Interview: S.R.Johannes, author of On the Bright Side

As part of her blog tour I can honestly say I'm thrilled to introduce you all to S.R.Johannes!
Please, help me welcome her and her awesome book On the Bright Side!

Interview with S.R.Johannes

 Author of: On the Bright Side

Alaiel: First of all, thanks for the interview Shelli and welcome to Librarian Mouse! I can honestly say that I’m really happy for being able to participate in your blog tour.

Questions about yourself.-

Alaiel: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Shelli: I am the author of Untraceable (a YA thriller) and On The Bright Side (tween paranormal). I own my own marketing business and run a popular marketing blog for authors called Market My Words

Alaiel: What is your favorite book? Why?
Shelli: Of all time? Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck

Alaiel: Where is your favorite place to write?
Shelli: Only place i write is in my office. I cant write in coffee shops or cafes. I get too distracted.

Alaiel: When you are blocked what do you do?
Shelli: I dont get blocked often. My brain is usually overstimulated and I have to slow down. It sounds like it’s great but if I dont write = its because I'm overwhelmed not because I'm blocked.

Alaiel: Is there some kind of ritual that you need to do to write? Like listening a special playlist or have your favorite drink with you.
Shelli: I usually like coffee or tea. But I have 2 kids so I just write when I can.

Alaiel: Are you going to write another book soon?
Shelli: Untraceable already came out. I have an anthology out tuesday. A couple of short stories coming and Uncontrollable coming in summer.

Questions about the book.-

Alaiel: How did you come up with an idea like this one? What was your inspiration?
Shelli: There are so many books about death that are dark. I want to see if I could show a light side to death and make it funny.

Alaiel: Did Gabby resembles you somehow? Or someone you know?
Shelli: I was kinda grumpy when I was a tween. And I definitely fought over boys. More than in high school :D

Alaiel: The whole Cirrus concept is very interesting, would you like to find that when you reach heaven?
Shelli: I would love just peace and happiness but I it would be cool to be in Cirrus.

Alaiel: On The Bright Side has a few morals to teach. Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book?
Shelli: To learn that we should appreciate what we have, that we never stop growing, and that our actions impact on people – whether directly or indirectly.

Alaiel: Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters?
Shelli: Misguided ghost by Paramore

Random and quick questions.-

Alaiel: Hardcovers or paperbacks?
Shelli: Paperbacks.

Alaiel: Snow or sunny days?
Shelli: I love rain and snow b/c it gives me an excuse to write. But I need the sun.

Alaiel: Night owl or early bird?
Shelli: Night owl. But I do love to sleep in…

Alaiel: Sweet or salty?
Shelli: Sweet.

Alaiel: Coke or Pepsi?
Shelli: Sweet tea. Coke Zero if it’s only option

Alaiel: Do you like cheese? If yes, which ones are your favorites?
Shelli: Love mexican cheese dip with chips and salsa. Like I could eat it everyday.

Alaiel: Once again, thank you for being here :]

On the Bright Side
by S.R.Johannes

Official Blurb:

As if the devil’s food cake at her wake and the white fat pants she’s stuck wearing for eternity weren’t bad enough, fourteen year-old Gabby is quick to discover that Cirrus, the main rung of Heaven, is a far cry from the Pearly Gates. Here, SkyFones and InnerNets are all the rage. At her first Bright ceremony, G.O.D., the automated assignment system, spits out Angela Black, Gabby’s arch nemesis and longtime fencing rival. As a Bright, Gabby has to protect Angela, her assigned mortal, in order to move up through the training levels of heaven.

Back on earth, Angela starts hitting on Michael, Gabby’s crush and should-have-been boyfriend. Gabby’s pranks to quell the love are harmless at first until the school dance sabotage gets completely out of control. Then, Celestial Sky Agent, Lawrence, who happens to have anger management issues of his own, steps into reveal that Angela has big problems, and what she really needs is Gabby’s help.

Determined to right her wrong and ease her mother’s grief, Gabby steals an ancient artifact that allows her to return to earth for just one day. But if Gabby’s not careful, her well-meaning mission just might shift the very foundation of Heaven, Earth, and every place in between, causing the danger of the dark side to roam free.