Please help me welcome today’s guest, Margot Johnson…
Please tell us a little about yourself, where are you from? Where do you live now? Family? Pets?
I’ve lived in the Canadian prairies all my life. My books are set close to home in some real and some imagined locations.
My best role ever is being a mom and now grandma to a big extended family.
I love dogs (especially golden retrievers) even though we no longer have one. Many of my characters love dogs too. My dream job is running a doggy hotel, but I think I’ll stick to writing.
My dad was a journalist, author, and editor, and he instilled my love of reading and writing. I hope he would be proud of my work, even if romance wasn’t his genre. My sister Donna Gartshore is also a writer. She writes for the Harlequin Love Inspired line.
What inspired you to write this book?
I know a young woman who gave up a baby in a private, open adoption, and she has remained involved in her child’s life in a surrogate-aunt type of relationship. Hearing about that experience was the seed of an idea that grew into Some Other Way.
Do you collect anything?
Nothing concrete, but my husband and I love to collect travel experiences. Some of our favorites are an annual trip to Mexico, a European river cruise, an Alaskan cruise, a tour of the Canadian Maritimes (where we visited the home of Lucy Maud Montgomery and the world of Anne of Green Gables), and enjoying the great outdoors in Waskesiu, Canada.
What was your first job?
As a student, I was a figure skating coach, and I have an upcoming novel set around a small-town skating rink.
My first job after graduating with an English degree was writing ad copy at a radio station. That’s where I learned to write under pressure.
What do you want readers to come away with after they read Some Other Way?
I hope they feel entertained, satisfied, and moved in some way. Hopefully they feel like no matter how ordinary a life might seem, dreams can come true.
Have you written any other books that are not published?
I wrote my first book with my sister. We alternated chapters without an overall outline and really had no idea how to structure a novel. It’s still sitting in a file somewhere, but I can safely say it will never be published. We’ve come a long way!
I have several works in progress at various stages that I hope will be published eventually.
Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
They come from my imagination, although everything I experience influences me in some way so probably inspires my imagination. My best friend thought she recognized herself in one of my characters. Maybe they shared some qualities in common, but the character definitely wasn’t her.
What character in your book are you least likely to get along with?
I had fun writing about the town busybody, Louanne, but in real life, she would irritate me by not minding her own business.
Who is the most famous person you have ever met?\
When I was volunteering at a food program for kids, I met Prince (now King) Charles. He asked me if I had been busy peeling carrots.
How much of the book is realistic?
I hope the characters feel real to readers. Even though the small town is fictional, I tried to capture the prairie setting and the real-life warmth and resiliency of Canadian prairie people.
What advice do you give aspiring authors?
When people ask me for writing advice, I say, “Just do it!” Get your words on paper. You can always fix them later.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I’ve started posting about all kinds of happy things because in real life, we can all use more good news, happy thoughts and amusing anecdotes to make us smile. I’d love to hear your additions. Dog photos are always welcome too!
Chance to receive a free copy!
I’ll randomly choose one reader to receive an e-copy of Some Other Way. To be eligible, visit me at margotjohnson.ca and leave a comment about why you’d like to read it.
Maybe what she wants is not what she needs…
Jayne Jones is not as plain as her mother makes her feel. Her life is full as surrogate aunt to her birth daughter, given up in open adoption five years ago, and as leader of the Adopt-a-Dog service.
More than anything, Jayne wants to expand the overcrowded dog shelter on a coveted piece of adjacent land. When Dr. Evan Scott, her high school crush, returns to his hometown to enlarge the local medical clinic on the very same property, he complicates everything.
Now her formidable opponent, Evan is ready to forget past hurts and embrace a fresh start with the cute girl—now attractive woman—he remembers. But should Jayne bare her heart to the good-looking newcomer? And will her open secret change his mind?
Excerpt:
Jayne crossed her arms. “I’m not interested.” A funny sensation rose and fell in her stomach. He was attractive and fun.
“Looks like he is. What are you afraid of, anyway?” Tasha tapped Jayne’s shoulder.
“Nothing. I’m not scared.” Jayne took a deep breath. “But the strangest thing happened.”
“Ooh, sounds interesting.” Never drifting her gaze off Jayne, Tasha scooted back to her chair.
Jayne gripped her coffee mug. Evan was a mature professional, but every time she searched his large eyes and wide smile, she remembered inconsiderate, teenage Evan. Worse, she imagined his raised eyebrows at the situation with Cara. “To my total surprise, I invited him to the youth group on Friday, almost like I wanted him to come.”
“Surprises are good, girl.” Tasha stared and blinked three times before she spun her chair toward her desk. “You need a little excitement in your life.”
“Whatever you say.” Jayne rolled her eyes. At that moment, her office phone rang. She welcomed the timely interruption. “Good morning. Adopt-a-Dog. How can I help you?” She’d dive into work and forget her social life. She needed to strategize and build extra support in the next two weeks, or she’d never achieve her goal of expansion.
“Good morning.”
A male voice rumbled a greeting. He emphasized both words and delivered them with a tone of familiarity like she should recognize his voice. Of course, she did, but she paused and waited for him to continue.
“Jayne, it’s Evan.”
Why did he call her at work? What did he need? Her heart beat much faster than normal.
Buy links:
About the Author:
Margot grew up in a family of writers and has always loved books and writing
Creating stories people love has been her lifelong dream. Now she’s the author of the romances Love Takes Flight, Love Leads the Way, and her new release, Some Other Way. She has also authored the Merilee Tours novella series, Let it Snowball, Let it Melt, and Let it Simmer.
Before turning her focus to the fun writing life, Margot held leadership roles in human resources and communications. 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 outside!) She lives in the Canadian prairies with her husband.
Contact Margot Johnson:
Website: margotjohnson.ca
Facebook: MargotJohnsonAuthor
Twitter/X: @AuthorMargot
Author Alicia Dean 
I love that title!
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Thanks, Liz! I hope it catches attention.
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Your new book sounds interesting, and I always love a story with a dog in it!–Nancy (http://www.nancybrashear.com)
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