Kimberly Rose Johnson - A Valentine for Kayla

Good Monday Morning Readers!

Today, Kimberly Rose Johnson visits Lagniappe to discuss her latest release, A Valentine For Kayla.

Welcome Kimberly!

Tell us a little about A Valentine for Kayla.

Sure, A Valentine for Kayla is a fun story set in a fictional town in Oregon. This story was inspired on Valentines Day due to my dislike of the day. Here is the back cover blurb.

KAYLA RUSSELL DOESN'T LIKE VALENTINE'S DAY 

What should be Kayla's favorite holiday is just another reminder that she hasn't met someone special. The beautiful florist—and hopeless romantic—has nearly given up on love, when the man of her dreams walks into her shop…to buy flowers for another woman! 

Former music superstar Derek Wood poses as a local deliveryman while he cares for his ailing mother. Derek is drawn to Kayla's genuine spirit and natural beauty, but he can't hide his identity forever. The man Kayla's falling for doesn't really exist, but the feelings they share are real. Will Derek finally give Kayla a reason to love Valentine's Day?

If you weren't a writer, what would be another dream job? 

I was a piano teachers for eighteen years and it was the only thing I’d ever wanted to do besides become a famous singer lol. So I’d would for sure be teaching piano again if I was no longer writing. J

What led you to choose the genre in which you write? 

I love romance. My motto is, if a book doesn’t have romance in it, then it’s not worth reading lol at least for me. I have a hard time reading a book if there is not a romance thread.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing? 

I love to read Christian fiction. I also enjoy being outdoors. I’m looking forward to warmer weather so I can ride my bike. J

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? 

Does newish count? If so Melissa Tagg, and Carla Laureano are two that immediately come to mind.

What can we expect from you in the future? 

Thanks for asking! My next book is going to be an indie box set that will release in June. We don’t have a final title yet, but if you sign up for my newsletter I’ll be letting my subscribers know the 411 as the time nears. You can sign up on my website at http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

LIGHTNING ROUND 

Plotter, Pantser, or Planser? Planser.

Pride and Prejudice or Gone with the Wind? Pride and Prejudice.

Laptop or Desktop? Laptop

Dogs or cats? Dogs.

Debbie Macomber or Nicholas Sparks? Debbie Macomber.

KAYLA RUSSELL DOESN'T LIKE VALENTINE'S DAY 
What should be Kayla's favorite holiday is just another reminder that she hasn't met someone special. The beautiful florist—and hopeless romantic—has nearly given up on love, when the man of her dreams walks into her shop…to buy flowers for another woman! 
Former music superstar Derek Wood poses as a local deliveryman while he cares for his ailing mother. Derek is drawn to Kayla's genuine spirit and natural beauty, but he can't hide his identity forever. The man Kayla's falling for doesn't really exist, but the feelings they share are real. Will Derek finally give Kayla a reason to love Valentine's Day?

Kimberly’s bio:

Kimberly Rose Johnson holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, teenage son, and their yellow lab. She writes heartwarming Christian romance for Heartsong Presents and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She enjoys taking long walks with her husband and dog, reading, dark chocolate and time with friends.
You may contact Kimberly via her website at http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyRoseJohnson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimberlyrosejoh

Kimberly, thanks so much for sharing!

Readers, thanks for visiting Lagniappe.

I pray you find 

"a little something extra" 

in each of your days.

Marian

Visit with Kimberly Johnson

Good Monday Morning Readers!

Today, Kimberly Johnson visits Lagniappe and discusses her writing journey. You'll be surprised at what she's learned. 

Kimberly married her college sweetheart and is a graduate of Northwest University. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two teenage sons and their yellow lab. Kimberly is a member of ACFW, an avid reader and loves romance, suspense and romantic suspense. She enjoys playing the piano, hiking and coffee with friends. Her debut novel released in November 2013 with Heartsong Presents. You can connect with her on her website at www.kimberlyrosejohnson.com

Three Things Writing Has Taught Me

When I was asked to write about one aspect of my writing journey I drew a blank. How could I narrow my journey down to one thing? Impossible! So I took a different approach.

1. Patience

There have been many lessons learned over the past eight years, but the biggest lesson for me was patience. By nature I am not a patient person, but I had to change or lose my mind because the publishing industry’s philosophy seems to be hurry up and wait and wait and wait. LOL

When my first book, The Christmas Promise, was contracted in the summer of 2012, I had to wait until November of 2013 to see it in print. It seemed like an eternity. In reality it was relatively quick compared to what some writers experience.

2. God is in Control

I learned that God is in control—not me. That lesson took me too many years to grasp. I am a take-charge kind of person and I have to hold myself back often. I tend to run ahead of the Lord if I’m not careful. I wonder if that has anything to do with patience. 

Anyway, once I finally grasped that God is my manager and nothing is going to happen unless He says so, 

then I finally let go and stopped stressing over my lack of a contract.

The funny thing was once I stopped trying to do it on my own, I was offered that elusive contract and not just for one book, but three.

3. It’s not about me

I write because I love the process, and I am happiest when writing. I judge whether a day was good by how much writing I accomplished, but when all is said and done it’s not about me. It’s about the story, the craft, and for me, the ministry.

Remembering that it’s not about me is key to all the other things I’ve learned. I cannot focus on me, but I must focus on Him. When I do that everything else falls into place.

In conclusion, my journey has been one of ups and downs. There were times when I wondered if I was wasting my time, even though there was nothing else I’d rather be doing than write. I’ve developed wonderful friendships through this process and have expanded my world considerably.

I’m not the same person I was eight years ago when as a stay-at-home-mom/piano teacher I started writing. I’ve traveled to several states for writer’s conferences, learned to use the Internet and email, learned a craft I was clueless about, became bold in my faith, and I’m more open to people and new experiences than I used to be.

I’m thankful that I didn’t receive a book contract soon after I started writing, but instead had small successes I could hold onto that encouraged me to keep growing and learning. The process gave me time to be molded into a person who can handle the stresses of writing professionally. God knew what He was doing.

I’m still on the journey and look forward to what ever the Lord has for me.

I love how God uses our heart's desires to teach us and bless us! Thanks for sharing, Kimberly!

Kimberly's latest release:

http://amzn.to/1sCNg2m

Holly Miller Is Steering Clear of Mistletoe 

Just out of nursing school, Holly can't risk any distractions. She knows a slipup could cost a life. Like the mistake she made years ago that still plagues her conscience. When she runs into old high school friend Matthew Cook, she hesitates to let romance into her life. Even if the handsome baker is as delectable as his fabulous pastries. 

She didn't notice him back in high school, but things have sure changed. Now that Matthew has Holly's attention, maybe the holiday season is the perfect time for him to show her that she deserves to have it all—work, family, friends and a love that lasts a lifetime.

Readers, thanks for visiting Lagniappe.

Be sure to leave a comment to let Kimberly know you've been here!

I pray you find 

"a little something extra" 

in each of your days.

Marian

What has God used to help you learn patience?

Please tweet!