Author Interview – J. Taylor – dystopian

​Book Title: THE AFTER by Joanne Taylor
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction & YA Fiction (10 to 15 yrs old),  183 pages
Genre: Fictional Dystopian
Publisher:  FriesenPress
Release date:  October 2024
Content Rating: G. No swearing, drug use, sex scenes, violence (minimal)

“The After introduces an intrepid teenage heroine as she explores a changed world… this first series title lays ample groundwork for the coming volumes.” – Foreword Clarion Review

Despite the deadly virus that caused borders to close and governments to fall ten years earlier, fourteen-year-old Charlotte and her family have lived a challenging yet relatively peaceful life, isolated on their acreage in rural Nova Scotia. However, when Charlotte discovers that an interloper has infiltrated their property, she must decide between keeping the potential threat a secret or embracing the potential for companionship that the intrusion represents. As the chaotic world that lurks outside the fence surrounding her farm disrupts Charlotte’s life even further, she must reach deep within herself and find the courage to become the mature young woman she claims to be—or risk losing everything that she and her family have worked so hard to build.

J. Taylor is a mother of five and a classroom teacher who revels in the magic of storytelling. Like the protagonist of her novel, she grew up in Nova Scotia. However, she has since lived in Resolute Bay and Hall Beach, Nunavut, as well as Kelowna, BC, before settling in Calgary, AB. Her love of writing was inspired by her love of reading, which she has made a priority in her home and in her classroom. When she’s not reading, writing, or teaching, J. Taylor enjoys sports of all kinds, visiting her grown children, and getting out into nature.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Author Interview – J. Taylor

When did you first know you wanted to be an author? 

At the age of six, I would play “school” in the basement with my sister. Using paper, crayons and a stapler, we would write and illustrate stories. Unfortunately, school, a job, coaching and being a mom to five kids, who all played multiple sports, got in the way of my dream of being a writer. 

I am so happy I now have the time to jot down all those stories floating around in my head ☺ 

When you are not writing, what other hats do you wear? What do you do for fun?

First and foremost, I will always be a mom! Although my kids are grown, my youngest daughter has a disability and requires full-time support. She still lives at home. A lot of my time is spent on her care. I am also substitute teaching— I absolutely love teaching and cannot yet retire from it. 

For fun—baking/cooking with my adult kids, then all of us sitting down to a big meal together. Nothing better than family time!

What is your favorite genre to read? What about that genre draws you?

Hands down my favourite genre is Historical Fiction. History was my minor in university. I always found it to be the most romantic and fascinating subject. I love learning about the past—choices people made, adventures they went on, places they discovered . . .

What is your vacation destination? Why?

Nova Scotia in the late summer/early fall. It is my “Happy Place!” I love the people, the beaches, the people, the history, the people, the buildings, the people, the ocean . . .Oh, and did I mention, I love the people! ☺

Who did you have in mind as you wrote the book?

The After is for all those young girls out there who are looking for strong, resilient, capable, innovative, adventurous, creative female characters. 

As a former K-12 school librarian I have to ask – what is your favorite children’s book?

Ah, a school librarian—the hub of the school. Thank you for bringing your love of books to students! 

My all-time favourite book to read to my kids when they were little: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury. We loved it so much we would chant it when we went on hikes at Mission Creek Park.

What advice would you give to a child or teen who wants to be a writer?

Everyone has a story to tell. You are never too young—or too old—to be a published author!

Thank you for joining us today. We enjoyed getting to know you better. 

Views expressed in this interview/guest post do not necessarily reflect the views of this blog host.

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THE AFTER by J. Taylor Book Tour Giveaway