J.F. Jenkins lives in Minneapolis Minnesota with her husband, son, and two cats. She graduated from Bethel University in 2006 with a degree in Media Communication with minors in both writing and film. When she is not busy writing, she spends her free time playing games, reading, and spending time with her family.
Interview with fellow Dystopian Author, J.F. Jenkins
1. Why did you choose to write a dystopian novel?
It just sort of happened. I hadn’t been planning on it taking on a dystopian nature. Originally, it was supposed to be straight up Science Fiction. Then it started warping into this genre, and I ran with it to stay organic to the story
2. Do you have any favorite dystopian literature? Authors?
The Stand is a little dystopian, as is The Dark Tower series, by Stephen King. I’m a huge fan of those stories, but they’re not what I would call traditional dystopian. I generally stumble upon the genre on accident. There’s a taste of it in a lot of stories that one might normally overlook. If we’re going on traditional types, I enjoyed the Hunger Games, and Divergent. I’m currently reading Matched by Ally Condie.
3. Do you foresee any part of your book becoming reality? If so explain.
I can see some of the crime and punishment system becoming reality. Once people start getting fed up with our justice system, they’ll start calling for harsher punishments for those who deserve it, and Utopia for those who have earned it, which will eventually lead the separation of class. Lack of forgiveness will keep people trapped.
4. When writing your book, did you seek to only tell a good story or to get across a specific message?
To only tell a good story. Messages come across all the same, but they are subconscious in the writing process for me.
5. What was the inspiration for your book?
I had a weird dream, and a real life event that I tied together into the story. The whole opening set up is based on something I experienced (working in the mall, celebrity visits, etc.) and the dream warped it into the story it is now.
6. What other genres do you read?
I’ll read anything! YA, Adult, contemporary, sci fi, fantasy. I try not to limit myself.
7. Have you or would you like to write in another genre? Which one?
I’ve written in just about every genre there is. I can’t say I’ve published all these adventures, but I’ve at least made an attempt!
8. Are you particularly fond of any one of you characters?
In this particular book, I have a soft spot for Timber. He’s my favorite. A lot of people love Wicken the most, and he’s definitely up there on the list, but I always have a thing for the nice guy. It’s a bit of a secret agenda of mine to get girls to start swooning for them again, kidding!
9. Is there one book, in any genre, that has had a lasting impact on your life? Title. How did it affect you?
I still think back to The Stand. That book was powerful and fascinating. I also just read a book called The Night Circus and that book is one that is hard to forget. Definitely recommend both.
Chevelle Donahue thought going into work would be just like any other boring day at the mall. Sure, there was her annoying co-worker Wicken Sanders, and a promotional visit from teen heartthrob Timber Hudson, to watch and keep her entertained. But who was she kidding? Working retail was lame no matter what happened. A terrorist attack changes everything – an attack from aliens of all things. The patrons are given two options: comply or else. Complying means giving in to a new set of rules and changing her entire life. “Or else” means she has no chance of going home again. She must figure out the truth behind why the aliens are holding everyone hostage. In doing so, she risks her chance at freedom – but by the time she learns what’s really happening, she might not want it.
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