Author's Interview with Jacob R.D. Johnson.

Before we dive into our exciting conversation with today’s remarkable author, let’s start by getting to know the creative mind behind the diverse and captivating stories.

1. Could you please introduce yourself to us?

I am a relatively new author. Although I started writing a story years ago that I couldn't complete when my job changed; I spent many years since then with another story in the back of my mind, waiting to get out. Now I've been blessed enough to be able to complete and publish my novel, THE REVELIST, and have several more planned and in progress. I love to entertain so I want my book to reach as many people as it possibly can.

2. Congratulations on your book! What inspired you to write it?

I believe my history is unusual. It seems most authors had been readers and enjoyed writing from an early age. I didn't even read my first full novel until I was 20 years old. I graduated high school without ever reading an actual book and avoided writing like the plague.

Finally, I learned the joy of fiction in my adult life. My (at the time) wife, my cousin, and I were inspired by JK Rowling's story about writing the Harry Potter series and tried a little over 20 years ago to write a book together. The project, as a group, petered out after maybe 5k-10k words, but I carried that project on to around 65k words myself. While working on that, I had an idea for my "next book", that idea was what later became THE REVELIST. But my job changed back then and I no longer had time to sit at a computer long enough to get into the flow of writing.

Twenty years went by without writing, but the desire tickled at the back of my mind. I always assumed I would finish that first book I'd already put so much work into.

Last year (March of 2025), I came to the realization that I carry a computer in my pocket everywhere I go. So I decided to start writing again, using my phone anywhere I had a moment. But trying to go back to that original manuscript just never felt genuine and, I think, since I'd started it with other people, it didn't feel authentically mine.

So I started THE REVELIST, having generated that idea myself, back when I was first working on the original story. The story was dying to get out. I wrote the original manuscript, all 92k words, on my phone in about four months.

3. What is your book about?

THE REVELIST is an adult coming-of-story where Tyler Watson is thrust from his mundane existence into a new career and lifestyle when predictions nudge him in that direction. But he finds himself in a struggle to maintain his new life when it become apparent that someone—or something—is working against him. Tyler has to determine whether he's being threatened by a false friend with dark intentions; or by fate itself.

The official blurb is below:

THE REVELIST

Where does fate end and destiny begin?

Fate is a story that is written for you. Destiny is the one you find the courage to live.

For years, Tyler Watson has been trapped in a toxic relationship and a dismal job. Then, a night out with his best friend introduces him to a fortune teller who warns him of critical life choices. Days later, he is sought out by a mysterious figure calling herself The Revelist, whose detailed prediction points him toward a future he never imagined possible.

Following her advice, Tyler risks everything on a new career, finding fast success. Filled with new friends and helpful colleagues, his future is suddenly limitless.

But news of a murder throws it all into chaos, and the thread of his new life begins to unravel. The malevolence surrounding Tyler causes him to question everyone.

Is a new friend or colleague hiding dark intentions behind a friendly face? Or is there a more sinister connection between the warnings Tyler received and the success he's enjoying? His future hangs in the balance as he tries to discover who—or what—is working against him.

That subtle nuance between fate and destiny could make all the difference in Tyler's world.

4. Why did you choose this genre for your book?

The first book I ever read (at 20 years of age) was called Mr. Murder, by Dean Koontz. I was hooked on his sense of the unknown in his novels. I read Dean Koontz almost exclusively for a few years. Between the mysticism in his stories and my intrigue for all things supernatural, I was always predisposed to writing in the supernatural thriller genre.

5. How long did it take you to complete the book?

As previously mentioned, the original manuscript took about four months to write. Then I spent another year fine tuning it and working with beta readers and professional editors to get it ready for publication.

6. What makes your book special?

THE REVELIST is a unique story. I can't find a similar plot anywhere. People have asked me what comparable books are out there or TV shows or movies that are similar. But I haven't been able to find one. The tropes are classic, but the plot is unique.

Plus my novel features more than just Tyler Watson as a main character, it has a host of strong characters with a goofy, funny, loyal best friend in Brian; a reclusive Hispanic woman who makes her living as a fortune teller and grows to a strong willed, strong-minded character; Neti Gibbs, The Revelist herself, who is a self-confident, no nonsense woman; and many other characters who add a variety of personality flavors throughout the story.

7. When can we expect your next book?

I am a little over halfway through the manuscript of my second book, (don't be fooled by the title, it is a supernatural thriller, not a romance) MEMORY OF A KISS. I have listed the expected date on my website as July of 2027, but will work diligently to publish it sooner, if possible.

8. Did you experience writer’s block while writing? What advice would you give to others who face it?

I didn't run into much writer's block with THE REVELIST, but I recently did with MEMORY OF A KISS. What I did was to write anyway. Just keep typing anything that might fit into the story because as I write, new thoughts that spring from what I type generate new ideas that can come together to lift me from the block.

9. Besides being a talented author, what are your other hobbies?

I've always enjoyed entertaining. I've been an actor, a guitarist, a vocalist, a graphic designer, and an artist. I also love to play sports. Is grew up playing soccer, then American football (as a semi-professional), and nowadays I play lower impact sports like golf and pickleball.

10. Last but not least, how did you feel during this interview?

Proud. I’m extremely happy and excited about my writing journey. Publishing this debut novel was a tremendous accomplishment and I look forward to bringing my future novels to the world.

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