Meeting A.J. Betts

Meeting YA author A.J. Betts

Last Sunday, 15th September, at my favourite local independent book store, MacLean's Booksellers, I got to meet YA author A.J. Betts!

I love A.J.'s recent duology, Hive and Rogue, which are both dystopian fiction set in a strange new world. It's hard to tell you too much about these books without dropping some clanger spoilers, so I'll just suffice it to say that it all starts with a drip... and then it grows bit by bit into this unputdownable adventure full of wonder, and fear, and worry, and hope.

I asked about the environmental theme that comes out these books, because I was curious if A.J. intentionally wanted to include this as a theme for readers to think about. Her answer? A.J. is never trying to preach, this theme is just a natural consequence of thinking about what is happening in the world now, and wondering what the world might be like in the future. 

It was fascinating to hear about how A.J.'s story ideas develop from something so small: taking a curiosity and then thinking it over and over, playing with "what-if", discarding ideas that are not interesting to you, but also building on the concepts you come up with until you develop something you are genuinely excited by.

I also love hearing or reading about authors habits of work. In all the info I've encountered, there seems to be a strong theme of getting out and about (especially walking, although A.J. is a major fan of bike riding). A.J. works in 2 hour blocks, swapping locations from home to various cafes. The word count is not her boss, but rather working until the completion of an idea or scene has been accomplished.

It was great to meet this exceptional YA author (and especially to hear her read a passage from Hive in her own voice!) and I can't wait to read more of her books. Luckily I haven't yet read her previous books, Zac & Mia (although it is one of the most popular books in my school library), Wave Length, and Shutter Speed because it sounds like it might be a while before we get A.J.'s next book. But I'll be eagerly awaiting it!