NK Chats To… L A Johnston

Hello. Thank you so much for joining me today. Can you tell us a little about your novel, Manhattan Melodies Azorean Dreams and what inspired it?

Manhattan Melodies Azorean Dreams is deeply personal, as it draws from my own experiences from a trip I have taken to the island of Sao Miguel. The novel follows two individuals in different stages of their lives, who find each other when they need each other the most, despite being from vastly different worlds.

The inspiration came during a visit I made to the Azores, a place that holds a special significance for me. Walking through the lush landscapes with my fiancée, the Atlantic stretching endlessly on the horizon, I couldn’t help but reflect on how different life felt there compared to the city. The reason I selected Manhattan as the home location for the protagonist Olivia, I had anticipated getting engaged there, but alas the Covid virus vetoed my plans. That contrast—between the hectic, concrete jungle and the tranquil, almost timeless feel of the islands—sparked the idea of a character caught between these two places.

Through the novel, I explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, and belonging. Like my protagonist, I’ve often felt the pull between these two worlds, trying to navigate the fast-paced city life while being deeply connected to the quieter, introspective rhythms of the Azores. The novel became a way for me to reconcile those feelings and celebrate both the rush of the city and the profound beauty of the islands.

What’s your typical writing day like? Do you have any writing rituals like writing in silence, a favorite place to write, coffee or tea?

I start writing usually in the evenings, usually with a bucket sized cup of tea perched on the arm of my sofa. I prefer writing in silence, though sometimes instrumental jazz or classical music sets the mood. I write for several hours, aiming for a balance between disciplined output and creative flow.

Were there any challenges when writing your novel?

One of the main challenges was capturing the essence of two vastly different places—New York and the Azores—while making them feel interconnected. Balancing the pacing was tricky as well; I had to ensure that the slower, reflective moments of island life didn’t drag down the story’s momentum, while also letting the hustle of Manhattan breathe naturally into the plot.

With my homeplace being situated up a single-track country road, that in places is only marginally wider than a patio door, and being constantly surrounded by birdsong, painting a vivid landscape of the island of Sao Miguel using appropriate diction to keep the reader invested is second nature to me, almost to the extent wherein the Sao Miguel itself almost becomes a character However, I have my doubts that I have been able to pull this off in the Manhattan landscape where the early chapters of the novel is set.

Which songs would make up a playlist for your book?

The playlist would be comprised exclusively of long songs. Top three songs would include:

• “Far Away” by Nickelback – This song perfectly illustrates the complexities and intricacies of navigating a long distance. I can’t think of a song with more beautiful lyrics that culminates in an extremely emotionally satisfying crescendo. Every time it comes on the radio, I just have to sing along leading to much embarrassment experienced by myself getting caught singing carpool karaoke style, or even once in a supermarket car park wherein the car parked beside had rolled the windows down and the young lady was able to pass judgement on my singing.

• “The Very Thought of you”, the Frank Sinatra version – On the return journey from Sete Cidades on the island of Sao Miguel, our tour guide from New Hampshire had the Frank Sinatra cd in his car and as we pulled off from the side of the road, the song began to play. Honestly, I can’t remember a time when I have felt such a wealth of serene bliss.

• “Love Letters” by Ketty Lester – One of the earliest dates with my partner was a movie date to see the Age of Adaline with Blake Lively. I can remember driving back from the date listening to that song on my Diva’s CD, and it dawning on me that my relationship was becoming something special.

Other notable mentions just that just miss out on the podium include “Wildest Dreams” by Taylor Swift, which I believe parallels the story well and finally, “Someone you loved” by Lewis Capaldi, certainly I’d be hard pressed to think of a singer who can match the raw emotiveness of his voice.

What’s your favorite word and why?

“Serendipity.” It embodies the idea that beautiful things can happen by chance, which resonates with the unpredictable nature of creativity and life itself.

What comes first for you when writing a story—plot or characters?

It is the characters that drive the story, and the plot often unfolds naturally from their motivations, struggles, and desires. Through the course of my life, I have been extremely fortunate to have had many conversations with a lot of interesting people from varying backgrounds whom I can draw on for inspiration. Once I have a strong sense of the characters I wish to portray, the plot starts to take shape around them.

What are you currently working on?

This being my debut novel which I thoroughly enjoyed writing, I am already planning my next novel, and currently have a skeleton plot including the characters and the subject matter of their experiences.

