Sunday, September 9, 2012

Getting to know Madison Johns


I want to welcome Madison Johns, author of Armed and Outrageous. Let’s get to know her.
Patricia: Madison, where did you grow up? Did your childhood contribute to your desire to be a writer? 

Madison: I grew up in Birch Run, Michigan, which is in Mid-Michigan. It’s a small town or used to be with no McDonald’s or Mall, but today it has all of that and more. Living in the country was an inspiration, but I spent most of my days daydreaming. At this point writing wasn’t something I was doing or thinking about.

Patricia: Where do you live now? Do you use that locale for settings in your novels? 

Madison: I live in Saginaw, MI, and so far it hasn’t been featured in any of my novels. Armed and Outrageous takes place near Tawas, MI, where I went on vacation every year.
Patricia: What inspired you to write your most recent novel? 

Madison: I worked in a nursing home for three years and that was really the inspiration, that and my love for Janet Evanovich’s Grandma Mazur character. Since Janet won’t give Grandma Mazur her own books, I thought why not try my hand at it and created quite a cast of characters.

Patricia: Did you plan to write a series before or after you wrote the first book? 

Madison: I knew while I was writing Armed that it would be a great series. The ideas wouldn’t quit flowing and I had to jot them all down for future reference. 

Patricia: Name three of your favorite authors in the mystery genre. 

Madison: Lisa Jackson, Lisa Gardner, and Janet Evanovich. I love Janet’s simplistic style.

Patricia: What are your favorite things to do when you’re not reading or writing?

Madison: Does hanging out on Facebook count? I like watching ghost hunting shows on Sci-Fi with my family, but I really have no time to spare between family and work to make room for hobbies.

Patricia: Do you like to travel? If so, what are some of your favorite places to go? 

Madison: I wished I had more opportunities to do more, but I do love my home state of Michigan. I love the Tawas area and hope I won’t be stoned out of town when I visit there. I love Lake Huron in all it’s magnificent glory. I hope to travel to the Upper Peninsula on day.

Patricia: How would you describe yourself personality wise? 

Madison: I’m an extrovert, I know right? I’m not sure how I came to this point because when I was a child I was shy as a church mouse. Words are never left unsaid. I can literally talk to anyone — my whole family is that way too. In some parts of the country that might seem weird. I’m a walking talking comedian or so I have been accused. I love to laugh and make others do the same. I can literally make a joke out of every situation, although it’s not always a blessing to certain members of my family.

Patricia: If you had a time machine where would you go? 

Madison: Like back to my childhood and kick myself in the rear. I wished I had paid more attention to grammar in school. I’m not sure if I’ll ever fully understand it.

Patricia: How would you finish this sentence? If I won a million dollars, I would ...  

Madison: be dreaming. I’m a little on the realistic side.

You can learn more about Madison and her books at the following sites:


12 comments:

  1. Hi, Madison, I'm so happy to get to learn more about you. Since I see you all over the web and know your face, it's nice to learn what's behind that pretty face. Thanks, Patricia, for having Madison as a guest. I enjoyed the interview.

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  2. Enjoyed the interview. I'm a big Janet Evanovich fan myself. Thanks for sharing, Madison.

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  3. Thanks Marilyn, I feel the same about you, lol.

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  4. Armed and Dangerous is definitely on my TBR list. It sounds like something I'd really enjoy. Good interview with interesting and fun answers. I love Grandma Mazur, too. I'd love to see more of her in future books.

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    1. Thanks Marja! I loved Plumb Lucky the best because Grandam Mazur was featured more.

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  5. Fun interview, Madison. One of my favorite states to visit is Michigan. It's gorgeous and the UP is one of the most scenic places that truly speak to the writer's soul. As for being part stand up comedian, I get that, too! Finding the humor in a given situation not only helps lighten the mood, it keeps us sane. Armed and Dangerous is on my Kindle and in line to be read...I can't wait!

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  6. Nice to hear about you, and I like that you celebrate being an extrovert. You're gathering information about human interaction with every conversation!

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  7. Hi Madison. I'm a Midwest gal too, born and raised in Indiana. I daydreamed when I was a kid because there was nothing else to do in my small town! Good luck with your new book.

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  8. Thanks Anne, maybe I should name the sequel Armed and Dangerous as everyone keeps calling it that, lol.

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  9. Thanks John, I used to be super shy so this is a big change. I have an excess of personality.

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  10. Thanks Sally. Small towns are one of my real comfort zones when it comes to writing.

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