Thursday, November 1, 2012

Jeremy's Christmas Journey Blog Tour: Author Interview + GIVEAWAY!


Giveaway

As part of the tour, Scott is generously offering a grand prize giveaway of a print copy of Jeremy's Christmas Journey plus the CD.

To enter to win this prize, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form provided. (Each tour stop will have the same Rafflecopter form).

  • Open from November 1 to November 21.
  • Must be 13+ years of age to enter
  • US mailing addresses only
Earn entries by doing any/all of the following:

  • Leaving a blog post comment
  • Listening to a sample of the CD on Scott's website
  • Tweeting about the giveaway (once per day)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the Author

Author Scott A. Johnson spent most of his childhood in Utah, where he gained a love for creative writing. Recognizing his potential at a young age, his teachers and family encouraged him to explore his developing writing talents.

Scott continued to craft imaginative and original stories through his teenage years, including original short stories that are beloved by his family. He published his first book, Nutrition: A Word of Wisdom, in 2009, and has published more than 200 health and fitness articles in various online and print publications.

Scott, his wife and four children reside in beautiful Utah County where they enjoy the mountains and outdoors. Scott is regularly asked by his children to share an original story, and he gladly obliges.

Website | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Interview
 
Book Bug: Welcome to The Book Bug Scott!

When and why did you begin writing?

Scott: I gained an interest for writing in first grade. I had a teacher that had us write very short stories with a picture of what our story was about. My grandparents and parents enjoyed reading what I wrote and encouraged me to continue writing. From there I wrote a lot of short stories, two of which I turned into mini books. I have always enjoyed writing both fictional stories and health and fitness articles.

Book Bug: What book(s)/author(s) have influenced your life and writing?

Scott: Michael McLean and The Forgotten Carols influenced this project. I decided to expand a short story I had written while attending his play. This short story eventually became the book and musical CD that is Jeremy’s Christmas Journey. In addition, C.S. Lewis influenced my writing because his books usually have an underlying theme meant to inspire introspection. I hope Jeremy’s Christmas Journey will do the same.

Book Bug: Wow! What a great inspiration!

What is your favorite genre to read/write?

Scott: I really enjoy reading fantasy, science fiction and anything with a Christmas theme. I enjoy writing fiction with purpose, or in other words, a book that allows the reader to reflect on their life. I also like writing health-related articles.

Book Bug: What is your writing process? Do you follow a regular routine?

Scott: I really don’t have a set routine for writing. I generally start with a very basic outline and an idea of how the story will begin and end, but the rest comes to me as I write.

Book Bug: Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?

Scott: I believe most people suffer from writer’s block at some time. If I experience it, I will usually take a break from what I am writing and read a book myself. I often find that just the act of reading stimulates my creativity and allows me to overcome the block.

Book Bug: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Scott: I would say producing the CD was the hardest part of this project. Producing the CD really opened my eyes to what is involved from beginning to end in producing a professional CD. It was both a frustrating and exhilarating experience.

Book Bug: That is definitely a new answer I haven't heard before! :)

What do you think are the most important elements of good writing?

Scott: Well-developed, relatable and likeable characters. A captivating story that keeps the reader entertained. And detailed descriptions that allow the reader to visualize the scene that they are reading.

Book Bug: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Scott: I enjoy sports and outdoor activities, playing with my kids, reading and laughing. Laughing is so important and has been a huge part of my life.

Book Bug: I see where some of the ideas from Jeremy's Christmas Journey come from.

What book are you reading now?

Scott: Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card. I really enjoyed Ender’s Game, which made me want to read this one.

Book Bug: Ooo!! Good one! I love Ender's Game!

What are your current/future projects?

Scott: I will be releasing a non-fiction nutrition book early in 2013. I would love to work with someone to adapt Jeremy’s Christmas Journey to a stage play. I have ideas for other books, but I have just outlined them for now; whether, I will ever develop them into a novel is questionable.

Book Bug: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Scott: Don’t get discouraged. The publishing industry is a tough business and rejection is almost guaranteed. Keep working toward your dream and explore all alternatives to make it happen. The only limits we have are those we place on ourselves.

Book Bug: Thank you so much for being here on The Book Bug, Scott!

Check out the rest of the tour by clicking here.
 
About the Book
 
Author: Scott A. Johnson
Release Date: October 2012
Publisher: Cedar Fort (Facebook | Twitter)
Genre: Spiritual Holiday
For Jeremy, Christmas is just another reminder that he'll never be able to enjoy the things that come so easily to other children. Then one night he has a dream that will change everything. Accompanied by stirring music, this story of finding faith and discovering the power of the Master Healer is sure to be cherished at Christmastime and all year long.



Purchase the Book

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for posting the interview Lexie! It has been a pleasure working with you!

    ReplyDelete