Today I’m tickled to present my fellow Wild Rose Press author Margot Johnson, whose debut romance novel features an intriguing setting and some adorable doggos!

But first, a bit of news!

This week, I was thrilled to appear on the Coffee Time Romance book blog. What a lovely interview! If you have time, I hope you’ll stop by and leave a comment. Romance writers, you should definitely check out this polished, welcoming book blog. https://coffeetimeromance.com/interviews/interview-with-sadira-stone/

And I’m looking forward to my appearance at the Columbia Gorge Book Festival in The Dalles, Oregon. If you’re in the area, I hope to see you there!

When: October 5, 2019. 11:30 am – 4:30 pm Author signing event. 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm After Hours Party

Where: Shilo Inn, The Dalles, Oregon. Conveniently located right off of I-84.

After the devastating loss of her husband, Erin Humphrey is rebuilding her life. She runs the Canine Corner dog kennel in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Then a prairie blizzard strikes just as Erin’s family arrives for the weekend, followed by a handsome but difficult client, Drew Dixon. A daring jet pilot, Drew is a magnet for Erin’s young son Noah, upsetting Erin who is terrified of flying. Drew is at a crossroads because of a career-threatening mistake. Despite an icy start, the couple warm to each other, sparking an undeniable attraction. But will their secret fears keep Erin and Drew’s love from soaring?

Love Takes Flight is Available on Amazon

Margot Johnson lives in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, where she grew up in a family of writers. She has written magazine articles and children’s stories. Love Takes Flight is her first novel–a fun, sweet romance between a daring jet pilot and a woman who owns a dog kennel business. This feel-good story explores themes of trust, resilience and pursuing your dreams.

When not writing, Margot enjoys hosting dinners for friends and family, helping newcomers learn English, and walking her much-loved golden retriever and Border collie. Her dogs, Jake & Sophie, are the real-life inspiration for her loyal canine characters. She and her husband, Rick, love to travel, and one of her more unusual adventures was appearing on the TV game show ‘Let’s Make a Deal’.

A few questions for the author:

Tell us about your inspiration for this story.

I heard about a pilot who proposed to his girlfriend in a really original and romantic way, and I tucked away the idea until I could use it in a story. I also love dogs and wanted to weave them into the story based on my experience with my own dogs. I really wanted to live up to our family writing tradition and write a story that would entertain readers the way a good book keeps me up late.

What do you love about the genre you write in? 

Love Takes Flight is a sweet romance. I love stories with unexpected twists and turns and characters who come to life and work through their challenges. I had fun working out a happy ending for Drew and Erin even though it didn’t seem possible.

Do you write in other genres?

Not currently, but I hope to expand into women’s fiction and a memoir.

Tell us about your journey from aspiring writer to published author.

I come from a writing family. My dad was a journalist who wrote non-fiction. My sister, Donna Gartshore, writes for Harlequin Love Inspired. I’ve always loved reading and writing, and my writing interests have changed over the years – from magazine articles to children’s picture books and now, romance.

I attended some writer’s workshops and belong to a great, local, romance writers’ group. My editor taught me a lot along the way. Someone gave me a card that says: Dream big & work hard, and that’s what I try to do. Although my book is called ‘Love Takes Flight’, it represents my dreams taking flight.

What’s your favorite part of the writing life?

I love to play with words and let my writing flow. I’m amazed at the way characters decide to do things I hadn’t anticipated. I also appreciate the way writers support other writers and cheer on each other’s accomplishments.

What do you do for fun when you’re not writing?

I host dinners for family and friends, attend a book club, help newcomers to Canada learn English, and take my two dogs for long walks. 

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Just write! Find the discipline to write something every day, and you will improve and find your unique voice. Believe in yourself, and never quit.

Authors always seem to have a teetering To Be Read pile. What’s in yours?

These are some of the books on my book club list: Furious Hours by Casey Cep, Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese, Then She was Gone by Lisa Jewell, The Seven Husbands of Evely Hugo by Taylor Jenkins, Educated by Tara Westover, Family Furnishings by Alice Munro, Normal People by Sally Rooney.

What makes you put down a book without finishing?

Books that are too predictable bore me.

Which authors have inspired you?

New York Times Best-selling author, Mary Balogh, is in our local writers’ group and is very encouraging. I found The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls inspiring and written in a very engaging way. My sister, Donna Gartshore, writes for Harlequin and provides a family role model.

Follow Margot Johnson to learn more about her books and appearances:

Facebook: MargotJohnsonAuthor  

Twitter: @AuthorMargot  

In the Media: CTV News  CTV Morning Show  CHAB Radio  CBC Radio  Regina Leader Post