Saturday, January 25, 2014

The Chocolate Cafe with Myra Johnson

This wonderful author's newest series has some of the loveliest book covers. They certainly match her personality as well. Lovely. Myra Johnson is another Seeker-extraordinaire. She is known for her contemporary Heartsong Presents novels and added her first historical series, Till We Meet Again,  from Abingdon Press in 2013.

We are pleased to have her with us today.

So Myra, if you could pick a memorable character to chat about, who would it be...and why?

The character I've chosen is Mary McClarney, the heroine of my Spring 2014 release, Whisper Goodbye (Till We Meet Again, Book 2). I love this character because she is spunky and independent yet sweetly vulnerable and loyal to a fault. Of Irish descent, Mary is a competent and caring army nurse who is passionately in love with a wounded veteran of the Great War. Though her sweetheart is deeply troubled, Mary refuses to give up on him until she's convinced there's no more hope. Of course, every romance must have a happy ending, and Mary won't be disappointed!

There is something to be said for a faithful character. I can't wait to meet her, Myra, and to see how you bring about her happily-ever-after.

Writers - how do you show a character to be faithful?

Readers- what is one character you've read lately who would be described as 'faithful'?

Quote:
"Where the battle rages, there is where the loyalty of a soldier is proved." - Martin Luther





24 comments:

Julie Lessman said...

Myra, I cannot WAIT to read Mary's story!! LOVED the beginning of it in When the Clouds Roll By, so really looking forward to Mary getting her HEA!!

Pep ... LOVE these short and sweet interviews!!

Hugs,
Julie

Mary Vee Storyteller said...

I am such a big fan of Mary McClarney. I met her in When the Clouds Roll By. BTW HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book!!
Sweet Mary is from the other side of the tracks, struggling to do the best she can with life. She is such a sweet and lovable yet so true to life character. Wow, Myra, you did a great job crafting her character.
Guess I better buckle down and grab a copy of Whisper Goodbye.
Sigh. These are awesome stories.

Pepper said...

I think these covers, like Julie's and Laura Frantz's, just draw you in to WANT to read the story. I LOVE covers like that.

Thankfully, with these authors, we know the stories will live up to their covers too :-)

And being brave and faithful are two of the most beautiful characteristics of a character, don't you think?

Krista Phillips said...

How do I show a character to be faithful.... That's a hard one. Because sometimes their journey is one to BECOMING faithful.

Myra, your book sounds fabulous! Can't wait to read it!

Jeanne Takenaka said...

Myra, your book sounds wonderful! And I agree on the covers. They look poignant and beautiful—they just draw a reader in.

Looking forward to reading this series.

Myra Johnson said...

Thanks for having me as your guest today, Pepper! Mary's story was really fun to write--especially (for any of you who met Gilbert in the first book) redeeming a very troubled hero.

Myra Johnson said...

JULIE, thanks for your sweet words about my book!

You, too, MARY VEE! Mary just stole my heart when she popped into my head as I wrote When the Clouds Roll By. When I realized this was about to turn into a series, easy choice whose story came next. ;-)

Myra Johnson said...

KRISTA, I agree. Many times our heroes and heroines have some major growing pains before they learn true faithfulness.

JEANNE, I am so pleased with the beautiful work Abingdon has done on my book covers! They actually did a live model shoot for Mary, and they completely captured the way I pictured her!

Julia M. Reffner said...

What a great question and a great post! Thanks, Myra! (I LOVE this cover, too). Laura Frantz is one of my favorites for painting characters' faith seamlessly.

Myra Johnson said...

Thanks for visiting, JULIA! There are so many great authors I need to catch up with.

Amy Leigh Simpson said...

Sounds like an amazing story! And quite a heroine. I'm a sucker for a wounded warrior story... and nothing endears a reader more than a fiercely protective woman who stands by her man. And wow, yes, I absolutely love the covers on these. Especially for When the Clouds Roll By! Just beautiful!

Thanks so much for being our guest on the Alley today! Can't wait to read more about Mary!

Angie Dicken said...

Myra, This sounds like an amazing story!! I love this time period. Thanks for posting on the Alley today. Can't wait to read your faithful heroine.:)

Jennifer Fromke said...

LOVE the COVER!!!! (both of them)

Pat Jeanne Davis said...

Myra, Both these covers are beautiful and the stories sound wonderful. Enjoy reading about characters living with the fallout of war.
I think a way of demonstrating faithfulness is to be willing to make a personal sacrifice so as to remain true to a commitment even if this means having to live with less.

Casey said...

I REALLY want to read this book!!! I just need to get my hot little hands on it. Plus the cover is super amazing. Thanks so much for being on the Alley today, Myra!!

Sherrinda Ketchersid said...

I've been moving a friend all day and just now getting here! And may I just say WOW! Those covers are stunning and the stories sound awesome! GREAT to have you here!!!

Susan Anne Mason said...

Congratulations, Myra! This story sounds wonderful. Now I'll have to get the first one to catch up!

Cheers,
Sue

Myra Johnson said...

Checking in at the end of a busy day and waving at all my sweet friends--thanks for dropping by!

AMY, wounded heroes are so endearing. I have a special fondness for my heroes in these first two books.

ANGIE, the WWI era was fascinating to research, and also very sad.

Thanks, JENNIFER & PAT! I'm crazy about these covers!

CASEY & SHERRINDA, it was great to visit with everyone today!

SUE, I appreciate your sweet words!

Ashley Clark said...

Thanks for being our guest at the Alley today, Myra! I agree with Sherrinda! Those covers look AMAZING, and the stories sound just as engaging! :)

Myra Johnson said...

Thanks, ASHLEY!

Myra Johnson said...

Thanks, ASHLEY!

Anonymous said...

I am soooo late. But I brought chocolate. Does that count?? So looking forward to book two. I am currently reading book one!!!

Dora Hiers said...

Oh, Myra, another STUNNING cover! Can't wait to read Whisper Goodbye. I know it'll be just as awesome as When The Clouds Roll By!

Myra Johnson said...

TINA & DORA, thanks so much! You are two of my very dearest friends!