Bringing Characters to Life by Margot Johnson #romance #MuseMonday

MUSE MONDAY

Please welcome Margot Johnson to Muse Monday on Discover... Love is always a favorite topic of Muse Monday. Tell us more, Margot.

In Love Leads the Way, the story and characters are fiction but draw on some of my experiences at work and at home. I’d love to have lunch with Tessa and compare notes on strong leaders, single parenting, family quirks, and cute golden retrievers. One key difference is I didn’t meet my handsome husband at work! 

I formerly worked for a major company like Tessa and delivered programs to help people dig deep and improve their leadership skills. I can relate to Mark, too because I tend to be a private person who doesn’t open up easily. 

Tessa and Mark both support a mother with dementia which brings some tough but also light moments. My dad died of complications from Alzheimer’s, so that part of the book is close to my heart. 

My old dog, Sophie, is the inspiration for the dogs in my books.

 

I find characters take on lives of their own and influence the direction of the story. I love it when a character surprises me.

Love Leads the Way

She coaches him in team leadership…but do they both need lessons in love?

Single mom Tessa Shore runs a successful leadership program at work and supports a mother with dementia. She can handle any challenge in her jam-packed schedule as long as nothing spins out of control…especially her feelings.

Engineer Mark Delaney is an expert on pipelines at the same company, but his interpersonal skills need a makeover. Advancing to an executive job requires enrollment in a leadership course he doesn't think he needs.

When their professional and personal issues entangle, life at the office gets a lot more complicated. Romance is impossible…or is it? 

Excerpt: 

Pacing around Crescent Park in moonlight trimmed with stars, Mark breathed fresh air and slowed his erratic heartbeats from the shock of Tessa’s invitation. Apparently, the woman who directed the class with the precision of an air-traffic controller could flex…at least, a little. She wanted to spend extra time with him, and he couldn’t refuse.

“I didn’t think we’d bump into other participants at this late hour.” She hugged tighter her windbreaker against the cool breeze. “We won’t mix business and pleasure. I’m strictly off duty, and so are you.”

“Okay, Tessa, whatever you say.” Zipping higher his jacket, he strode and sniffed moisture riding the wind. Guilt tiptoed around his collar, and he couldn’t escape the feeling this outing was a bad idea. He should avoid her, except in class, yet he accepted her invitation. But why did she break her own rule and contact him? 

Where to buy my books: 

LOVE LEADS THE WAY 

LOVE TAKES FLIGHT

 

Or your favorite online bookstore

 

Facebook:

Margot Johnson Author 

https://twitter.com/AuthorMargot  @AuthorMargot 

My new website is coming soon: margotjohnson.ca 

About Margot Johnson

Margot Johnson grew up in a family of writers and has always loved books and writing.

She is the author of LOVE TAKES FLIGHT and her new release LOVE LEADS THE WAY. 

Before turning her focus to the fun writing life, Margot held leadership roles in human resources and communications. When not writing, she loves to connect with family and friends, volunteer with SK Writers Guild, and walk at least 10,000 steps a day (except when it's minus 40!) She lives in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada with her amazing husband and adorable golden retriever.