Hello, I’m Tara!
I know what it’s like to carry a story that won’t leave you alone.
You know the kind—it shows up uninvited, keeps you up at night, and refuses to take a hint.
The road to authorship isn’t straight. It twists, doubles back, and occasionally drops you into a pothole labeled “What am I even doing?”
I’ve walked that road.
I’ve spent years learning the craft, untangling plot knots, navigating the ever-mysterious world of publishing, and discovering all the “oh, that would’ve been helpful to know sooner” moments the hard way.
It’s been rewarding, yes.
But it’s also been…educational. (And by educational, I mean humbling in ways that build character, whether you asked for it or not.)
And somewhere along that road, the questions creep in:
- Am I good enough?
- Is it too late for me to start this?
- What if I pour everything into this and no one cares?
- What if I’m not actually a “real” writer?
- What if I fail…publicly?
I’ve heard those questions. I’ve asked them myself.
That’s exactly why I do what I do.
Because stories matter. Yours matters. And you shouldn’t have to spend the next decade reinventing the wheel—or spiraling in self-doubt—just to figure out how to move forward.
I don’t want you wandering in circles while Google becomes your co-author and insecurity becomes your loudest critic. Writers deserve clarity—a real “heads up” about both the art of storytelling and the business side that nobody talks about until you’re already knee-deep in it.
Everything I’ve learned, I share on purpose to shorten your learning curve, help you avoid the common traps, and give you the confidence to move forward—even when that little voice in your head insists you should take up something “safer,” like competitive knitting.
I’m not just here to help you write a better book.
I’m here to help you tell the story you were meant to tell—and actually get it into the hands of readers…without losing your sanity in the process.
My Personal Bio
Tara Johnson is an author, speaker, and loves to write stories that help people break free from the lies they believe about themselves.
Tara's debut novel Engraved on the Heart (Tyndale) earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly and was a finalist in both the Carol and Christy Awards. She is multi-published in fiction and nonfiction, with several books translated into Polish and Dutch.
Tara is a certified body language expert and serves as President of Story Spark Author Development Agency. She, her husband, and their children live in Arkansas.
"Helping writers tell meaningful stories while helping readers discover truth."
Published Works
Fiction
- A Risky Pursuit (Bethany House 2027)
- To Chase the Stars (Story Architect, 2026)
- To Speak His Name (Story Architect, 2024)
- All Through the Night (Tyndale, 2021)
- Where Dandelions Bloom (Tyndale, 2019)
- Engraved on the Heart (Tyndale, 2018)
- Every Trick in the Book (Annie's)
- A Novel Approach (Annie's)
Nonfiction
- The Lies That Bind (Guideposts, 2026)
Contributing Author
- 50 Life Lessons for Grads (USA Today Bestseller)
- Angels All Around Us
- Pray a Word a Day Vol. 2
- Inspired by Faith Devotional
- Transformed by His Grace
- Embraced by His Light
- Pray a Word a Day for Strength
Professional Highlights
Speaking & Teaching
Tara has taught and served on faculty for ACFW, Vision Christian Writers Conference, Cascade Christian Writers Conference, Inspire Christian Writers Conference, Northwest Christian Writers Conference, ScrivCon, and numerous online conferences.
Media Appearances
Television
- KLRT Fox 16 News Radio Show
Podcasts & Radio
- The Dave Elswick Show
- The Tricia Goyer Show
- Shaped by Faith
- Voice of Truth Radio
- Because Fiction Podcast
- The Call with Nancy Sabato
- Historical Bookworm Podcast