S.R.(Shelli) Johannes-Interview with the Author
S.R. (Shelli) Johannes-The Reading Cafe has been featuring a number of the INDELIBLES authors. The INDELIBLES is a group of indie authors who write novels for Young Adults. We would like to introduce S.R.(Shelli) Johannes.
TRC: Hi Shelli and welcome to The Reading Café. Please tell us something about yourself?
Shelli: After working in Corporate America for 15 years, I traded in my expensive suits, way-too high heels, and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and my love of writing. I own my own marketing company and currently write books for Middle Grade and Young Adult
TRC: Would you please tell us about the INDELIBLES and how you became involved with the group of authors?
Shelli: When I decided to indie publish, I needed a group of strong indie authors to go to for advice. There are so many differen tissues you hit as indie authors because you wear all the different hats in publishing. I decided to start the Indelibles and found 25 amazing ladies who had credibility and produced high quality books. The Indelibles functions as a support group and cross promotional group. I really depend on these ladies to stay sane.
TRC: What has been the most difficult aspect about indie publishing?
Shelli: Getting past the stigma of indie publishing. That is the hardest part for me. I just want my book’s to be judged like evryone else’s book. So when doors are closed just because I am not traditionally published – it is frustrating.
TRC: UNTRACEABLE is your first book in The Nature of Grace series. Will you please tell us about the premise of this story?
Shelli: Grace grew up in the woods. When her forest ranger dad disappears on patrol, she fights town authorities, tribal officials, & nature to prove he’s alive. Torn between a hot boy and cute ex, she heads into the wilderness to find her dad. Soon, Grace is caught in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. It will take more than a compass and motorcycle for this tough heroine to save all she loves.
TRC: What type of research was involved with some of the specific aspects of the storyline? e.g. bear poaching: hiking: ranger
Shelli: My husband is an avid camper so the wilderness and outdoor stuff was easy. I took self defense classes and fly fishing classes to get into Grace’s head. The bear poaching issue was just reading and researching in animal organizations. I am an avid supporter of nature and animals so that part was the easiest for me to dive into.
TRC: Are any of the experiences based on events in real life?
Shelli: Well, I think there is always a little of every author’s real life in their books. But more specifically, the bear pits in Cherokee and the issue with the Native American Reserve is very real. Those pits exist and they are horrid. There have been many efforts to shut them down but they are outside the state and national jurisdiction because they are an acting reservation.
TRC: The road to publishing any novel can be frustrating. What were the challenges in researching and writing UNTRACEABLE?
Shelli: Oh gosh. I posted about this a while back. The reason I indie pubbed was because after 2 years with a NY agent and 2 books that went to aquisitions, I still didnwasn’t able to sell. Last summer, my agent and I separated and I was at my lowest point. To love writing again, I needed to do something for myself and give these books a chance. I knew there was no life left in those books in the big 6 so I decided to have fun and do them myself as an experience and a way to move forward. I had no idea they would do as well as they are doing. It’s been fun but someday I hope to straddle indie pubbing and traditional pubbing. I do believe in both models.
TRC: UNCONTROLLABLE is the second story in the series. Will you please tell us about the premise of the story?
Shelli: Grace’s science class is chosen by Agent Sweeney at the US Fish and Wildlife Service to help with research on the new “Appalachian Red Wolf Reintroduction Program”. While she’s excited about helping the conservation of the endangered wolves, Grace knows this means being outdoors in the worst winter recorded, working with Wyn (her ex boyfriend) and his girlfriend (Skyler), a girl whose idea of nature is growing silk plants. Skyler makes Grace’s time in the woods miserable. After some fellow students are attacked, Grace continues the assignment under renewed suspicion that –someone is trying to sabotage the Red Wolf program. Eventually wolves start showing up dead and Grace is determined to find out who is responsible, but little does she know, she is being hunted too. By more than one person.
TRC: There is a potential for a love-triangle between Grace and, Wyn and Mo. Will you address the relationship between Grace and the two young men in
UNCONTROLLABLE?
Shelli: I can’t tell you that! You will have to see what happens in the next book 🙂 I will say that Wyn is seeing someone in Uncontrollable so the comic relief and tension between Grace and Wyn grows.
TRC: How many books do you have planned for The Nature of Grace series?
Shelli: Right now, three. I can’t see beyond that but who knows if something will grab me.
TRC: Would you please tell us about your new BREATHLESS novelette series?
Shelli: I wanted to create a series of short novels. Breathless is a trilogy of novelettes – Suffocate, Choke, and Exhale. They are about 15,000 words and come out about 4 months apart.
TRC: What is the premise behind your first novelette SUFFOCATE?
Shelli: It combines the dystopic and science fiction genres. The book will be available on ebook only for 99 cents!
For centuries, the world outside the Biome has been unlivable. Today, marks the first time anyone will attempt to leave the suffocating ecosphere. Eria is not worried because her scientist father has successfully tested the new Bio-Suit many times. It’s a celebratory day until something goes horribly wrong. In the midst of tragedy, Eria uncovers a deep conspiracy. If those responsible find out what she knows, they won’t stop hunting her until she takes her last breath.
The 2nd novelette in the series, CHOKE, is scheduled for Fall 2012. The 3rd, EXHALE, is scheduled for Winter 2013
TRC: Many authors bounce ideas between other authors or friends and family. With whom do you share ideas and troubles???
SHELLI: I have many writer friends that offer support in writing, publishing, and the challenges we all face as writers 🙂 I would not be functioning without them.
TRC: What are you currently working (on)?
Shelli: Uncontrollable and a SEKRIT project – another contemp thriller.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Favorite Food
cheese dip
Favorite Dessert
magnum double caramel ice cream bars
Favorite TV Show
Walking dead
Favorite Movie
of all times? Casablanca or Blazing saddles
Last Movie you Saw
On the big screen? The Hunger Games
Favorite Flower
gerber daisy
Dark or Milk Chocolate
the darker the better 😉
What book are your currently reading?
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Shelli: Thank you! 🙂
TRC: Thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions. We look
forward to your next release later this summer. All the best with your
writing career.
UNCONTROLLABLE is the second instalment and September 24, 2012 release in S.R.Johannes young adult Nature of Grace series. Uncontrollable picks up approximately 3 months after Untraceable. Our heroine Grace has suffered many losses but life in the small town near the Smokey Mountains keeps getting worse-the few friends she had are barely talking, her mother is leaving for a new job and her BFF since childhood is refusing to acknowledge her existence. And when Agent Sweeney from the Fish and Wildlife Department returns to town, Grace is more than willing to help in the tracking of the endangered Red Wolf but someone or something is killing off the wolves and Grace is the next target. With the addition of two qualified trackers, Sweeney hopes that hunt will be short but they will soon find themselves in a fight for their lives.
