What's your name and the title or titles of your books?
My name is Lori Johnson. I also have work (short stories & essays) published under the name Lori D. Johnson. After The Dance (Kensington/Dafina) is the title of my debut novel.
What genre do you normally write in?
Interesting question. Most of the short stories I've published would more than likely be considered "literary." I've heard people describe After The Dance as chick-lit, romance and even urban-lit. Personally, I don't think it belongs in any of those categories (smile). I view After The Dance as a humorous, contemporary love story.
Could you tell us just a little about yourself?
I was born in Memphis, TN and I am the eldest of two children. Thanks to my father's military career, I spent the first seventeen years of my life living in various parts of the United States and a couple of those seventeen in Wiesbaden Germany. Even though I currently reside in Charlotte, North Carolina with my husband and our young son, Memphis, TN is still the one place I call "home."
My love of words dates back to childhood, well before I could even walk or read. My mother likes to tell the story of how she and other relatives would deliberately hand me books (minus pictures and/or photos) turned upside down. Inevitably, I'd cry until someone turned the book right-side up again. They found it amusing that somehow, instinctively, I seemed to know something wasn't quite right. Even now, I still don't like my words turned upside down (smile).
Will you give us a brief overview of your latest, or if you prefer, your favorite book?
After The Dance is a romantic comedy, set in Memphis, and told from both the male and female perspectives. In the story, thirty-four year old Faye Abrahams, a chain-smoking, cynical pharmacist, describes her efforts to resist the charms of her next door neighbor, Carl Tucker, the forty-two year old, financially-strapped, divorced father of three who appears intent on sweet-talking and slow-dancing his way into Faye's heart.
Where are your books available?
After The Dance should be available in all of the major bookstores, retail outlets and via Amazon.
Are you working on anything new at the moment?
I recently finished my second novel, which is tentatively entitled A Natural Woman. In short, A Natural Woman centers upon a young, single college professor whose relationship with her male hairdresser takes a mysterious turn when he disappears shortly after their first night together.
What one statement would you like to make that you think our audience and your readers might benefit from?
As much as I enjoy making readers laugh, giggle and smile, I'd like to think my humor goes a step beyond "mindless" entertainment. In much the manner of a Paul Mooney or a Whoopie Goldberg, I'm also striving to make folks think, question or if nothing else, simply say, "Hmm."
Thanks Peggy for granting me this opportunity to share a bit about myself and my writing with others.
Thank you, Lori! We know you'll have great success with this debut offering!
