Ask the Author: Iris Johansen
Answered Questions (17)
Iris Johansen
Do I feel sad at the death of a character? I'm a complete marshmallow. I sit there and sob at the computer. It doesn't even take a death. Sometimes I'm just touched by an experience the character is going through. They are real people to me.
Iris Johansen
I've lived in Atlanta where Eve has her home. As for the rest, I worked for an airline and hopscotched all over the world.
Iris Johansen
I've been an avid reader all my life and it came naturally to want to tell my own stories. I believe that It's what I was meant to do. I'm lucky that my particular dream did come true.
Iris Johansen
No, Ugly Duckling was not as challenging as some of my other books. I loved the story and it wrote itself. The most challenging was probably the Wind Dancer trilogy.
Iris Johansen
Black walnut and also plain vanilla!
Iris Johansen
Catherine just appeared as a kernel of an idea and I fell in love with her, and Hu Chang and her son.
Iris Johansen
Write what you'd want to read. Finish the book even if you're discouraged. You can always go back and make it better.
Iris Johansen
Lee Child's Night School. It's a Jack Reacher and very fresh and different. It takes place when Reacher was in active Military service. Recommend for anyone's bookshelf!
Iris Johansen
The Eve Duncan trilogy starting with SHADOW PLAY is a great place to introduce your friends to Eve! You don't need to read any of the older books in the series to understand the plot or characters. Hope you enjoy!
Iris Johansen
Hi, Miriam!
That Eve Duncan trilogy starts with SHADOW PLAY, followed by HIDE AWAY, and then NIGHT AND DAY is the conclusion. Enjoy!
That Eve Duncan trilogy starts with SHADOW PLAY, followed by HIDE AWAY, and then NIGHT AND DAY is the conclusion. Enjoy!
Iris Johansen
Hi, Pam!
I have a new book coming out on April 25th, 2017. It's called NO EASY TARGET and it's all about Margaret Douglas from previous Eve Duncan stories!
I have a new book coming out on April 25th, 2017. It's called NO EASY TARGET and it's all about Margaret Douglas from previous Eve Duncan stories!
Iris Johansen
It's really me! xoxo Iris
Iris Johansen
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Iris Johansen
Right now I'm renovating a new house so I'm writing my books in my laundry room! Hopefully, I'll have my new office by Thanksgiving. It doesn't matter really. I'm usually so involved with the world of my characters that I could probably work anywhere.
Iris Johansen
Dealing with any sensitive subject can be difficult. I don't claim to be an expert. In truth, when I was writing the Face of Deception I didn't even think I was doing anything that the reader might have a problem accepting. I was involved with the characters and they were writing their own story. I believe if the power of the story and characters dominate then it will sweep the reader along with you. Also, my forensic sculptor is totally devoted to healing and giving closure. Hope works miracles.
As far as persuading publishers to accept a concept, there is no formula. You have to find the right editor and you have to write a book powerful enough to blow him or her away. In the end, it's all about storytelling.
As far as persuading publishers to accept a concept, there is no formula. You have to find the right editor and you have to write a book powerful enough to blow him or her away. In the end, it's all about storytelling.
Iris Johansen
My advice is to write what you love and always finish what you start even if you decide in the middle that you want to go on to something else. I usually get a kernel of a plot idea and then invite the characters to the party. I research, live with them, and then start writing. I find they build their own world.
Iris Johansen
I love Eve Duncan,too! I've lived in her world for so long that she's become family. Eve is very human and she makes mistakes. But she's also strong and tries to solve them in a mature and kind way. I believe her main appeal for me is that she's always growing and changing. She's always surprising me.
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