What got Johnni Sherri into writing?
JS: I've always been drawn to literature. In fact, growing up, English was my favorite and most successful subject in school. I enjoyed reading books and writing short stories at an early age. And in college I even begged my parent to let me change my major to English/Creative Writing.
Which book was your favorite to pen?
JS: Both Heartbreak U and Loving Noble Shaw in Beard Gang Chronicles were my favorites to write. With Heartbreak U, I wrote without any expectations. I was just having fun, writing 4 distinct voices. With Meeting Noble Shaw, I was on a short deadline. It was my first crack at erotica, and I had to write it fast. The story's success truly gave me confidence in my pen. It was also my first 'damsel in distress' trope, which I enjoyed.
Which one of your characters can you write about all day?
JS: I don’t think I could write about any of my characters long term. I get tired of them, and my mind often shifts in different directions, providing new storyline ideas and the voices of new characters. It's one of the reasons I haven't written a lengthy series and have been hesitant to write interrelated series.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
JS: My storylines and characters are typically a blend of real-life people that I know, my own personal experiences, and just my overall imagination.
Who are some of your favorite authors that you feel were influential in your work? What impact have they had on your writing?
JS: There are so many authors that have impacted my work and that I admire. Years ago, I probably would I have told you that I wanted to write a book just like Mary Monroe or Tracy Price-Thompson because of the adventure they can take you on as a readers. l would have loved to been born with author Desiree's wit. To this day I still haven't read a book as realistically funny as hers. And Love Belvin, her writing is just so beautiful and passionate, it's hard not to admire her style. But even with that, I just try to be me--constantly working to write better stories for my audience.
What are your top 3 favorite books of all time?
JS: Whew!!! This one is really hard one for me to narrow down because I have too many to name. Three off the top of my head are A Woman's Worth by Tracy Price-Thompson, A Hustler's Wife by Nikki Turner and the Wayward Love series by Love Belvin.
If you could tell your younger writing self -anything, what would it be?
JS: I would tell my younger self to push past the fear. Those things in life that you fear doing because you think you might fail, do them anyway. Do them full throttle! Have the courage to not let fear stop you from achieving your dreams.
Can you tell us a little bit about what you’re working on currently?
JS: I'm currently working on Seeking Asha, a spin off from my Heartbreak U series. Asha is a bit older in this book and as she's matured, she's become a bit kinder and more aware of her actions. The conflict comes when she has to confront her past. This not only includes people from her past, but her previous scheming and grimy ways now turning into her karma.
What is your kryptonite as a writer?
JS: Self-editing is most definitely my kryptonite as an author. It's actually one of the reasons I take so long to complete my projects. I already know to just write and to trust my pen, but sometimes old habits die hard.
Where can readers find out more about you and your work?
JS: Readers can find my work directly on my website, www.johnnisherri.com. They can also find my books on Amazon or at most book retailers like Walmart, Target and Barnes and Nobles. Readers can also follow me on FB, Instagram @johnnisherri and Twitter @johnni_sherri
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