My Favorite YA Paranormal Thriller for 2013

I don't read many books that don't have sex, but when I do, you better believe they are genre-shattering and thought-provoking gems.

Last year the Outstanding YA Fantasy that didn't make me miss sex was. . .

This year, so far it is only one. . .

Here's my 5 Star Review

Book Trailer

J.R. Johansson was nice enough to let me interview her. Please check out this awesome author, but before you do. . . Look at Book 2 of The Night Walkers Cover!!

1- Why did you tackle the topic of insomnia in this awesome ya paranormal thriller? 

In college, I minored in abnormal psychology. I've always been fascinated by the way different things can alter brain chemistry and health. 

When I woke up one morning after a particularly bizarre dream and started wondering what it would be like to see other people's dreams it just kind of spiraled off from that. 

2-  What research did you do in order to write this book?

My minor was a good start, but I spent a lot of time researching the physical manifestations of sleep deprivation and addiction. Wow...this sounds like I wrote some kind of report instead of a thriller. ;-)  

3- There are several intricate plots woven into the whole story. It's dark and unexpected for a YA. Were you worried about freaking out your readers and  do you believe the next book will continue with this theme of flawed people?

Absolutely! 

It took a long time for me to embrace this idea that not only do I do my best writing in tense, dark moments...but I like it the best. For a while I wondered if that meant there was something wrong with me, but now I've come to really like it. It sets me apart. 

I like being different and as you said, "unexpected." 

I don't know that I'm afraid of freaking my readers out because most people who pick up a thriller are looking for that. I want to freak them out a little bit, and embracing that mentality is remarkably liberating. 

The next book will definitely continue with the same themes as INSOMNIA. Every aspect gets amped up a notch and the consequences are even more serious.

4- Who are some of your inspirations in writing?

Ooh, hard question! I have so many. In classics, I love the themes of revenge at what costs explored in The Count of Monte Cristo. 

I'm a big Stephen King fan. In current YA authors, I love so many...just to name a couple: Kendare Blake, Gretchen McNeil and Stephanie Perkins.   

5- The hero is not the typical overconfident alpha male that many tend to see. Granted, he's pretty busy trying to stay alive. How did you create him?

Parker is definitely different. 

He's just a good guy trying to survive some really horrible situations. I agree that he's not the alpha male, I see him more as the boy-next-door...if that boy has to spend every day fighting for his life. That kind of fight changes people. So, that's kind of the angle I took on him. 

About the Author

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She currently lives in a valley between majestic mountains and a beautiful lake where the sun shines nearly 300 days per year.