William Johnston was an American author, born in Lincoln, Illinois in 1924. He led a varied career before becoming a writer, serving in the Pacific with the U.S. Navy during World War II, working as a disc jockey, advertising executive, magazine editor, and in public relations. His writing career began in 1960 with his first novel, "The Marriage Cage," a comic mystery that earned him an Edgar Award nomination for Best First Novel by the Mystery Writers of America.
Johnston's writing spanned multiple genres, including pulp, medical romance, light comedy, and softcore erotica. He wrote tie-in novels for popular television series such as "Happy Days," "The Flying Nun," and "Get Smart." After retiring as a writer, he owned and operated a bar in San Jose, California for many years. Johnston passed away in 2010.
It is worth noting that there is more than one author in the GoodReads database with the name William Johnston. However, the author in question here is distinct from the Jesuit missionary and scholar of the same name who lived in Japan and wrote extensively on Western and Eastern spirituality and mysticism.
Johnston's prolific writing career included the use of several pen names, including Willa Jay, Alex Steele, Susan Claudia, William Howard, Ed Garth, and Heather Sinclair. His first novel's success helped establish him as a versatile and accomplished writer, capable of writing in a range of genres and styles. His ability to write for both page and screen made him a sought-after author for tie-in novels based on popular television series. Johnston's contributions to American literature were significant, and his work continues to be read and enjoyed today.