Nk Chats To… Jo Johnson

Hi Jo, thank you so much for joining me today. Can you tell me about your novel, Surviving Her and what inspired it? 

Surviving Her is a dual narrative domestic suspense that follows Nicky, a nine year old and Keziah, a twenty nine year old from the first day of their summer holidays.

The book explores the issue of emotional coercion, an issue that in my opinion  is poorly understood and always demonised when explored in the media. I see many people in my clinics who have stumbled upon control as a strategy to soothe their inner distress. Like many addictions, the desire to control starts small but often grows until it is harmful and destructive for the perpetrator and victim.

What’s your typical writing day like? 

Given my real life job is clinical psychology, I have to squeeze writing in the gaps. Sometimes I’m unable to write much for months but I scribble down notes and record voice notes when I have ideas to include in my novels. 

What are the challenges you found when writing your novel? 

Finding enough time. I find it hard to get back into the story if the gaps between writing splurges are too big.

Which fictional character would you like to meet and why? 

Will, the main character  from Jo Jo Moyes – “Me before You”. I loved that book and want to work with him as a psychologist so he doesn’t kill himself! I have a saviour complex!

What elements do you think make up a good psychological suspense novel? 

I think the best suspense comes from well written characters so the reader feels what they feel. I try and write novels where the reader can spot the threats that the protagonist can’t see. I want people to laugh, weep, feel furious and breathless with anticipation.

From idea to finished book, what’s your writing process like and how long does it typically take you?

It takes me at least a couple of years given a job and other commitments. I get the idea first and then ponder that and talk to to others and then I write. I don’t know what’s going to happen until I’ve written my first draft. Hence, I complete many drafts before I finish which is time wasting but I don’t see able to plan.

What’s your favourite word and why?

It changes all the time. My today fave is ‘sluggard’. I like the idea of being as lazy and slow as a long, swollen slug! 

In your opinion, what are the common mistakes aspiring authors make and any other advice for aspiring writers?

I think I’m still aspiring. My biggest mistake in the early days was to think like a writer and not a reader. It was a eureka moment when my editor kept prompting me to ask – what do i want the reader to think or feel in response to this scene? 

Which comes first for you, plot or characters?

Plot 

Do you have any particular writing quirks or rituals?

I have to cry at some point, hopefully at many points. If I don’t cry writing it, I know my reader won’t feel the sadness.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve discovered since you’ve started writing?

How much I love it. 

What are you currently working on? 

My third novel – ‘Surviving Him’ and a non fiction project called ‘Surviving the real me’.

About Jo Johnson: 

Jo Johnson is a clinical psychologist specialising in neurological disorders. She is the author of nine psychology related publications for children and adults. Telling and listening to stories is an integral part of her work as a clinician and public speaker.

Surviving Her is Jo Johnson’s second novel. Like her first book, Surviving Her doesn’t shy away from serious topics that as a psychologist Jo can write about with inside knowledge and authenticity. The psychology of childhood neglect, trauma, grief and emotional coercion are compassionately knitted within the twists and drama of this carefully crafted novel.

Her first novel ‘Surviving Me’ was published by Unbound in 2019. She is working on a third novel, “Surviving him”.

She lives in West Sussex with her husband.

About Surviving Her – 

‘Surviving Her ‘ is dual-narrative, psychological suspense. It combines engaging, complex characters with a fast-moving plot that explores the question: What does it take for a man to become emotionally coercive? 

Nicky is the child with the hurting eyes and desperate ways. You want to rescue him.

Claus is the husband with the empty eyes and controlling ways. You need to rescue her.

Broken by the death of her sister, Keziah can’t believe her luck when Claus, a beautiful psychologist saves her from a disciplinary disaster. Desperate to heal herself and restore her parents, she marries in haste. Her husband’s idiosyncrasies and unexplained absences are easy to ignore ‒ until the past resurfaces and forces Keziah to confront the uncomfortable truth.

When Keziah ends up in hospital, her world collides with Nicky’s, a vulnerable child caring for his wayward mother. The secrets he shares have far-reaching consequences and, if mishandled, will ruin everything for everyone. 

Surviving Her was released on 1st November 2022. Click to buy on Amazon UK and click to view on Goodreads. 

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.