3 Interview Questions that Surprised Me
May 17, 2026
With 30 blog stops on A Proof of Love’s book tour, I should have guessed there might be a few questions that would surprise me. Here are three recent ones that have nothing to do with writing but add some humor to the interviews (at least for me).
#1
Do you ever wish you were someone else? Who?
This one threw me for a loop! Yikes! I began to wonder if there was something wrong with me, since I’ve never wished to be someone else.
Here was my response:
I kind of like who I am . . . I’ve had the good fortune of having a strong and loving family, good friends, and great careers. But if hard-pressed to be someone else, that would have to be the most papered pet in the world.
#2
Do you have any tattoos? Where? When did you get it/them? Where are they on your body?
I grew up in an era when the only tattoos I saw were on the arms of military veterans. This question reminded me of how old I really am! Still, it juiced my imagination and got me wondering what I might create and where’d I put it!
Here was my response:
No, but if I had one, it would be a colorful, fanciful dragon to cover a 9-inch-long surgical scar that I have.
#3
Do you have any phobias?
No fantasies of being someone else? No tats? And now no phobias? At this point, I’m considering the long shot that my siblings may be correct about me—a little out of the ordinary!
Here was my response:
If you mean the classic definition of phobia—an intense, irrational, and persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity leading to anxiety—I don’t have any. However, I can think of plenty of anxiety-producing situations that I’d rather avoid. I have an entire list of those, including anything poisonous or that might eat me whole.
ICYMI A Proof of Love 5 Star and Strong Reviews
Joanne Guidoccio’s review has brightened my day and boosted my resolve to continue writing stories about journeys toward a flourishing life.
Check out the complete 5-Star review at https://joanneguidoccio.com/2026/04/28/spotlight-on-a-proof-of-love/
An excercpt from the review:
From the first page to the last, this novel grabbed my attention and refused to let go. I immediately connected with the three main characters—Katie, Rose, and Ned Boomer—and couldn’t read fast enough to discover what threads from the past connected them . . . An expert storyteller, Ms. Johns has a wonderful eye for detail and a gift for creating a strong sense of place. She also offers glimpses into the colorful lives of the secondary characters, who carry their own histories and tensions that ripple outward, influencing the central narrative.
Reminiscent in tone of character-driven literary fiction, A Proof of Love is a thoughtful and engaging read. Highly recommended!
Another 5-Star Review
Talk about dancing in the street! An Amazon 5-Star had me doing just that, saying that I have distinguished myself as a positive psychology storyteller.
Don’t miss this review! The reviewer has a lot more to say.
And From Midwest Book Review
“Merida Johns’s outstanding novel A Proof of Love should be on the radars of librarians and readers interested in especially evocative surveys of how small-town values and family experiences entwine for bigger-picture thinking about selfishness, generosity, and life crossroads . . . the novel is compelling, thought-provoking, and filled with engaging questions about life principles and their enactment in all kinds of situations within and outside of family and community. D. Donovan, Editor, Donovan’s Literary Services
Last Call for Your Input
I’m thrilled to invite you to a series of virtual launch parties for A Proof of Love!
But before I set the topics in stone, share your thoughts and help shape the discussion by reviewing the topics below and then complete the Interest Form.
Peer Behind the Scenes of the Creation of A Proof of Love
Exciting Virtual Launch Parties Ahead!
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Please complete the Interest Form to let me know which topics would make the launch parties and Q&As most engaging for you!
Strategies and Surprises that Bring a Novel to Life. Step behind the curtain with me and my talented editorial team, Megan Grennan, developmental editor, and Kim Bookless, copy editor, for an exclusive look at the crafting of a compelling story!
The Inspiration and the Journey. Ever wondered how a gripping novel comes together? Join me for a captivating behind-the-scenes journey into my process for creating a novel!
Art of Critique. Unlock the critique methods with me and my review dream team and beta readers. Join us for an insightful behind-the-scenes look at the creative processes that forge and hone unforgettable narratives!”
A Cozy Book Club Chat! Dive into the world of A Proof of Love during an interactive Q&A session with me and discussion with other readers. Bring your questions and insights for a lively conversation that promises to deepen your connection to the story!
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