of blades and thorns

the official blog of author grace a. johnson

Serial Spotlight: Those Who Were Given Another Yesterday

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 30, 2021
2 min

Serial Spotlight: Those Who Were Given Another Yesterday

Ni Hao! Now, you may be asking yourself why is Grace, the self-proclaimed Plain Old English Gal, greeting us in Chinese? The answer is simple, my friends! Today, I am spotlighting an emerging young Chinese author's work, Those Who Were Given Another Yesterday! Linyang Zhang is not only an insanely talented writer, she's also one of my best friends! I actually had the chance to interview her back in December! If you're interested in learning more about her, check out that post

56 views7 comments

Faith by the Era (A Writer's Guide to Christian Historical Fiction)

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 29, 2021
7 min

Faith by the Era (A Writer's Guide to Christian Historical Fiction)

From February to August, I was an intern with Kingdom Pen, an AMAZING blog + forum for young Christian writers, writing articles every month! Now that my term has ended, I want to share the articles I wrote here...the first one being all about writing Christian historical fiction! Check out the original post here (complete with gifs!), or continue on to read my edited version below! You’ve finally done it! After hours of scouring the internet and perusing the library’s booksh

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Grace A. Johnson

Sep 28, 2021
1 min

What is a Great Writer?

One who writes. One who enjoys writing. One who pours their heart and soul into every word. One who cares for each story they weave. One who falls in love with every character they create. One who lives in every world they design. One who writes no matter who naysays or nitpicks. One who writes what's on their heart. One who writes what's on the hearts of others. One who speaks through the words they pen. One who lets God speak as well. If you, my friend, have the courage to

53 views16 comments

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 27, 2021
1 min

On Saaaaale!!!

I am super duper excited to announce that Six O'clock, my first release this year, is completely FREEEEEE!!!!! Well, from the 27th (aka today) until the 30th, that is! Then the price is going down to $0.99 FOREVER!!!! Isn't this exciting? Anyway, take a gander at the book here... Then snag your copy here... Then CELEBRATE! Oh, and while you're at it... I'm considering having a new cover designed for Held Captive. This is something I've been pondering off and on since I commis

73 views20 comments

Review: The Secret of Emerald Cottage by Julie Lessman

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 27, 2021
7 min

Review: The Secret of Emerald Cottage by Julie Lessman

Welcome to the blog tour for The Secret of Emerald Cottage - my favorite author Julie Lessman's latest release! (Which I gushed about here a couple months back!) Today, I've got it all - a review, a giveaway, fun quotes (graphics designed by the author)! But let's not waste time, y'all! My Review *Warnings* #1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skim

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Review: The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 25, 2021
5 min

Review: The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox

*Warnings* #1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which may mean some spoilers, so watch out. Stars: 3.5 stars Synopsis: Sarah Anderson Ashby is back in her small Tennessee hometown after the sudden loss of her husband. Her hope? To help her grandmother at Old Depot Grocery—the store that’s been in their family for years—and to

411 views2 comments

Author Interview: E. K. Seaver (The House That Didn't End Blog Tour)

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 22, 2021
7 min

Author Interview: E. K. Seaver (The House That Didn't End Blog Tour)

EEP! Double eep! Nah, make that a triple eep, because today, I am bringing to you a super fun interview with my good friend, fellow writer, and debut author, E. K. Seaver! You may have heard of her...and, more specifically, her new novella, The House That Didn't End!! You can learn more about her lovely story by checking out this post (in which I fangirl over the cover), and by viewing it on Amazon and Barnes & Noble! But today isn't about THTDE - it's about the amazing Ms. S

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Author Interview: Jayna Baas (w/ More Fun Stuff!)

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 22, 2021
10 min

Author Interview: Jayna Baas (w/ More Fun Stuff!)

It all started on Goodreads. Actually, a great deal of stuff starts on Goodreads for me. #socialmediaforbooknerds From great reads like Strangers and Pilgrims and Shadow Road to even better friends - like Jayna! Jayna Baas is an AMAZING author and an even better human being, and I'm here to share all about both her novel, Preacher on the Run, and her journey as a writer! As part of the blog tour, there are also a bunch of other fun goodies as well (like, oh, I don't know, FRE

59 views4 comments

Bookish Stuff (A Preorder Sale + A Contest!)

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 18, 2021
2 min

Bookish Stuff (A Preorder Sale + A Contest!)

NEWSFLASH, Y'ALL! I've got several fun bookish things to share, from a sale to a short story contest to a surprise update from myself! I won't wait y'all's time, because I'm sure I've already piqued your curiosity! The Sale! Sustainer’s Smile by Erika Matthews will be on sale for 50% off ($1.99) this weekend only, in honor of the National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children (which is today)! This kingdom fantasy story is full of biblical truths and love for the unborn, wh

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Introducing Cursed (Imagine Launch Tour)

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 17, 2021
3 min

Introducing Cursed (Imagine Launch Tour)

T-minus FOUR DAYS, y'all. Only FOUR before you get the chance to read tons of fantabulous short stories and poems, all by young writers! I know four days may seem like a while if you, like me, have been waiting nearly two months for Imagine, but GUESS WHAT. I have something to tide you over! Some fun graphics AND a sneak peek of my short story, Cursed! Y'all probably won't remember, but last year, I did a weekly post all about the meaning and origin of certain names - and one

65 views18 comments

Interview with Grey S. Park (Imagine Launch Tour)

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 17, 2021
7 min

Interview with Grey S. Park (Imagine Launch Tour)

In honor of the release of Imagine in *checks calendar* FOUR DAYS, I am privileged to have the author of Angel (and one of my bestest friends), Grey S. Park on for a super fun interview! I'm mixing it up a little bit by using some questions supplied to me by Issabelle (one of the editors of Imagine) and a few of my regular ones! Check back later today to get a sneak peek into my story for Imagine, along with some fun graphics! Now, on to the interview! Was this the first time

83 views17 comments

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 14, 2021
5 min

What If...We're Fighting the Wrong Way?

