Author Biography
Shelli Johannes-Wells started out writing for her local school paper, winning a state Nutrition essay contest for "Be a Smart Cookie", and singing in a local Jazz band. Somewhere along the way, she earned an MBA in Marketing and embarked on an 18-year marketing career in Corporate America working as a marketing and communications consultant.
In 2000, Shelli traded in her high heels and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and a love of writing. She started her own marketing & communications business, www.bilaninc.com, and has worked with clients like Spanx, Goody Hair Products, and Chick Filet.
In addition to juggling nap schedules while attending client meetings, Shelli focuses on her writing. In her spare time (yeah right!) and if the kids allow (yeah right!), Shelli obsesses over movies, reads children's books (over and over), wishes she could squeeze in Bikram Yoga sessions, and dreams of sleeping in on the weekends.
She currently lives in Atlanta with her dog, British-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess that someday will change the world.
Blah blah blah - BORING!
In a nutshell - I love sunsets, rainbows, butterflies, and puppies. Oh yeah and zombies.
What would you consider a perfect day for you as an author?
Maybe the day I write a perfect chapter that never has to be edited. Actually, my launch day is going to come pretty close. When my book is out in the world.
What sort of research (if any) did you do for this novel?
I am totally a method writer. I believe it is important to do what your character does so you can make it real. I took self-defense classes, a flyfishing class, and we have gone to the Smokies as well as Cherokee NC a few times. My husband is an avid camper so we go hiking a lot.
Is there any character in particular that you enjoyed writing about the most?
Al and Billy were fun because I got to be something I am not. Mean and deranged. Which was kinda scary how real they came out.
Were any of your characters or events from the book based of real life people or experiences you have had?
I did go to Cherokee NC and see the bear pits there in the town. I was as horrified as Grace. And I wish I could do something to change it. Her feelings were mine.
Are there any other projects you are working on that you would like to tell us about?
Well. I’m working on a special edition of Untraceable for Jan/Feb, which will have the original ending. It will be a summary of the book plus the last 1/3 of the book.
Also Uncontrollable is the sequel. It is scheduled for summer 2012 and is set in the winter.
She’s this dependable person who is very focused. But at times, she goes off on a whim that doesn’t seem to make sense to me. But it was me as a teen so I understand her.
Grace. Because I find her very impulsive and that frustrates me. Sometimes I found myself almost yelling as I wrote saying, “What are you doing?” But I think teens are impulsive and don’t think of consequences until later.
Cappuccino or Coffee?
Coffee with flavored cream. I do love soy chai tea lattes too.
What do you like to do in your down time?
I love to be with my family. I’m kinda boring. I stay at home, play with my kids, and read. I guess that’s why I write thrillers to add some excitement.
Thanks Katie :)!
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