Interview with Chris Johnson

Published 2021-11-23.
Who are your favorite authors?
My favourite mainstream writers are Matthew Reilly, David Morrell, Traci Harding, JK Rowling and a few others.

But I’m also enjoying some fantastic Indie authors including Al Macy, Richard Bard, Kory Shum and David Wood. Be sure to check them out on Smashwords too.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Rockhampton, a small city in Central Queensland, Australia. Although I jokingly call it a hole, it still holds a place in my heart.

Some of my stories are based in a town similar to Rockhampton.
What are you currently working on?
I have recently finished The Universe Crack’d, a thrilling adventure romp into the supernatural world of psychic investigator, Craig Ramsey.

Now I’m juggling between ideas for my next two projects. Maybe something about a budding florist who meets a mysterious stranger in a most unusual way…
What is your writing process?
I start with a general idea, which I build upon to create a plot, which I outline. Afterwards, I write it and aim for 500-1000 words a day.
Do you base your characters on people you know?
Some characters traits exist in people I’ve met or known or seen in the news. But that’s it.

For example, Craig Ramsey’s inspiration comes from three different people. Brianna Cogan is three women I have known (and a fourth I know about).
How do you approach cover design?
Carefully.

I love designing graphics, always have, but sometimes it’s good to find someone else who designs it for me.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Following the characters like an invisible observer and recording their story is a joy, yet I also love knowing others enjoy reading their adventures.
What do your fans mean to you?
The world... but after my family, of course.

I love entertaining people.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
I browse certain categories according to my mood.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I enjoy reading a variety of books, love kung fu, and I like to run whenever I can. But I can be a couch potato too, and I like watching movies.

Writing-wise, I tend to write my dreams. I keep the mobile phone handy for those moments I wake through the night. They look funny when I read them later, but there is sometimes something useable for some scenes or stories.
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Books by This Author

The Paradox of Buck Nowlan
Series: ChronoSpace, Book 2. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 57,650. Language: English. Published: August 1, 2023 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » General, Fiction » Science fiction » Adventure
A gripping time-travel odyssey by Chris Johnson. Join Tony Buck Nowlan, inventor of the clandestine ChronoSpace, as he uncovers a shocking personal secret. Balancing curiosity and a promise to his wife, Tony embarks on a perilous journey through time. Witness historic disasters, encounter allies and adversaries, and unravel the essence of trust and sacrifice. Will Tony triumph over time's grip?
Deja Two
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 11,750. Language: English. Published: September 22, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal, Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Supernatural
It’s extraordinary when two men have the same dream at night. But simultaneously – in different cities? Something is afoot! For the vision concerns one man’s lover dying in a pool of blood as he watches in vain. The other man is Craig Ramsey – an occult detective with psychic abilities, who recognises the dream from a prophecy he had made as a teenager.
The Universe Crack'd
Series: Craig Ramsey. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 69,860. Language: Australian English. Published: December 21, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Supernatural, Fiction » Science fiction » Adventure
Join psychic investigator Craig Ramsey on a heart-pounding journey as he returns from the dead to uncover a city-wide conspiracy and save his home from destruction. Confronted by disbelief from loved ones and missing ghosts, Craig uncovers a cryptic clue that leads him on a dangerous quest against time.
While He Was Sleeping
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 50,850. Language: Australian English. Published: March 15, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Supernatural, Fiction » Fantasy » Dark
Norman Cole, a bullied teenager, lies comatose in hospital after a freak cycling accident. Soon after, his best friend Robin experiences nocturnal mutilations and nightmares after a beautiful stranger appears claiming to be Norman's girlfriend. Meanwhile, Norman's bullies die in strange accidents across town. Until...
Demon Blade
Series: Craig Ramsey. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 85,280. Language: English. Published: November 27, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Supernatural, Fiction » Horror » Crime
A bloodthirsty monster with supernatural links is terrorizing the city of Statton. As the body count rises, psychic investigator Craig Ramsey and Detective-Sergeant Brianna Cogan join forces to track down the elusive killer. But as they delve deeper into the investigation, they discover a shocking connection between the killer and Craig's own dark past.
The Bag of Life
Price: Free! Words: 6,430. Language: English. Published: July 15, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal, Fiction » Horror » Occult
(4.25 from 4 reviews)
"He clutched the black velvet bag like his life depended upon it. In a way, it did. But not the way I expected." Long ago, a rogue priest cursed Gibbs with a voodoo effigy. To protect his life, Gibbs sought to protect the doll and constantly kept it by his side. But the curse carries a double-edge that leads him to a long, cold and lonely life. That was just the beginning.
Bootstrap’s Journey
Series: ChronoSpace, Book 1. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 45,750. Language: English. Published: December 26, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Adventure, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Adventure
(4.67 from 3 reviews)
Join Tony "Buck" Nowlan on a time-traveling adventure as he faces unexpected challenges and a relentless enemy. Stranded in the past, Tony must rely on his determination and inner strength to survive and find his way back home. Experience the twists and turns of self-discovery and determination in this captivating journey.
Dead Cell
Series: Craig Ramsey. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 78,310. Language: English. Published: November 6, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Horror » Crime, Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal
(4.50 from 2 reviews)
When Craig Ramsey's daughter dies in a mysterious car crash, he joins forces with skeptical Detective Brianna Cogan to uncover the truth. Unraveling a sinister plot of supernatural forces and a secret government operation, they must confront their own demons, fight their attraction, and survive a murderous spirit's vengeful plot to save the city.
Twelve Strokes of Midnight
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 73,230. Language: English. Published: October 30, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Horror » Weird fiction, Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Supernatural
Discover the dark and enchanting secrets lurking in everyday life in this devilish anthology. From a mysterious wrong number to a creepy spare room inhabitant, experience shivers and magic in tales that explore the unknown powers of the universe. Get ready for an eerie journey with this Devil's Dozen collection...
The Trick
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 5,290. Language: English. Published: October 22, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Short stories, Fiction » Horror » Weird fiction
(4.00 from 1 review)
Step right up and be transported to the enchanting world of vaudeville magic with "The Trick" by Chris Johnson. Follow the journey of Maximillian, the greatest Australian entertainer of the Depression Years, as he embarks on a quest to uncover the elusive secret of real magic. But he's not alone in his pursuit, as a sinister figure is also after the same secrets and will stop at nothing to get it!