Briana Johnson

Author Interview - Briana Johnson

Author of If I Could Go Back

For Aaliyah Campbell, family is everything. Her cousin Ivy is her best friend and track costar, and Grandpa Joe is her rock. He may be crotchety and dramatic, but he’s raised Aaliyah since she was a toddler. Still, Aaliyah can’t stop thinking about what’s missing—her parents.

When Aaliyah secretly contacts her mom, Lena, she risks upsetting the family who’s always been there for her. But Grandpa Joe refuses to explain why her parents gave her up and, without answers, Aaliyah cannot silence the anxious voice telling her she’s never been good enough.

Aaliyah is hardly surprised when Lena ghosts her, though she’s shocked when her dad, Quincy, steps up instead. Quincy turns out to be immature but surprisingly fun to hang out with. And when the rest of the family finds out they’re in contact, old secrets will finally be forced into the light.

Author Interview - Briana Johnson

Author I draw inspiration from:

I don't really draw inspiration from any particular authors because I try to do my own thing. But if I had to pick an author that I love most it would be Mary Higgins Clark (RIP). I got obsessed with her books when I was a teenager in high school and read everything I could get my hands on. Where Are the Children? and Two Little Girls in Blue were two of my favorites of hers.

Author Interview - Briana Johnson | Author I Draw Inspiration From

Favorite place to read a book:

I just got back from a trip to Mexico and I recently read Sunrise on the Reaping on the beach with the sun shining bright and the waves crashing against the shore. For me, there's no better place to read a book than that.

Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with:

I'm cheating because my answer is two people, but they just can't be split up. John and David from the John Dies at the End series by Jason Pargin. I'd preferably make it out of the elevator alive and hopefully none of the craziness that follows those two are involved in this elevator situation, but I think they'd be the most fun guys to be stuck somewhere with. I honestly have no idea what would happen in the elevator because the guys are super chaotic, but I do know I'd have an awesome story to tell later.

Author Interview - Briana Johnson | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With

The moment I knew I wanted to become an author:

I had always read a lot as a child and played around with writing throughout the years, but becoming a published author was never something I saw happening for myself until someone I was close to suggested that I write a book because of a very detailed dream I had. I started looking into what it took to write a full length book since, at that time, I hadn't written anything to completion. It wasn't until I had a couple of friends read my work that I believed that with some research and effort, I could potentially try to publish a book. It took a few years before I got my agent, Sam Farkas, and then, together, we worked on what would become my debut If I Could Go Back and that was eventually picked up by Ashley Hearn at Peachtree Teen.

Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook:

Hardback is a classic form. No cons. All pros for me. I love that I can use the outer cover as a bookmark. Paperback is okay, but I feel like I ruin those quicker than any other books I've ever owned. I love an ebook because it's easy access. Hate that I don't get the sensation of flipping book pages though. I love an audiobook because I can listen to my books on the go, but the narrator has to be great in order for me to listen. I've dropped books because I don't like the narrators voice.

The last book I read:

I just read Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins and I thought it was phenomenal. It tied everything together from the OG Hunger Games books and everything in the world makes so much sense to me now. It's rare that I read a prequel book and like it more than the original, but in this case, that's how I feel.

Author Interview - Briana Johnson | The Last Book I Read

Pen & paper or computer:

Computer. Hands down. I refuse to use pen and paper because I don't like the cramps that come with writing by hand.

Book character I think I’d be best friends with:

Bobby Pendragon from the Pendragon Series by D.J. Machale and I would totally be besties. We both were into sports in our teenage years and he just seemed so chill that it would definitely match my vibes. And when he's snatched away by his uncle and taken on an adventure, I'd be his Acolyte and would get to read his journals. Perfect friendship because I wouldn't be in danger, but I'd get to hear all about the danger he was facing.

Author Interview - Briana Johnson | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With

If I weren’t an author, I’d be a:

I wish I could review movies on YouTube, but all I have is my Letterboxd.

Favorite decade in fashion history:

Gotta be the 90s simply because of the singer, Aaliyah. (I almost named the main character in my debut IF I COULD GO BACK after her.)

Place I’d most like to travel:

I've been to Ireland once and had the most amazing time. I need to go back. I love the people and the cliffs on the coast are something out of a dream. And the people were some of the nicest I've ever met in my life.

My signature drink:

I love a margarita! Lime, cherry, strawberry - doesn't matter the flavor. But make it frozen. And nothing on the rim. Perfection.

Favorite artist:

I don't care what's going on in the world. It's Drake.

Number one on my bucket list:

I don't have a bucket list, but for years, the number one thing I wanted to do was to see Steph Curry and the Warriors play in a playoff game. I accomplished that goal very recently and was able to travel to Houston, Texas to see the Houston Rockets play the Golden State Warriors in round 1 of the playoffs. It definitely lived up to the hype.

Anything else you'd like to add:

To anyone following me and my career up to this point, thanks for coming with me on this journey. If you happen to be in the Chicago area, you can find me at YA Midwest in July. Come through and we can hang out. Much love.

Find more from the author:

• instagram.com/wikipediabri

About Briana Johnson:

Author Interview with Briana Johnson

Briana Johnson is a young adult author and Chicago native. She spent her twenties living everywhere except Chicago but has returned to the Windy City because everywhere else is too expensive. She currently lives on the North Side with her sister. A graduate of the University of Maryland-Global Campus with a degree in Computer Network and Cybersecurity, Briana travels the U.S. as a Systems Analyst. When she isn’t writing or working, she enjoys seeing all the beauty the world has to offer. If I Could Go Back is her debut novel.