For all that is good and holy in the world, what possessed you to become an author?
I have always wanted to tell stories. I love seeing stories in all formats, whether novels, television, or movies. I minored in film at the University of Florida, so story has always been high on my list of things to explore. When I felt I was ready to begin my journey, I joined RMFW and started going to a critique group. That helped me grow as an author and connect with people.
How did you conceive the idea for your latest novel?
My latest novel is urban fantasy, which is a change for me. My other books have been a combination of quirky sci-fi and space fantasy. As fun as those stories are, and I’ll get back to them later in the year, urban fantasy is one of my favorite genres. It just felt like a natural fit for my voice, and I understand why readers pick up the books and love them because I love them myself.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I would have to say both. I like to have an idea of where the story is going, but I don’t need everything plotted out ahead of time. I like to stay flexible and let the characters and storyline surprise me along the way.
If you were a taco or a pizza, what kind of taco or pizza would you be?
I’d be a crunchy beef taco and a pineapple pizza. Those are two of my favorite foods. Now I’m hungry.
If you could describe your entire catalog of books in a single sentence, what would that sentence say?
I’ve used the tagline: fun, original sci-fi and urban fantasy you won’t find anywhere else. I feel like one of my greatest assets is originality and the humor that weaves its way consistently through the stories.
If you had to start your career over again from scratch, what would you do differently?
This is a hard one. I feel like I’ve learned as much from failure as from success. I might spend more time researching genre specifically and the market in general.
What is your favorite thing about RMFW?
That would be the people I’ve met and the friendships I’ve made along the way. Writing can feel like a solitary endeavor, but there are really great people in RMFW who are on the same journey.
Amazon bestselling author Lori (L.A.) Johnson writes humorous sci-fi and urban fantasy, including the Neon Octopus Overlord Series, the Neon Octopus Ally Series, and the upcoming Shadow Slayer Series, as well as stories included in the bestselling humorous sci-fi anthologies Pew! Pew! Volume 3: Bite My Shiny Metal Pew! and Pew! Pew! Volume 4: Bad versus Worse. Plans for 2019 include work on two more urban fantasy trilogies. She has a Journalism degree from the University of Florida with a minor in Film.
Lori enjoys living in Colorado with her husband, three kids, and three dogs. She spends her free time reading and binge-watching television and movies. She is an active member of RMFW as a volunteer in various roles at the Colorado Gold Conference and other events. Lori is also a supportive member of RMFW’s independent author communities.
More information on Lori and all she’s doing can be found on her website and her Facebook page.