Fiction Scribe

Hello everyone. Today we welcome Tinisha Johnson to the site. She is the author of the mystery Searchable Whereabouts. I hope you’ll join me in welcoming her to the site.

Hello and thank you for stopping at Fiction Scribe, Ms. Johnson. Tell the readers a bit about yourself.

Thank you, I’m glad to have the opportunity to be present on FictionScribe.com.

I reside in Denver, Colorado. I’ve now been living there several years. And I’m married with two children. I knew I wanted to be a writer at the age of eleven. My first passion was poetry, and then short stories which later turned into finishing my first novel at the age of 23.

What brought you into the world of writing? When did you start?

Well, like I said, eleven is about the age I knew I was passionate about writing. English and creative writing were my favorite subjects in school.

You’re currently on virtual tour for your mystery novel Searchable Whereabouts. Could you tell us a bit about the book?

Yes, Searchable Whereabouts is the story of Rahkel Williams who’s trying to unravel the mysterious death of her beloved uncle. After his death, Rahkel begins finding clues into his life that has her wondering who was this man, she thought she knew so well.

Rahkel then hires a private investigator, Darrin Miller, which soon turns into a love interest. And after awhile strange things begin to happen, like people of interest in the case who turn up dead and Rahkel soon fears for her life and knows she can’t trust anyone. But she sets out to find the answer at all costs.

What inspired you to write Searchable Whereabouts? Where did the idea begin?

Well, I’ve always been a huge fan of mystery shows and movies. And I wanted to take on the challenge of writing a mystery novel. As far as where the idea to write Searchable Whereabouts came about– the idea really just evolved while writing it.

I didn’t have an outline before I started the book. Believe it or not, I just started writing with an idea of a mystery in mind. So I wrote and wrote and wrote, and eventually Searchable Whereabouts was born. I don’t suggest that though. I’d wish I started out with an outline first.

What character do you relate to the most and why?

I can relate to the main character, Rahkel. Since I created her, I understand why she does what she does and since she’s had so much pain in her life, I am sympathetic to her.

What is your favorite part of the book?

The ending. The reason is because it took me so long to come up with it. I agonized for months over it. I hit a roadblock and I didn’t think I could finish this book. I almost gave up. So I am proud of myself for sticking it out and creating the ending to this novel.

What draws you about writing mysteries?

The problems, the drama, the whodunit and picking out the clues.

Are there any authors who have inspired you in your writing?

James Patterson, Stephen King, Walter Mosley. There’s actually more, but those names pop into my head first.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on updating and editing the first book I wrote when I was twenty-three. It was never published. It’s a contemporary /mainstream novel. It’s release will be early 2009.

What are your dreams for your writing?

I definitely want to make a successful career out of my writing. I not only want to write novels, but I’d like to do more freelance writing as well. And more poetry collaboration with other poets.

When you’re not writing novels, what do you do? How do you find time to write?

I still work a full-time day job and when I’m not writing, I spend time with my family and friends. As far as, how do I find the time, well… If you are passionate enough about something, you can definitely find the time to do it. But it is hard, that’s for sure. I mostly write late at night on the weekends when everyone is sleep and sometimes during the week.

Do you have any advice for writers?

Get passionate about writing. Visit the library, join writers groups, network with other writers and with book clubs. Read other authors who write in your genre. And put a schedule in place, so you are writing on a regular basis. Momentum is everything when you are a writer.

Thank you very much for your time.