What’s your pen name and tell me about the books you like to write.
Charlene Johnson is my pen name and my real name. The most exciting thing to me is seeing my name on the cover of my books. It gives me a real sense of accomplishment and fulfills a dream I’ve had for many years.
I write adult Romantic Suspense and Paranormal Romance.
My romantic suspense series, Sterling Wood is very loosely based on the small town in Southwest Pennsylvania I grew up in with a deadly twist. I also wrote a standalone romantic suspense/ organized crime book, Blown Away, that is Book 2 of a multi-author series, The Crimes of Passion.
Do you like books with two points of view, why or why not?
I like books with multiple points of view and that’s how I write. It gives the reader a more well-rounded take on the story.
Where do you find your inspiration from?
As a life-long avid reader and daydreamer, I love to read book series from my favorite authors. They really inspired me. When I started writing, my main genre was paranormal romance. My hair stylist, who doesn’t read that genre, asked me if I’d consider writing a contemporary romance with drama, scandal and mystery. I was able to accomplish that with Homecoming. I’m pleased with how it turned out and extremely excited it received a Book Excellence Finalist Award. Homecoming was meant to be one and done, but when I started writing it, I developed supporting characters I felt needed their own stories, thus the creation of the series.
What kinds of meals does your main character prefer?
I don’t really focus on food unless the character is having a romantic dinner with that special someone.
How does your main character dress?
My characters dress in modern contemporary clothes of present day.
What does your main character’s living quarters look like?
It ranges from spacious rural estate to country farmhouse.
What’s your main character’s three top personality traits?
Independent, troubled, but with a great capacity to love, even though at times they don’t know it. People have flaws and so do my characters. It gives them depth.
What does your main character want more than life itself?
To heal his or her emotional scars and find real love, despite its imperfections.
What message are you trying to portray in your theme?
Love will always find a way.
What’s your most recent five star read?
I haven’t read very much recently as I’ve focused on my writing. The last contemporary romance I read was Madam Temptress by Meghan March.
What book do you want to read next?
A book by J. Kenner. I love the Stark Series and anything she writes.
What are your 2022 goals:
To write three books – Getting It Right, Book 3 in the Sterling Wood Series and two books in my paranormal romance series – Pursued, Book 6 in the Circle of the Red Scorpion Series and Unleashed, Book 2 in the Circle of the Red Scorpion World Series. I also typically write at least one short story during the year as well.
Social media links/contact:
My Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/charlene.johnson.12382
https://www.facebook.com/groups/338584589887498/
https://www.facebook.com/redscorpionfans/
https://www.facebook.com/Sterling-Wood-Series-406385616582058/
https://www.instagram.com/charlene.johnson57
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1120236.Charlene_Johnson
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/669648711
https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlene-johnson-94377668/
https://www.tiktok.com/@authorcharlenejohnson?lang=en
My Websites:
https://www.circleoftheredscorpion.com/
https://www.sterlingwoodseries.com/
My Email Address:
Cassie Swindon 