Following find an interview with author J.S. Farmer.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Blue Sky Gone was published in August 2021
What’s the book’s first line?
“It was a bright and sunny September afternoon in Greenport, a small New England town tucked away in the quiet southwest corner of Connecticut.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Blue Sky Gone is the story of two very different sisters, both embarking on their professional lives, in the year 2001. The story takes place several weeks before 9/11 and leads up to the day of the tragedy. We see 9/11 unfold through the eyes of the main characters, Hannah, who works in the South Tower of the World Trade Center, and Audrey, a police recruit still in the academy. Audrey risks everything to find her sister among the destruction at Ground Zero, a decision that would prove to be both heroic and tragic. Blue Sky Gone is a heart-wrenching account of one of the worst events in recent history, as well as a hopeful story of what humans are truly capable of when others are in need.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I lived in Connecticut and was in the police academy when 9/11 happened. I remember feeling helpless as I watched the events of the day unfold on TV. As a soon-to-be first responder, there was a sudden and sobering realization of what my chosen profession meant. It has been 20 years since the day of the attacks and it has never left my heart. I felt that writing the book would remind people to never forget.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Audrey is the only female recruit in her academy class in the year 2001. This means that she must prove to be just as good as the guys. She faces some challenges in the academy, but she overcomes them with grit and determination. Though Audrey’s character is not me whatsoever, we share many of the same qualities and even some of the same experiences from the police academy.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
To honor all those who lost on September 11th. It is important that we never forget. But also, the book is a reminder of all that is good in people. The main themes are love, hope, sacrifice, and perseverance. It will bring you on a rollercoaster of emotions but will leave you with an overwhelming feeling of hope.
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
Such a fun question! I think Dakota Johnson would be great for the role of Audrey. She has a quiet strength like Audrey. I have no doubt that under her reserved demeanor, she has a fierceness that would squash anyone who underestimated her.
Hannah would be wonderfully portrayed by Peyton List. She not only has the look, but she could also easily pull off Hannah’s whimsical, youthful, and carefree character.
Jace Norman comes to mind for Travis. I think it would be a great way for him to expand his range as an actor, stepping into a more serious role, while still bringing the charming and sometimes silly elements of Travis’s character to life.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
Yes, Blue Sky Gone is my debut novel!
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I teach writing workshops and self-publishing courses at Flagler College here in St. Augustine. I’m also a mom to two great kids.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part is having complete control over my book, and what I do with it. The hardest part is ridding the perception that because we are Indie Authors, we weren’t “good enough” to get traditionally published. Self-publishing for most of us was a well-thought-out choice and a great one at that!