ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JM Johnsen grew up on a farm where a strong connection to animals, especially dogs and a beloved horse, shaped a childhood filled with the classic Westerns of the 1950s like Gunsmoke, Cheyenne, and Maverick. These shows instilled a lasting appreciation for storytelling and the clear-cut triumphs of heroes, which were vivid parts of Johnsen's early life, including memorable appearances in local Fourth of July parades dressed as Western legends.

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From an early age, Johnsen was known for a vibrant imagination, often spinning elaborate tales that captured the attention of childhood friends. An avid reader of National Geographic, Johnsen harbored early aspirations of becoming a paleontologist or an archaeologist. This enthusiasm for history and exploration has persisted into adulthood, making museums and historic sites staple features of vacation plans.

 

Johnsen's career in accounting offered a mix of rewarding positions, providing a broad spectrum of human interactions that later inspired some of the characters in Johnsen's Western novels. Now retired, Johnsen enjoys the freedom to travel extensively, integrating experiences and observations from these travels into writing. In Johnsen's books, characters inspired by memorable individuals from past encounters come to life—those admired continue on in the series, while others do not return.