Ask the Author: Stephen Johnson
Answered Questions (5)
Stephen Johnson
Getting stranded in a broken motorhome 40 metres from the sea with an approaching cyclone was the inspiration for my third book in my Spotlight series. We were fortunate the tidal surge didn't swamp us. However, the tropical downpour caused more than 70 land slips on New Zealand's SH1 south of Kaikoura. It took two weeks to rescue the motorhome! That was the starting point for Goose Bay, which was aided by the crime fiction author's fertile imagination. Goose Bay is currently going through the editing wringer.
Stephen Johnson
My second novel featuring the Melbourne Spotlight television current affairs team is with the publisher, Clan Destine Press in Victoria. Hopefully a thumbs up soon, or maybe some more edits!
While that is under consideration I'm about to start a third novel which will be a standalone. It is partly based on a real experience. A breakdown in our motorhome left my wife and I stranded on coastal SH1 in New Zealand's South Island in the path of Cyclone Gita. 200mm of rain caused more than 70 landslips, trapping Kwozzimoto for almost two weeks. It was an adventure that I am turning into a criminal plot. Rather than two travellers enjoying the delights of New Zealand, the protagonists are trying to flee the police. And there is an unexpected passenger on board!
While that is under consideration I'm about to start a third novel which will be a standalone. It is partly based on a real experience. A breakdown in our motorhome left my wife and I stranded on coastal SH1 in New Zealand's South Island in the path of Cyclone Gita. 200mm of rain caused more than 70 landslips, trapping Kwozzimoto for almost two weeks. It was an adventure that I am turning into a criminal plot. Rather than two travellers enjoying the delights of New Zealand, the protagonists are trying to flee the police. And there is an unexpected passenger on board!
Stephen Johnson
I'm enjoying the creativity and freedom that fiction is providing after 40 years as a journalist. Life can be tough and painful - witness the misery caused by COVID-19. In the literary world, we have the freedom to solve these problems and provide justice. It's a cheerful barrier against reality at times.
Stephen Johnson
Go for a walk or paddle in the sea kayak. I usually walk 6- 10 kilometres a day, depending on the word flow on the laptop. I always carry a notebook and pen as the exercise usually clears any blocks. That's not so convenient when paddling on the Tamaki River or in the Hauraki Gulf!
Stephen Johnson
I need to update my reading list. Tugga's Mob is an entrant in the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best First Novel. There are 15 entries - which means I have 14 exciting new books to read!
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