I first became aware of Utah author Johnny Worthen at the science fiction and fantasy writing conference we have here in Utah called LTUE. I've gone to a few of his panels and/or presentations over the years and have always been impressed with his down to earth humor, his energy and his passion. This last time, I finally bought one of his books, Eleanor. And this past week, I finally read it. It was fascinating to say the least! (Full review to come soon!) I can't wait to tell you more about it!
Johnny grew up here in Utah, then went to school here, but moved away to Oregon for awhile to pursue a baking career (which sounds really fun I'd think!) But I guess that got old. . .or something was not right anyway, and he brought his family back to Utah. Soon, he finally had time to delve into what he'd wanted to do all along... write. And it sounds like he's never looked back.
He has several published books, most of them falling into the horror/thriller/paranormal genre. His latest one coming out this fall (The Finger Trap) is a mystery though. I mean.. .yeah.. as in the mystery genre! Ha!
Here's what his official bio has to say:
Johnny Worthen is an award-winning, best-selling author of books and stories. Trained in modern literary criticism and cultural studies, he writes upmarket multi-genre fiction, symbolized by his love of tie-dye and good words. “I write what I like to read,” he says. “This guarantees me at least one fan.”
Johnny is best known (so far) for his award winning, nationally acclaimed, best-selling young adult novel, ELEANOR, THE UNSEEN. It is a great book and if you haven’t read it, you need to. Johnny’s debut novel, the adult occult thriller, BEATRYSEL along with its companion story DR. STUART’S HEART explores the darker sides of love and Magick.
Johnny's short stories appear in a number of anthologies including the Dark Fiction LITTLE VISIBLE DELIGHT (The Point), Utah Horror, OLD SCRATCH AND OWL HOOTS (Keep Sweet) and Utah Fantasy, SECRETS & DOORS (A Thousand Secret Doors).
In summer of 2015, CELESTE, THE UNSEEN BOOK 2, continues Eleanor’s story as she tries to maintain a life in Jamesford, while distant events and local suspicion conspire to threaten everything.
Look for Johnny’s entry into political mystery with THE BRAND DEMAND in April of 2015, while, his genre-bending comedy noire, THE FINGER TRAP, coming Fall of 2015, introduces Tony Flaner, a flawed slacker every-man detective who can’t throw a punch but can slay a room with sarcasm.
Johnny lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife and sons.
You can follow Johnny at these places:
AND, guess what? We just happen to be chatting with Johnny on Twitter tonight! It will be at 6 pm MDT using the hashtag #UtahBooks, so join us and come see what he's all about and learn more about his books!
Oh my gosh! The covers to some of his books are so creepy! It looks like I'll need to check out his work.
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty cool that he pursued baking. I bet he's fun to have potlucks with, lol.
ReplyDeleteHe was pretty fun to chat with tonight. I need to pick up some of his books.
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