I’m going to begin this post with a warning. Y’all will probably need it, trust me. This post will hurt some feelings, step on some toes, possibly tick a few people off...so if you find your toes begin to cramp as you read this post, I’d advise you to step away (or, I mean, if you can take it, keep reading, just do so only with the intention of learning more about my opinions rather than starting an argument). This post will definitely be a rant, and as such I cannot guarante

86 views14 comments

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 13, 2021
3 min

Tour and Giveaway Wrap-Up (Daylight Launch Tour)

*facepalm* Y'all know how I promised to wrap up the tour yesterday? Yeah, that obviously didn't happen. Why? Because I had a ridiculously busy day and was thiiiiiiis close to finishing up this post when my wifi shut off. So, you know. Here we are now. A day later. Oh, well. Anyway... The launch tour has officially ended, my lovelies, and as sad as that seems, it is truly a cause for celebration!!! All of you have made the launch a HUGE success, for which I am exceedingly grat

68 views18 comments

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 13, 2021
7 min

The Bookworm's Tag

FINALLY. GUYS, I'VE BEEN WANTING TO DO THIS TAG SO BAD I ALMOST RESORTED TO TAG THIEVERY. THEN JOELLE SAVED THE DAY!!!!!! THANK YOU, JOELLE!!!! Seriously, guys, this self-proclaimed bookworm (that was literally my reviewing username on Amazon once upon a time) was dying for the chance to do this tag! Fortunately, Joelle over at The Pen Inspired tagged me before I swiped Vanessa Hall's questions! The Rules Thank and link to the blogger who nominated you (Thanks again, Joelle!)

77 views14 comments

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 11, 2021
6 min

Never Forget (Daylight Launch Tour)

Today marks exactly twenty years since the events of 9/11. I think that deserves a moment of silence. Today marks the day thousands of people lost their lives and thousands more lost loved ones. I think that deserves a moment of grief. Today marks the day our nation fell in the form of two crumbling towers. I think that deserves a moment of respect for all the men and women who sacrificed for this country, who built it up before and who built it up again so that, twenty years

63 views14 comments

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 10, 2021
2 min

Join the Book Nations!

A few days ago I wrote a post to challenge y'all to write for Christ...and I announced my new blog, Book Nations, which was created with the sole purpose of equipping writers to write Godly fiction! Today, I'm launching the blog and inviting y'all to join the mission field! As Christians we are commanded by Jesus to teach all nations of His love, His sacrifice on the cross, and His redemptive power - even the book nations. So many strong Christians and talented writers have b

47 views9 comments

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 10, 2021
3 min

Blography Tag

I was honored to be tagged recently for this new and unique blog tag all about biographies by the creator of the tag himself, Miles Lawson! To be honest, my experiences with biographies/autobiographies/memoirs is quite limited...I skimmed some autobiography my grandpa lent me once (and didn't even finish it) and I read The Diary of Anne Frank when I was about ten-ish...but I really don't want to relive that experience. Either way, I tried, thoroughly enjoying myself in the pr

59 views10 comments

What Readers Have to Say! (Daylight Launch Tour)

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 9, 2021
3 min

What Readers Have to Say! (Daylight Launch Tour)

Reviews are pouring in, y'all, and I am pleased to say that Daylight is looking like a success, all thanks to my amazing reviewers!!! Y'all are the best! Now, because positive reviews - or reviews of any kind - make my like author heart want to jump for joy, I want to share a little bit of what readers are saying about Daylight! “Out of the ashes of 911 comes Daylight, a poignant short story about a tragic moment in American history, where glimmers of hope emerge from glimmer

50 views6 comments

What If...God Has Something Else in Mind?

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 7, 2021
5 min

What If...God Has Something Else in Mind?

Y’all will remember that last week, we talked about seeker-friendly churches/Christians and how we’re not supposed to be living or acting just like the world, how we have been consecrated for God and His way of life. Well, this week, I want to come at the same subject from a different angle. Writing. Particularly writing fiction. We’re all writers here, aren’t we? Most of us, anyway. And the ones who aren’t are readers, yes? (Because it would be really weird if a non-reader w

67 views11 comments

Grace A. Johnson

Sep 6, 2021
1 min

Free to Read!

GUESS WHAT, Y'ALL? I am officially offering e-copies of Held Captive...for free. You now have the chance to read my debut novel for $0.00, and all you have to do it review it on either Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, your blog, or social media! Even if you absolutely despise it. I won't mind. (Okay, I will. But that is life, no? Can't please everybody.) Anyway, if you're interested, fill out the form below! If you're not, share this post with someone you think might be! Happy rea

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of blades and thorns

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