Hi, I'm Jonathan
I write deep, perspective-shifting fiction, travel and wellness guides as Jonathan Watcham, and warm-hearted, spicy M/M romance as Tanner Johns.
Projects
FICTION
Fiction is my North Star, and creating stories that shift perspectives is my mission. In 2023/24, I wrote my first full-length novel. After a long rewriting and editing process, it is nearly ready to self-publish as Crossing the Line, the first book in a planned three-part Bondi Encounter series. From there, I’ll continue building my indie author brand and body of work, with a prequel already written and a sequel planned.
TRAVEL
I’ve recently rediscovered my love of travel and adventure after a fast-paced journey through Italy. It reminded me that travel is more than escape. It is a way of seeing life differently, testing our curiosity, expanding our courage and reconnecting with the world. Now I’m exploring the intersection between travel, fitness and intentional living: what it means to be strong enough and open enough to keep saying yes to adventure.
WELLBEING
I've long been passionate about health and wellbeing — my own, and other people’s. In 2025, drawing on a personal health scare and years of lived experience, I developed The Five Containers of a Best Life: a practical framework for thinking about health, happiness and wellbeing after 40.
I’ve since written two short eBooks exploring these ideas. Download my free eBook, The Essence of a Best Life, or explore The Five Containers of a Best Life After 40 via the link above.
MEET TANNER JOHNS
Under my pen name, Tanner Johns, I write heartwarming contemporary M/M romance with believable happy endings and a touch of spice.
Tanner's stories explore second chances, identity, friendship, family and the courage it sometimes takes to choose the life, and the person, that feels like home. My pen name's not about hiding who I am, it’s about creating a clear home for a genre I love.
About Me
I’m Jonathan — Jono to friends. I’m a writer, storyteller, content producer, speaker, publisher and emerging indie author.
At heart, I’m a creator and lifelong learner: drawn to fiction, non-fiction, travel, wellbeing, reinvention and what it means to live with more courage after 40.
In 2022, I came out as a proud gay man, embracing a truth I had hidden for too long. That experience reshaped my life — and sharpened my mission.
Drawing on decades of experience in advertising, marketing and publishing, I now write to spark reflection, create to connect, and speak to empower.
Through books, stories, content and talks, I help people imagine – and build a fuller, freer and more intentional life.
Connect with me here, or follow along on Substack or social media.