Aurora: What was your inspiration behind your most recent novel?
J.D.: So I’m going to talk about my last two releases. The Whispers of the Fallen: Descent is a novella told from Lucifer’s perspective. I spent years writing an entire adventure around the finding of Lucifer’s Diary and thought it unfair not to give him a chance to share his side of things. My other release is actually a collaboration between me and 44 misfits! It’s a collection of stories centered around books and how they save lives. It was an amazing experience and privilege to pull this anthology off.
What character do you most relate to and why?
I try to pour a little bit of myself in every character I write. A friend of mine once said, “We leak what we really are because a leak is accidental.” It might sound strange, but whether I like it or not, my emotions, feelings, and beliefs are infused on every one of them.
Why do you feel young adult books are so popular and have such a voice right now?
They bring a sense of community. They encourage and inspire. In a world so divisive, they have become a harbor of strength and hope.