Seven Questions with Jenna E. Johnson
Jenna E. Johnson is an author who writes fantasy fiction for older children and young teens. Since we both write traditional fantasy, (mine is geared for adult and older teens,) we agreed it would be fun to trade interviews. Mine will be posted on her site early to mid-January. I'll link to her site when mine is posted.
–JE
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1) How would you define your story?
In one sentence, I would have to say that The Finding is the story of a human infant found and raised by dragons in a world where her kind no longer exist. Although that is the dominant premise, there is much more to the story than a simple prophecy being fulfilled in a fantasy world. I wanted to write an epic story that contained a variety of elements: fantasy, mystery, adventure, friendship, discovery and even a little sorrow. I do a lot of character development and world building in this first book, but I also get the ball rolling with regards to challenges and situations that my protagonist and her friends will face in future books. When I read, I look for books with characters I grow to really care about. I hope that I have done this with my own books.
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2) Tell us about Jaax. Is he the protagonist? If not, who is?
I think this might be my favorite question, in that Jaax, despite being one of the main protagonists and being the featured dragon on The Finding's cover, doesn't really come fully into the picture until the end of the second book. Raejaaxorix, Jaax for short, is a Tanaan dragon descended from the Tanaan humans who were transformed by the Crimson King's curse. He has spent years searching for the human child promised to restore the world to its former peace, but once he finds her he leaves her in the care of another dragon.
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Although he only visits the girl, Jahrra, a few times in the first book, Jaax is a constant presence in her life. He goes from being a hero (due to Hroombra's exaggerated stories and the fact that he brings Jahrra a precious gift), to being a hated adversary (something happens that causes Jahrra to lose her trust in him). By the end of the first book, Jahrra uses Jaax as a way to measure how she should behave: if something would anger or annoy the Tanaan dragon, then she is more willing to do it.
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Not only does he have an influence on Jahrra, albeit a distant one, he is highly mysterious to her. It is clear that he is hiding many secrets, but his brooding and overbearing manner make it impossible for Jahrra to get anything out of him. He has a damaged past, like most of the characters in this book who have lived long lives. By the end of the second book, however, Jaax begins to step away from his cold demeanor, and even though Jahrra can't see it yet, he makes an effort to step out of his shell.
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3) If I was interested in learning more about your series, where would I look?
You could find more information by visiting the series' website: www.oescienne.com or by searching on Goodreads, amazon.com, smashwords.com and barnesandnoble.com or going to The Legend of Oescienne fan page on Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Legend-of-Oescienne/141197081733).
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Of course, you can always reach me for any questions you might have (I love getting questions from readers – you can email me at jejoescienne@yahoo.com or jejohnson@oescienne.com). I also have a blog: www.jennaelizabethjohnson.com, and an author page on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenna-Elizabeth-Johnson/202816013120106).
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4) 'The Bridge to Terabithia' written by Kathrine Patterson, has been challenged to be banned from all public libraries in the US for 'Being Fantastic' and 'posing as New Age religion, occultism, and Satanism.' How does that make you feel as an author writing fantasy for young people in the United States?
As a fantasy writer in America I do sometimes worry about people being uncomfortable with the religious system I've invented for my world (it is a pagan-based belief system and there is evil present, but is not glorified in any sense). But I'm not so concerned that I would ever consider changing my writing. I'm not trying to push an agenda, but reflect a culture that I find profoundly interesting and a set of beliefs that feel very comfortable to me.
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To write fantasy is to invent entire new worlds, and with those worlds come new life forms, new belief systems and new ideas. I enjoy nothing more than opening my mind to new thoughts and concepts when it comes to my writing, and if that is perceived as a threat, then there is nothing I can do about it. Too often, a vivid imagination and any level of eccentricity in a young person has been considered something to be discouraged and shunned. That is something that needs to change, and something I feel is changing in this day and age. I hope that my writing will inspire others to embrace their own creativity and not to be afraid to be different.
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5) Most stories tend to bend toward male or female readers, it is very difficult to write a story that will appeal to an even number of readers. What demographic would/has enjoyed your tale the most?
When I started writing the Oescienne series, I was hoping that I could appeal to both boys and girls. Sure, the main protagonist is a girl and one would expect a mostly female crowd, but my protagonist is a tomboy and there are dragons in the book, so of course boys will like to read it as much as the girls . . . right?
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I've actually had a wide range of readers who have told me they enjoy the books (a fifth grade girl, a young adult from Norway and a fifty something man who works in real estate to name a few). I love that such a diverse group can find something about my books or my characters to keep them invested, but I'd have to say that the younger female readers have given me the biggest response.
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6) How many books are in the series currently, and how many more are in your plans?
Currently there are three books in the series (I just released the third book, The Awakening, in the fall). I plan to write five altogether, and am currently working on the fourth book (sorry, no title yet).
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7) I noticed on the 'About You' section on one of the many webpages I'd looked for you, it said you can fight with a long-sword. Besides the fact that this is really cool, how did you become interested in 'Combat Training with Medieval Weapons?'
I wouldn't quite say I could fight with a long sword, but I'm trying to get to that level
. I have always been interested in life before technology and luckily I have a small group of friends who have those same interests. We found out about the sword fighting lessons from my neighbor at a local book fair of all places. My friend contacted our instructor and eventually we started up practice. We are absolutely still novices at this art form, but I have loved every minute of it. Besides, what self-respecting fantasy writer wouldn't be interested in medieval sword fighting?
