Picture a storyteller who spins fairy tales where princesses wield swords and damsels stir up trouble—meet Ines Johnson! This visionary American author reimagines mythology, folklore, and romance with a modern twist, crafting stories that empower women and captivate readers. Her unique blend of fantasy, history, and heart has carved a special niche in paranormal and urban fantasy romance.
With series like Cindermama and Nia Rivers Adventures, Johnson challenges traditional narratives, giving her heroines the reins to cause distress and save the day. Her playful, empowering storytelling invites readers into worlds where love, magic, and strong women reign supreme.
The Making of Ines Johnson
Ines Johnson’s journey to authorship is as vibrant as her stories. A lover of fairy tales, folklore, and mythology, she grew up enchanted by tales of old, later drawing inspiration from pop culture icons like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the scandalous drama of Olivia Pope in Scandal. A former television producer, college professor, and professional reader, Johnson honed her storytelling craft across diverse mediums before diving into novels. Her screenwriting background instilled a knack for pacing, ensuring her books hook readers from page one.
Johnson’s transition to writing romance was fueled by a desire to reimagine classic tales with bold, complex women at the helm. Based outside Washington, DC, she balances her creative life with raising two young sidekicks, channeling her experiences as a mother into stories where moms often save the world.
Ines Johnson’s Unforgettable Stories
Ines Johnson’s bibliography is a treasure trove of romance and fantasy, spanning paranormal, urban fantasy, and contemporary genres. Her Cindermama series, starting with Pumpkin (2015), reworks fairy tales like Cinderella, following single mom Malika 'Pumpkin' Tavares as she navigates love and life beyond fairy-tale clichés. The series shines with its heartfelt exploration of second chances and empowered heroines.
The Moonkind series, including titles like Moonrise (2016) and Moonlight (2017), dives into a dystopian world of witches, fairies, and wolf shifters. These standalone novels weave instalove, magical intrigue, and strong women who tame alpha men. In Moonrise, heroine Lucia grapples with a fake engagement and a fated mate, blending humor and heart. Johnson’s Nia Rivers Adventures, starting with Dragon Bones (2017), follows archaeologist Nia Rivers through time-bending mysteries, merging history, mythology, and romance.
Known for her fast-paced, trope-savvy style, Johnson crafts 'dirty Hallmark stories'—a reader-coined term for her blend of steamy romance and cozy charm. Her works, sometimes written under the pen name Shanae Johnson for sweeter romances, celebrate women who 'suck at love' but triumph through wit and resilience.
Why Ines Johnson Matters
Ines Johnson’s impact lies in her ability to flip the script on traditional storytelling. By centering empowered women—damsels who cause distress, princesses who fight, and moms who save the day—she challenges the romance genre’s norms. Her diverse heroines resonate with readers who crave stories that reflect real-world strength and complexity. Johnson’s indie publishing success, bolstered by smart marketing and community-building, inspires aspiring authors to embrace creative control and connect directly with readers.
Her influence extends beyond books. Through platforms like YouTube, where she shares writing tips, and interviews on podcasts like Author Like a Boss, Johnson fosters a supportive indie author community, embodying the ethos that 'a rising tide lifts all boats.' Her stories invite readers to rethink fairy tales and embrace love’s messy, magical possibilities.
- Key Works: Pumpkin, Moonrise, Dragon Bones
- Genres: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, Contemporary Romance
- Fun Fact: Johnson writes under Shanae Johnson for sweet romances!
Ready to dive into a world where women rule and love sparks magic? Snag Pumpkin or Moonrise and lose yourself in Ines Johnson’s enchanting romance!