Title: The Guide
Author: Justin Chandler
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 978-1522791560
Pages: 324
Genre: Young Adult
About the Author
Justin Chandler is an aspiring educator, currently finishing his last year at Appalachian State University as a Middle Grades Education major. Residing in Connelly Springs, NC, Justin has written short stories for years and has recently contributed articles for websites such as TheOdyssey. His twin brother, Dustin, is attending the University of North Carolina School of the Arts as a Screenwriting major. In his free time, Justin enjoys hiking, reading, and practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Interviewed by: Krista Schnee
Today we are talking to Justin Chandler, author of “The Guide.”
PBR: What inspired you to write your first novel?
In my free time, I usually write short stories or articles for websites such as The Odyssey or Appalachian State’s newspaper. After I saw a lot of buzz for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), I decided to take that as a personal challenge, and it just grew from there.
PBR: What was the hardest thing about writing it?
Honestly, trying to write it from the viewpoint of a YA reader. I’m only 21, but I still wanted to make sure that the book’s message and delivery were accessible for multiple age groups and cultures within that audience, but I’m pleased with the end result.
PBR: Did you learn anything from writing The Guide? If so, what was it?
Using outlines: not such a bad idea. But in all seriousness, this experience taught me that with enough hard work, determination, and maybe a little bit of luck, everyone has an outlet for their creativity.
PBR: What is the main message of the novel?
Know yourself. But it goes a bit further than that. While simply knowing who you are as an individual is great, it’s what you do with that bit of personal trivia that sets the tone for your life. Do you build upon what you know, or do you, as Bruce Lee once said, strip away what you consider unnecessary? Ultimately, that’s up to the reader, but the novel shows various avenues for each option.
PBR: Do you have anything you would like to say to your readers?
Thank you so much for the support, as this entire process would not have been accomplished without you.
To learn more about “The Guide” please read the review at: Pacific Book Review