–JE
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1) How would you define your story?
In one sentence, I would have to say that The Finding is the story of a human infant found and raised by dragons in a world where her kind no longer exist. Although that is the dominant premise, there is much more to the story than a simple prophecy being fulfilled in a fantasy world. I wanted to write an epic story that contained a variety of elements: fantasy, mystery, adventure, friendship, discovery and even a little sorrow. I do a lot of character development and world building in this first book, but I also get the ball rolling with regards to challenges and situations that my protagonist and her friends will face in future books. When I read, I look for books with characters I grow to really care about. I hope that I have done this with my own books.
-
-
-
-
2) Tell us about Jaax. Is he the protagonist? If not, who is?
I think this might be my favorite question, in that Jaax, despite being one of the main protagonists and being the featured dragon on The Finding's cover, doesn't really come fully into the picture until the end of the second book. Raejaaxorix, Jaax for short, is a Tanaan dragon descended from the Tanaan humans who were transformed by the Crimson King's curse. He has spent years searching for the human child promised to restore the world to its former peace, but once he finds her he leaves her in the care of another dragon.
-
-
Although he only visits the girl, Jahrra, a few times in the first book, Jaax is a constant presence in her life. He goes from being a hero (due to Hroombra's exaggerated stories and the fact that he brings Jahrra a precious gift), to being a hated adversary (something happens that causes Jahrra to lose her trust in him). By the end of the first book, Jahrra uses Jaax as a way to measure how she should behave: if something would anger or annoy the Tanaan dragon, then she is more willing to do it.
-
-
Not only does he have an influence on Jahrra, albeit a distant one, he is highly mysterious to her. It is clear that he is hiding many secrets, but his brooding and overbearing manner make it impossible for Jahrra to get anything out of him. He has a damaged past, like most of the characters in this book who have lived long lives. By the end of the second book, however, Jaax begins to step away from his cold demeanor, and even though Jahrra can't see it yet, he makes an effort to step out of his shell.
-
-
-
-
3) If I was interested in learning more about your series, where would I look?
You could find more information by visiting the series' website: www.oescienne.com or by searching on Goodreads, amazon.com, smashwords.com and barnesandnoble.com or going to The Legend of Oescienne fan page on Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Legend-of-Oescienne/141197081733).
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Of course, you can always reach me for any questions you might have (I love getting questions from readers – you can email me at jejoescienne@yahoo.com or jejohnson@oescienne.com). I also have a blog: www.jennaelizabethjohnson.com, and an author page on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenna-Elizabeth-Johnson/202816013120106).
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4) 'The Bridge to Terabithia' written by Kathrine Patterson, has been challenged to be banned from all public libraries in the US for 'Being Fantastic' and 'posing as New Age religion, occultism, and Satanism.' How does that make you feel as an author writing fantasy for young people in the United States?
As a fantasy writer in America I do sometimes worry about people being uncomfortable with the religious system I've invented for my world (it is a pagan-based belief system and there is evil present, but is not glorified in any sense). But I'm not so concerned that I would ever consider changing my writing. I'm not trying to push an agenda, but reflect a culture that I find profoundly interesting and a set of beliefs that feel very comfortable to me.
-
-
To write fantasy is to invent entire new worlds, and with those worlds come new life forms, new belief systems and new ideas. I enjoy nothing more than opening my mind to new thoughts and concepts when it comes to my writing, and if that is perceived as a threat, then there is nothing I can do about it. Too often, a vivid imagination and any level of eccentricity in a young person has been considered something to be discouraged and shunned. That is something that needs to change, and something I feel is changing in this day and age. I hope that my writing will inspire others to embrace their own creativity and not to be afraid to be different.
-
-
-
-
5) Most stories tend to bend toward male or female readers, it is very difficult to write a story that will appeal to an even number of readers. What demographic would/has enjoyed your tale the most?
When I started writing the Oescienne series, I was hoping that I could appeal to both boys and girls. Sure, the main protagonist is a girl and one would expect a mostly female crowd, but my protagonist is a tomboy and there are dragons in the book, so of course boys will like to read it as much as the girls . . . right?
-
-
I've actually had a wide range of readers who have told me they enjoy the books (a fifth grade girl, a young adult from Norway and a fifty something man who works in real estate to name a few). I love that such a diverse group can find something about my books or my characters to keep them invested, but I'd have to say that the younger female readers have given me the biggest response.
-
-
-
-
6) How many books are in the series currently, and how many more are in your plans?
Currently there are three books in the series (I just released the third book, The Awakening, in the fall). I plan to write five altogether, and am currently working on the fourth book (sorry, no title yet).
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-
-
-
7) I noticed on the 'About You' section on one of the many webpages I'd looked for you, it said you can fight with a long-sword. Besides the fact that this is really cool, how did you become interested in 'Combat Training with Medieval Weapons?'
I wouldn't quite say I could fight with a long sword, but I'm trying to get to that level
. I have always been interested in life before technology and luckily I have a small group of friends who have those same interests. We found out about the sword fighting lessons from my neighbor at a local book fair of all places. My friend contacted our instructor and eventually we started up practice. We are absolutely still novices at this art form, but I have loved every minute of it. Besides, what self-respecting fantasy writer wouldn't be interested in medieval sword fighting?
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