Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
J.J. Doe was born into a hardworking Midwestern family during a time when children were sent outdoors after breakfast to roam freely until lunch—or dinner, depending on which mom on the block was serving lunch to the neighborhood gang that day. After family dinner and cleanup, we’d be back outside until the streetlights came on. Summers were even more adventurous: we slept in tents in the backyard and spent our nights exploring. No one worried about anything bad happening because we lived in a tight-knit community steeped in the American way—morning Pledge of Allegiance, prayer before meals and bedtime, and church every Sunday.
These formative years sparked my fascination with the true adventure of living and the profound responsibility that comes with freedom. I’ve spent my life pushing the boundaries of individual freedom while striving to be inclusive and respectful of the many elements it takes to succeed, lift others along the way, and embrace life in all its forms—the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the ugly.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “And Then You Were There”?
The most difficult aspect of writing And Then You Were There was confronting the emotions that surfaced as I reviewed and edited the poems for the book. I had to calm myself and come to terms with the fact that the events which inspired these poems were an essential part of my life journey—unavoidable and absolutely necessary. Facing truths, accepting what is, and moving forward with dignity are what truly define us.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and William Faulkner are the authors who have influenced me the most. Additionally, music lyrics have had a profound impact on my personal philosophy, particularly those of Chris Cornell, Pete Townshend, and Bob Dylan.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I love spending time in the mountains of Utah, United States, especially Little Cottonwood Canyon. The skiing is exceptional thanks to the incredible snowfall, and the views are unparalleled—truly hard to beat anywhere else.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘And Then You Were There’?
A5. Love was my ultimate inspiration!
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘And Then You Were There’?
A6. Each of the poems was written over the course of 12 months. After that, it took a couple of months to decide to publish them and to write the Dedication, Foreword, and Conclusion.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
Readers can purchase our books on Amazon, our publisher’s bookstore, Barnes & Noble, and Indigo.ca.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘And Then You Were There’?
I’m blessed to live on a beautiful lake where I spend much of my time during the summer months. The cover photo was taken during an evening boat ride, a time when I often capture the natural wonders around me—like the majestic, lifelong partnerships of swans. The title And Then You Were There felt perfect because I realized I hadn’t truly been living until she came into my life.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I try to write whenever inspiration strikes, which happens quite regularly. Since I primarily write poetry, I focus on capturing the emotions I’m experiencing in the moment. Readers often find personal meaning in my work because J.J. Doe puts into words what many people deeply feel and believe but struggle to express themselves.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
Q10. Write from your heart, write what you know, and write often.
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