Guide to Categories – Author Interview – an interview with an author, if there is no review from me, I have not read the book and cannot speak to its appropriateness for a school library

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About the Book

Book: Glitter and the Grouch (Romance in Valiant Book Three. It can be read as a standalone.)

Author: Mary Pat Johns

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: September 3, 2024

Silas and Nat don’t get along. Neither can they leave each other alone. When a prank goes terribly wrong at their workplace, they face an impossible choice.

Either they compete in a canoe race to prove they can work together or forfeit their futures at Peeps. Quitting isn’t the norm for either of them. Good thing, because their boss isn’t backing down an inch. He assures them they can accomplish anything they set their minds to, even if it’s 3 days and 260 miles of river.

There’s only one catch—they’ll have to be in the same boat.

Will they reach deep inside to find out what they’re made of? Or will they succumb to the physical rigors of the event and the machinations of Nat’s controlling ex?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author – Mary Pat Johns

Mary Pat Johns’ writing career began once she retired from years of teaching speech and writing. She’s written devotions for an online publication and had short stories published by Chicken Soup for the Soul. She currently writes a weekly faith column for the local newspaper. Countin’ On Jesse, her first novel debuted in 2023, and book 2 of the Valiant series, Lovin’ On Red, released in release in 2024. God put it in her heart to tell stories of brave veterans and their reintegration into civilian life after suffering the traumas of war.

She lives in South Texas with her husband and their two dapple dachshunds. Her grown children and five grandchildren are useful sorts who keep her grounded with her reading/writing obsession. You can find her at the gym, at her computer, or reading a good book.

More from Mary Pat Johns

I wrote Glitter and the Grouch for two reasons. The first reason was peace of mind. LOL. Two minor characters from Books 1 & 2 of the Valiant series INSISTED on having their own story. Rather, Nat insisted and Silas grudgingly followed. He hated the idea at first, but all’s well that ends well.

The second reason is I absolutely LOVE the Texas Water Safari and follow it every year. When I talked to a friend who competes, he wasn’t sure how I would write a book about it. When I explained it would be a story about two people who fall in love during the race, he grinned from ear to ear and said that scenario had happened a few times.

Author Interview – Mary Pat Johns

When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

I always loved to read, and when I was a little girl, I told my mom I was going to be a famous author someday. Ha! These days, I’m not concerned about the “famous” part. I just love to write. Almost as much as I love to read.  

When you are not writing, what other hats do you wear? What do you do for fun?

I’m a wife, mom, and Mamaw. I love spending time with my family, as the writing life can be quite solitary. I also enjoy crossword puzzles, working in my flower beds, and going for long walks on the beach.  

What is your favorite genre to read? What about that genre draws you?

I like romance, both contemporary and historical. Love stories are my favorite, but I also enjoy a bit of mystery to go with it. 

What is your favorite thing about this time of year?

Fall in Texas is a glorious time. It’s not so hot and being outside is pure pleasure. 

What historical figure do you admire and why?

I really appreciate our Founding Fathers and their vision for our country. They weren’t perfect men, but they had peoples’ best interests at heart. 

How does your faith play out in your writing?

Jesus said in this world, we would have tribulation. My heart’s desire is to present biblical solutions when people encounter difficult situations. I hope to accomplish that through flawed characters who embrace God’s way of doing things when they endure trials. 

As a former K-12 school librarian(and since this blog is geared toward school librarians) I have to ask – what is your favorite children’s book?

I learned to love to read as a child, because my teachers read to us. Going to the library was one of my favorite things to do. I can still remember Johnny Tremaine, All-of-a-Kind Family, and Wheel on the School, to name a few. And, of course, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.  

Young Author’s Days were an important part of my work as a school librarian. What advice would you give to a child or teen who wants to be a writer?

Well, as we say in Texas, you need to hunker down and learn grammar rules and develop some discipline. Understanding writing rules will help with your confidence level, and the discipline of writing involves a lot of sitting and thinking in front of a computer.      

Thank you so much for joining us today, Mary.

Views expressed in this interview/guest post do not necessarily reflect the views of this blog host.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 11

Back Porch Reads, October 12 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 12

For Him and My Family, October 13

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 14 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 15

Fiction Book Lover, October 16 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 17

Vicky Sluiter, October 18 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 20 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, October 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 21

Simple Harvest Reads, October 22 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 23

For the Love of Literature, October 24 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card and copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5465

Read more Author Interview posts

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