Author Candice “Ordered Steps” Johnson is combining two of her favorite things for the release of her latest book. I recently spoke with her about The Taco-Pology.
Tell me about your latest book.
This is by far my FAVORITE book baby, and I’m excited to share it with you! The TACO-Pology introduces reality star Presley Pope, part-time taco connoisseur and full-time hell raiser! The spoiled Miss Pope has it all…until she loses her television gig, fiancé, home, friends and followers, all in a single day. Presley’s desperate to reclaim everything she lost back, and she’ll do anything to get it. ANYTHING.
What inspired you to write it?
I love reality television, and I love tacos even more! One day while eating tacos during a reality show binge, I caught myself yelling at the television, “She’s better than me!” That’s when it hit me: w
What if I wrote a book about a woman who never chooses to be the better person? What would the results be? That’s when I realized I could merge my two loves into a compelling dramedy.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
I fell in love with the written word as soon as I learned to read, at three years old. Once I learned to string them together, my life has never been the same! Writing is one of the best parts of me.
What’s the best part of being an author?
The fact that I can see the characters I dream of night after night come to life and help them overcome life’s worst gives me joy. It’s overwhelming for readers to invest their time and money into my art, that’s why I want readers to feel a little bit better after reading the last page of my book. There’s hope for us all, and I want them to feel that through my words.
What’s the hardest part of being an author?
Whew, chile, the scrutiny and the shade! As a creative, I understand not everything is for everyone, but it can be tough out here in these literary streets. Thankfully, God has given me skin thick enough to take criticism, but not every author bounces back so easily. And my prayer is that they let their pen override negativity.
What books have you read lately and loved?
Wrath by Victoria Christopher Murray and Layla by Colleen Hoover.
What book(s) are you most excited to read next?
Eric Jerome Dickey—Son of Mr. Suleman
Who would you cast in a movie to play your main characters?
I LOVE this question! Presley Pope: Logan Browning, because she’s gorgeous, funny and tough! Torres Ellie: Columbus Short—he has the chops to pull off such a complex character. Griffin Shane: Brian White—he has the charm and charisma needed to carry this incredible guy. This would be a dream trio to bring the vision to life.
What’s next for you?
I am working on my next non-fiction book and finishing up my next novel, for release in May and June, respectively. In addition, I’ve recently launched my independent publishing company—Bingeworthy Books, and have a few surprises coming for creatives.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I just want to thank you for your support and the opportunity to share with you! And to the readers, I appreciate the love you have shown me, and I pray that my pen will inspire, uplift, and entertain you. You never know what you’ll get from me, and that’s what I hope will keep you reading.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of The Taco-Pology.
To learn more about Candice “Ordered Steps” Johnson, author, award-winning choreographer and taco ambassador, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Email: candiceosp@gmail.com
Facebook: Candice Ordered Steps Johnson
Twitter: twitter.com/authorcandicej
Instagram: Instagram.com/naturaldancer
Website: www.bingeworthybooks8.com