Dr. Scott Johnson Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Dr. Scott Johnson author and researcher, my goal is to merge the art of natural healing with science and bring this to the masses so that they can use natural solutions to improve health. Most of my books relate to natural medicine, and I am blessed to have empowered tens of thousands of individuals to realize greater wellness naturally through more than a fifteen books.
Dr. Scott Johnson My research emphasis is medicinal essential oils and their clinical application for the leading ailments afflicting modern man. I have also written on CO2 aromatics, which can be very similar to essential oils. I pioneered evidence-based essential oil therapy, which combines the art of ancient healing with modern science to maximize their therapeutic benefits. One of my research focuses is the safety of essential oils, and I have published internationally on the subject.
Despite a heavy emphasis on essential oils, I also have training and expertise in dietary supplements and natural health in general. I strive to think critically to take complex health topics to any audience. I have been fortunate to speak internationally and have delivered keynote presentations across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
Dr. Scott Johnson How many hours a day do you write?
It depends on the book. When I was writing books and consulting full-time, I would spend 8 to 10 hours per day writing and researching. Since I now have a full-time corporate position, my writing time is much more limited.
Dr. Scott Johnson How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
Only one right now. I work on it when I can, but after publishing 20 books and a chapter on essential oils in a medical textbook, I feel I have said a lot of what I want to say about natural health. But, you never know if a topic will peak my interest and I will be inspired to write another book.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
It depends on the topic and the depth that I write about that topic. My larger volumes that are about a thousand pages and have thousands of references took about three years collectively to write. I was writing “Medicinal Essential Oils” and “Supercritical Essential Oils” simultaneously.
Where did you get the idea for your recent book?
Dr. Scott Johnson My most recent book “The Waterfall Technique: A Whole-Body Essential Oil and Restorative Touch Experience to Rejuvenate, Restore, and Optimize” started about eight years ago. I wanted to create a technique that could help people who have the same condition as me, ankylosing spondylitis, through applying a series of essential oils in specific ways. However, I adapted it to be more inclusive of several other conditions and to promote overall well-being. I had the book written for a few years, but finally felt like it was time to release it.
How did you develop your plots?
Dr. Scott Johnson My one fictional book was developed from a short story. I write it for my family to enjoy and the feedback from them was so positive that I decided to further develop the plot and expand it from a short story. The plot was inspired to help people who struggle with faith during adversity and by my desire to share about Christ.
How do you select the names of your characters?
There wasn’t any method to the naming of the characters, really, except for the characters taken from the Bible. I just looked up names and then plugged in the names that I thought fit the story.
If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?
I currently work at a natural health company and enjoy my work very much. It allows me to apply my skills and knowledge in challenging ways.
What is your favorite childhood book?
I really liked “The Count of Monte Crist” because of its redemptive story. How a person who was wrongly accused and betrayed by his best friend escaped prison, re-established himself into society and began enacting revenge, only to understand the power of forgiveness.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I try to read them all. The positive reviews help motivate me to continue writing and the I try to learn from constructive criticism in the negative reviews to improve future books. I don’t think people fully realize just how much positive reviews help authors, and so I greatly appreciate it when people take time to write a positive review.
What’s your advice for aspiring writers?
Don’t give up. Most successful authors have had manuscripts rejected, including myself. If your story or book manuscript is compelling and you are passionate about it, keep going and persevere until you publish it.
What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
Paying for good editing. Editing costs can be expensive but a good editor can not only help improve spelling, grammar, and sentence structure, but improve the overall book. Good editing is worth every dollar spent.
Dr. Scott Johnson What’s the best thing about being a writer?
Having the opportunity to help improve the lives of others. Empowering someone with natural health knowledge to improve their health and the health of their loved ones is very impactful. My favorite messages are those from people who take the time to tell me how they improved their health through something in my books.
Dr. Scott Johnson What is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with or follow you (i.e., website, personal blog, Facebook page, Goodreads, etc.) and link(s)?
Generally, I prefer my readers contact me through my Facebook Page. We have a community of around 49,000 people who love essential oils there and I do my best to respond to inquiries from readers and fans.