From idea to finished book, how long does it take you to write a novel? Do you have any advice on research, starting, and editing?

It usually takes me about three months to write a novel from start to finish. As this novel was based on my own firsthand experiences and was wrote in a timescale when these experiences were very fresh in my head, the pen to paper aspect flowed very naturally. My advice would be to base it off your lived experiences and interject plenty of your own individual characteristics into the story, particularly your own flaws and insecurities, and don’t get bogged down in research. Start by writing freely and don’t worry about perfection in the first draft. Editing is where the magic happens, so give yourself the freedom to revise extensively.

Do you have any advice for getting over writer’s block?

When writer’s block hits, I often take a break and do something unrelated to writing, like going for a walk or reading. I also find it helpful to switch to a different scene or character if I’m stuck. Sometimes writing prompts or freewriting exercises can help unlock creativity.

What type of scene do you find hardest to write?

Action scenes or moments of intense physical conflict are challenging for me. I find it hard to balance the fast pace required in those scenes while still giving enough detail to make the moment impactful.

Which authors do you admire?

Being a great nature lover, I have always admired Jack London for his raw unabashed view of the natural world, and my favorite novels as a child where “The Call of the Wild” and “White Fang.” As I matured, his novel “The Sea-Wolf,” provides a fascinating character arc, and I like to surmise the protagonist’s transformation from a harsh, brooding individualist to a more collectivist state of mind later in the novel when he falls in love, mirrors Jack London’s experiences. Also “The Remains of the Day” by Kazuo Ishiguro. His unrivalled ability to contrast the tough unemotive stoicism of his male lead with their more emotive love interests has always piqued my interest.

Any other advice for aspiring writers?

Don’t be afraid of imperfection. Write consistently, even on days when you feel uninspired. Find your voice and draft the stories that only you can tell. Above all else, read widely – great writers are great readers.

Would You Rather:

Have the ability to see into the future or be able to visit the past?

Visit the past. There’s something magical about experiencing history firsthand, also the opportunity to put right past mistakes and meet up with old acquaintances who are no longer with us would be nice.

Have the ability to move things with your mind or read minds?

Move things with my mind. It sounds like a fun, practical skill that avoids the ethical complexities of reading minds.

Sing or dance to your favourite song for the rest of your life?

Sing. I’m actually from the town in Footloose, lacking any sense of natural rhythm, and besides the occasional waltz or tango, I’ve never actually learned to disco dance. I fear at my age to learn that now may result in an injury, and anything I would express through disco dance would result in a considerable number of raised eyebrows.

Have money or power?

Money. It provides freedom and opportunities without the complications of power.

Have an endless summer or winter?

Endless summer. The warmth and light are invigorating, and a good sunny day is the ultimate mood lifter.

Tea or coffee?

Coffee. I couldn’t function in the mornings without it.

Movie or book?

Book. I love the depth and immersion that novels provide. There is also much more subjectivity and nuance for artistic interpretation.

Morning person or night owl?

Morning person. The early hours are my most productive.

Paperback or eBook?

Paperback. There’s something about the feel of a book in your hands and the smell of the pages that can’t be captured digitally. Also, as I purchase a lot of my books in charity shops, seeing past inscriptions where books have been given as gifts adds a whole new layer of humanity to the reading experience.

About Manhattan Melodies Azorean Dreams – 

Thirty-five year old Olivia Morgan, a resilient and independent woman from New York, embarks on a journey of self-discovery after a challenging divorce. Seeking solace and healing, she impulsively books a trip to the Azore islands. Here she meets twenty-eight year old Alex Martin from Texas, a tall, handsome entrepreneur on a much-needed vacation following recent business successes who is seeking to escape the shackles of his demanding career and failed relationships.

Fate brings Olivia and Alex together on this enchanting archipelago, where the beauty of the surroundings mirrors the untapped potential within their own hearts. As Olivia navigates the challenges of opening up and overcoming her tendency to overthink, Alex grapples with his struggle to connect with women on a deeper level.

In the backdrop of the azure Atlantic, Olivia and Alex’s paths intertwine, creating a story of love, resilience, and second chances. As the two forge a connection amid the breathtaking landscapes and charming culture of the Azores, they embark on a journey that transcends the boundaries of their pasts. Can Olivia find happiness and fulfillment in both her personal and professional life? Will Alex embrace the serenity of the islands and rediscover his passions? Can they negotiate the logistics of the relationship after the vacation ends?

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.