When you think about romantic fantasy retellings, the first thing that pops into your head isn’t Rumpelstiltskin. Maybe that’s why I’m so intrigued by K.J. Johnson’s series. Not to mention there are also dragons! From all the blurbs and the look of the covers, these books definitely sound like they’d be a lot of fun to read. So if you haven’t picked them up yet, this is your cue.
This is just the start of K.J’s author journey, because she wants to dabble in a little bit of everything. She mentions that she wants to write an urban fantasy with witches and hunters, a romantasy with fae and dive into some crime and legal thrillers! I think it’s always such a treat to meet authors who want to do it all, because you know they’re passionate about the stories they want to tell.
K.J’s debut series, Fire and Flame, has three books out now and the first in a new duology coming soon and they’re all available in Kindle Unlimited!
BEING AN AUTHOR
Who or what inspired you to write?
All throughout my early years I dabbled in creative writing. Once I started university and later, when I transitioned into my career, my writing took a back seat and I had all but forgotten about previous works. It wasn’t until my grandmother started pushing me to write again that I finally did so. And once I started, I couldn’t stop!
What’s the best and worst part about being an indie author?
The best part is engaging with readers. When you’re not a big name author, it seems like readers are more likely to reach out and tell you what they love about your books.
The worst part is definitely the marketing. It requires a completely different skill set.
Why did you choose to self-publish instead of going the traditional route?
The creative freedom was what drew me to self-publishing. I feel like there is too much gatekeeping when it comes to traditional publishing. Some of my favorite books are from indies, and if this avenue wasn’t open to them, I might not have ever read those books.
When you’re not writing, what do you do to get the creative juices flowing?
I read. Getting lost in a good book is the best way to let your mind run wild.
If you were to recommend books to me (in any genre), what would they be?
I love the Broken Kingdom series by L.J. Andrews, the Shadow Bound Queen series by Eliza Raine and the Legacy of the Gods series by Rina Kent.
What are your top 5 tips or pieces of advice for aspiring authors?
Join bookish platforms where there is a strong author presence (like Threads), because someone will have done it before you (no matter what ‘it’ is) and they will be able to help guide you through the process.
Get comfortable posting on social media (it will be your main source of marketing).
Do your research. Know what you’re getting yourself into before you dive in.
Invest wisely. You’re likely working with a limited budget so don’t go for all the fancy add-ons. Only pay for what you need.
Don’t be discouraged if things don’t take off straight away. It takes time to find your audience.
ROMANCE AS A GENRE
Why did you choose romance as the genre to write in? What is your favorite thing about the genre?
I’m a sucker for a HEA. I blame Disney!
If not romance/subgenres of romance, what genre would you like to write in?
Crime and legal fiction is my next favorite genre.
What are your most and least favorite tropes?
Favorite trope is enemies to lovers. Least favorite trope is cheating. Don’t get me wrong, I love when the MCs get jealous and broody, but I draw the line at cheating.
What are some tropes you want to write in the future?
You either love it or you hate it, but I want to try my hand at the pregnancy trope.
What are some topics (sensitive and otherwise) that you think should exist more in romance?
Real life representation of MCs, especially FMCs. I love reading about a curvy FMC who doesn’t shy away from foul language.
If you write open door romance, why did you choose that and what inspires your sex scenes?
I write open door scenes because sex is a natural part of life and in the case of my stories, it plays an important role in establishing the relationship between the characters. Plus, it’s hot! What’s not to love?
YOUR BOOKS
What inspired your published stories? How and when did you come up with these stories and plots?
I was reading Rumpelstiltskin one day, and thought it would be cool if he came for the baby later in life. I jotted down a rough idea and then added dragons (because why not), and it just took off from there.
It was somewhat surreal writing the first book because it felt like the story just poured out of me. The second book was a little different but I already knew where I was going with it by then.
Can you briefly tell me about your books?
The Fire and Flame series is a dark (loose) retelling of Rumpelstiltskin. The FMC is the heir apparent to her kingdom, and the MMC is the Commanding General of the Cathal (dragon riders), from a neighboring kingdom.
The two nations were previously at war but reached a tenuous peace years prior, however, they are still suspicious of one another. The MMC arrives at the FMCs kingdom to help train the next generation of Cathal, and sparks immediately ignite. Throw in some elemental magic, prophecies and the arrival of Rumpelstiltskin (AKA Kieran) who has come to collect his bride, and chaos quickly follows.
Do you already have a favorite character from the stories you’ve written?
I adore both of my MCs—Harlowe and Silas.
If you were to cast your book for a movie/television show, who would you cast in the lead roles?
I honestly have no idea!
How much of yourself do you put into these characters?
I might sprinkle a little here and there (hint: I hate spiders).
What is a story/stories that you really want to tell?
I’m not driven to tell a particular story but I do love fierce FMC reps. I aim to entertain and my stories are written in the way I enjoy reading.
Is there one common element that readers can find in all your stories?
It’s safe to assume you will always find an alphahole (I know, but it can’t be helped).
What’s next on the bookshelf for you? Anything you can tell us about a future project?
Book one of my second series, Bonded Chaos of the Twisted Fates Duology, is set to be released on 19 April. I also plan to write an urban fantasy with witches/witch hunters.
When you write these stories, what are you hoping your readers will feel?
I aim to provide an authentic experience. I want my readers to be excited, scared, angry, confused, and sad when my characters are. More importantly, I just want them to have a good time when they’re reading my books.
AUTHOR’S CHOICE
Paperbacks, hardbacks, ebooks or audiobooks - hardbacks
Contemporary, fantasy, historical or romantic suspense—I’ll cheat and say romantasy.
Single or Dual POV—but only when it is limited to the two main characters.
Standalones, series or standalones in a series
Open door, ajar door or closed door romances
Music or silence when writing
Plotter, pantser or plantser
Water, tea, coffee or….wine?
Cold or warm weather
Write better in the morning, afternoon or night?
Illustrated and photo cover
K.J. can be found on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. You can also get some bookish merch and make sure to visit her website and sign up for her newsletter.
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