Today, I sit down with my sister from another mister…the multi-talented, multi-genre driven Sarah Bennett! (aka S.E. Clancy) Sarah and I reminisce about the first time we met in a comedy writing class…and boy, did the instructor’s words make us snicker! We chat about how a sarcastic momma survives raising teens, the lack of quality stories for young people, reader expectations, and the power of failure. Sarah shares the authors that first thrilled her heart (Jane Austen and L.M. Montgomery) and what it was like Read More
Writing
The Beauty of Family with Robin Pearson
Tara sits down to laugh and chat with her writing friend extraordinaire Robin Pearson! This show is all about family–from homeschooling and watching kids fly away into independence–to walking out faith, especially during the hard times. Robin shares about her transition for ‘doing things for God’ to having a relationship with God, and her earliest influences in Christian fiction (Karen Kingsbury and Francine Rivers), along with her least favorites (We’re looking at you Moby Dick). She tells Tara about her transformation from writing great books Read More
How to Find Joy in the Uncomfortable with Erica Vetsch
Today, Tara chats with a phenomenal author and woman of God, Erica Vetsch! Erica talks about her passions–history, teaching, and museums–and has discovered the greatest stories of local lore come from small county museums. Tara tells Erica about the Ganster Museum near her town in Hot Springs, Arkansas and Erica shares that St. Paul, Minnesota is the gangster capital of the world. Who knew? Erica talks about her transition from writing stories based in cowboys and westward expansion to Regencies, and how Julie Klassen and Read More
Theatre, Story, and Laughter with Ane Mulligan
Tara can’t wait to introduce you to her talented friend, writing partner, and cup of sunshine Ane Mulligan! The ladies start off talking coffee and how Ane got her start in writing. Tara and Ane talk drama in church, the stretch between writing for stage versus novels, theatre roots, and drama for kids. Ane shares her passion for theatre and how it allows people to let down their guard to receive the message of the gospel. Also in this episode: Planting seeds, criticism, what readers Read More
All Things England with Michelle Griep
Today, Tara chats with her critique partner, award-winning author, and dear friend Michelle Griep! The ladies discuss Michelle’s love of story, even back when all she used was Crayolas. Michelle shares that she started writing to escape her kids (lol) and the women discuss all things England and their passion for the quirks and beauty of the land beyond the sea. Michelle inspires Tara with a story about Iron Bridge and they brainstorm ways to be called into ministry in the U.K. Michelle discussed her Read More
YA and Fly-by-Faith Fiction with Amy Earls!
Today I’m hanging out with my fun-loving, ever-talented friend Amy Earls! Amy is surprised to learn Tara was born in her hometown of Corvallis, Oregon. The girls talk about all things Corvallis and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Tara talks about how her husband doesn’t listen to female Siri and Amy shares how her tagline was inspired by youth adult fantasy blended with faith. The ladies talk about the supernatural and how story can show us much about God through parallel worlds. Tara learns Read More
Research, Writing, and Control…oh my!
Today, Tara sits down to visit with her buddy, Kathleen Denly–wife, mom, and author of beautiful historical romances! The ladies swap weird research stories, misnomers about California, Mr. Math Man, and early childhood reading influences. Kathleen tells Tara about her writing process (developing characters) and midnight inspiration. Also in this episode… Fingerprints of light, control issues, barking dogs, NOOM, and the difference between knowing Jesus is Lord and making Him Lord of your life. Links: www.kathleendenly.com www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
A Look at True Love…Laughing with Joy Massenburge!
Today I sit down with one of my very favorite people…my buddy Joy K. Massenburge! Joy and I bonded years ago at the National American Christian Fiction Writers Meeting when we discovered we are both PKs. (Preacher’s kids, for the laymen out there.) Today, Joy and I talk about life behind the scenes of ministry, being a Gigi, and the astounding story of how her future husband loved her to Christ. (Get the tissues ready.) We discuss how to memorize God’s Word…ideas like implementing ABC Read More
Callings and Prayer Walking with Janet McHenry
Today, Tara is chatting with her lovely, sweet friend Janet McHenry! Janet is the author of 50 Life Lessons for Grads, Prayer Walk, The Complete Guide to the Prayers of Jesus, Prayer Streaming, Girlfriend Gatherings and many more. The ladies chat about the three distinct callings Janet has explored with God, along with their current story ideas, and how God once told Janet to “Pursue Me”. They also discuss how prayer walking changed the lives of those in Janet’s community, and how a nightmare led Read More
Struggling through Story, Cool Kids, and Finding Hope in Pain…a visit with Pepper Basham!
Welcome to This is my Story! Today, we get to chat with one of the most talented and uplifting ladies I know…and she has the cutest giggle ever. Say hi to Pepper Basham! On today’s show, Pepper and I talk about raising cool kids, learning to listen, and the pros and cons of traditional versus independent publishing. We chat about Appalachia, and Pepper’s early story inspiration: The Secret Garden, The Little Princess, Jane Eyre and all things British. Also on the show… Writing through grief, Read More