Author Interview: Mary Pat Johns

I've been blessed to know Mary Pat Johns for a couple of years now online. And last November, we finally got to meet in person. She's just as lovely in real life as she is behind the screen. And I'm thrilled to help you get to know her a little better today too. Not to mention learn more about her super cute romances.

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​Mary Pat, congrats on the release of your fourth book. How does it feel to have your series complete now?

It’s a mixed bag! I’m thrilled to have completed a whole series. Each book brought tears of anguish and joy, and I miss the daily interaction with familiar characters. It’s daunting to think of writing another series. That said, I’m writing a short, fun Christmas novella. It’s helped me come up for air between mammoth projects.   
 
We've grown to love these characters through the first three stories. Was it harder or easier to write their story? Why?

The male point of view is usually easier to write for me. Maybe because the males in my life aren’t complicated. What you see is what you get, without drama. Women are different. Brenna, the main character in Book 1, Countin’ On Jesse, was a total head-banger to write. It took me a long time to figure out what she was all about and longer to know what motivated her. 

Do you think you'll ever come back to the gym in Valiant, TX for future books? Why or why not?

My next series may include a passing reference to Valiant, but it mostly takes place in other cities. After that, I’d love to go back to Valiant. This first series was all about romance, but I enjoy mystery and suspense too. Future Valiant books may contain more of those elements.  
 
With the series finished, what's up next? Can you give us a sneak peek?

I’ve mentioned the Christmas novella. It’s part of a collection of novellas that will be released in 2026. Next, my husband is a retired diving instructor, so a series about a dive team sounds adventurous. I’ll be stepping into romantic suspense, which has also been a long term goal.    
 
What's something you've learned in the process of writing your first series?

I’ve learned a whole lot about the fiction writing craft for starters. And having a series bible, so to speak, is a great idea. You think it will never happen to you, but it’s easy to forget the spelling of names and physical characteristics without some kind of record to refer back to.
 
Last but not least, what's one thing about yourself that very few people already know about you?

When I was in middle school and high school, I was in band and played the bassoon. It’s an odd-looking wind instrument that requires a seat strap to keep it upright when played. But it was heavy to carry in the case, and I didn’t practice much because I didn’t like lugging it around. Being in the band, though, gave me a lifelong love of music for which I’m grateful.  

Thanks so much for sharing, Mary Pat! And readers, please continue to scroll because Mary Pat's next book sounds amazing. 

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He’s back. And he’s never stopped loving her.  
Tavo Morales has returned to Valiant, Texas, to stir the embers of a relationship with the woman he has never stopped loving, but hidden reefs from his past threaten to destroy his future.
Paige Munoz wants her new event planning business to be a success and won’t let anything stand in her way. But the path she’s on to make her dreams come true proves dangerous.
Is the love Tavo and Paige once shared strong enough to survive their secrets?
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Mary Pat Johns’ writing career began once she retired from teaching speech and writing. She has written devotions for an online publication, had short stories published by Chicken Soup for the Soul, and wrote a column for the Victoria Advocate, a local newspaper.
Countin’ On Jesse, her first novel debuted in 2023. Books 2 & 3 of the Valiant series, Lovin’ On Red and Glitter and the Grouch released 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 writes Christian romance because when we view life through the hope of Christ’s sacrifice, we find that happily ever after is God’s idea.         

Links: 
Waitin' On Paige purchase link: https://scrivenings.link/waitinonpaigeFB link: https://www.facebook.com/marypatjohnsauthor/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/marypatjohnsauthor/
Website: https://www.marypatjohns.com
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-pat-johns
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/marypatjohnspin/_saved/