossible…or is it?
6 – Give us an example of a favorite scene.
Pacing around Crescent Park in
moonlight trimmed with stars, Mark breathed fresh air and slowed his erratic
heartbeats from the shock of Tessa’s invitation. Apparently, the woman who
directed the class with the precision of an air-traffic controller could
flex…at least, a little. She wanted to spend extra time with him, and he
couldn’t refuse.
“I didn’t think we’d bump into
other participants at this late hour.” She hugged tighter her windbreaker
against the cool breeze. “We won’t mix business and pleasure. I’m strictly off
duty, and so are you.”
“Okay, Tessa, whatever you say.”
Zipping higher his jacket, he strode and sniffed moisture riding the wind.
Guilt tiptoed around his collar, and he couldn’t escape the feeling this outing
was a bad idea. He should avoid her, except in class, yet he accepted her
invitation. But why did she break her own rule and contact him? “If I can’t
discuss work, can I ask you a personal question?” He admired her profile with
pert nose tipped to the sky, breathing the fresh night air.
“I guess so since I’m the woman who
persuades everyone else to dish.” She laughed and brushed a curl from her
cheek.
Streetlights alternated with a full moon to light the
pathway. Their footsteps crunched on gravel, and their murmured voices broke
the peaceful silence.
“Ready.” She tucked her hands in
jacket pockets.
“Is Mr. Shore waiting at home?” He
winced at his forward question. No sense beating around the bush. He shouldn’t
pine for someone else’s wife.
7 – Is this book part of a series?
My first book LOVE TAKES FLIGHT is also a sweet romance but
is its own story unrelated to LOVE LEADS THE WAY. What the books share in
common is they are both fun reads with characters who overcome personal challenges
and love family and dogs. They combine poignant moments with light humor.
8 – Where can we buy your book? (buy links)
LOVE LEADS THE WAY
LOVE
TAKES FLIGHT
9 – Tell us a little about yourself.
Margot Johnson grew up in a family of writers and has always
loved books and writing.
She is the author of LOVE TAKES FLIGHT and her new release
LOVE LEADS THE WAY. Before turning her focus to the fun writing life, Margot
held leadership roles in human resources and communications. Her motto is
"Dream big and work hard."
When not writing, she loves to connect with family and
friends, volunteer with SK Writers Guild, and walk at least 10,000 steps a day
(except when it's minus 40!) She lives in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada with her
amazing husband and beloved golden retriever.
10 – How can your fans contact and follow you?
Margot
Johnson Author
https://twitter.com/AuthorMargot
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