Author Interview: Renae Johnson

Author Name: Renae Johnson
Year started writing for LI: 2008
Titles: “Heavenly Bodies” (featured in the anthology Going Up, Going Down, released July 22nd)
Web Page: www.renaejohnson.net


What genre do you write in, and why? :
I like to call it Full-figured Paranormal Sexy Romantic Comedy. Why? Well, for one thing, I only write plus-sized heroines (I’m very passionate about size acceptance, and big girls are sexy, too, IMO). For another, I like to use slightly paranormal elements, such as a hot guardian angel, or a selkie, faeries, witchcraft, tarot, dreams, etc. And I think “sexy romantic comedy” is pretty self-explanatory. J

How much time do you spend writing every week? :
It depends, really. I tend to be a “blitz writer,” meaning I like to take a huge chunk of time—say a free Saturday—and spend it writing. Hard and fast schedules don’t work for me, but I try to spend at least five hours a week writing.

What was the first story you ever wrote about? (not nec. first published story) :
I’ve been writing since before I started kindergarten, and I honestly can’t remember back that far. However, I do remember the first romance I wrote. It was an historical romance set in the American plains about a wagon train going to California. I was in high school, and it was bad. Really bad.

How do you judge the effectiveness of the sensual scenes in your stories? :
Well, I figure if it’s turning me on that’s a good thing. ;-) No, in all seriousness, I’ll send my stories out to some writer friends who’s opinions I trust, and if they respond with a, “That was a hot!” I know I’m on the right track.


Do you ever try out the sexual positions you write to make sure of accuracy? :
I was just talking to someone about this the other day… I think that when you’re writing any sort of physical action scene, it helps to “try it out” to make sure the body can make certain movements or comfortably be in certain positions. Illustrated books also help, though.


Ever been told, Um...sweetie, that's not how it works? :
Not yet. I’m sure I’ll get there at some point, though.

What one word best describes your toy collection? :
Colorful. *wink*

Favourite candy while writing? :
Chocolate, of course. Dark chocolate, to be more specific.

Where did your most unusual plot idea come from? :
Y’know, I’m not sure. They come from all different kinds of places, i.e. conversations with friends, dreams, news stories, etc.

What inspires you to write? :
The voices in my head that won’t shut up. Seriously. I have to get them out somehow.

What music inspires your writing? :
It depends upon what I’m writing, or what kind of scene I’m writing. If I’m writing a sensual scene, I’ve found that Maroon 5 really does it for me (I swear Songs about Jane is baby-making music).

Plotter or a Pantser? :
Pantser. All the way.

Does your cat insist on sitting on your keyboard like mine does? :
If I had a cat, he/she probably would. Luckily, my plants tend to stay where they’re put.

What is your most embarrassing moment as an erotic romance author? :
Explaining it to my mom….

Most challenging place you've ever written a spicy scene? :
At work, during lunch, while one of my male coworkers was wiggling his eyebrows at me after reading the opening line of the story. Talk about uncomfortable.

When you get stuck, how do you find your way back to the writing? :
I step away for a while, fiddle around on the internet, pick up someone else’s book, listen to some music, take a drive (well, before gas prices climbed so high), talk to some friends on AIM or via email.

The Personal stuff:

Any outrageous liaisons in your past?
Hmmm. Not really (unless you count that threesome…)

Where's the most unusual place you ever managed to have sex? :
Behind a convenience store right off the interstate.

What was the most romantic meal you've eaten? :
He had chicken, I had a cheeseburger, but he’d lit candles on the table and turned out all the other lights. Proof positive that romance is all about atmosphere and the person you’re with.

What kind of books do you read for fun? :
Romantic comedy, some chick lit, Lisa Kleypas, erotica, urban fantasy.

Is your real life anything like your stories? What about your fantasies? :
My non-erotic stories are probably closer to my real life, whereas my erotic stories are probably closer to my fantasies. Funny how it works out that way. J

Soulmates? Do you believe? :
Yes, but not necessarily in the romantic sense (gasp! I know, that’s probably sacrilege for an erotic romance writer, but still). Sometimes, you meet someone who is very much your soul mate, but with whom there is no physical attraction/romantic feeling whatsoever. However, there is something to be said for that kind of mental and emotional intimacy with someone, and I do believe that you can find that with someone you are attracted to (just not always).

Sex with anyone famous? :
Only in my dreams…

Cake or Pie? Coke or Pepsi? Tea or Coffee? :
Key lime pie. Dr. Pepper (hey, I’m from Texas!). Sweet tea (again, I’m from Texas!) or frappuccino.