Q&A with J. Lee

  

 

 

J. Lee is the author of the new novel The Social Silence. His other books include The Reluctant Reckoner.  

 

Q: How was your new novel’s title chosen, and what does it signify for you?

 

A: My wife actually thought of it and I knew immediately it was a perfect fit. To me it offered a fun balance of foreshadowing and mystery. 

 

Q: How did you research the book, and did you learn anything that especially surprised you?

 

A: I did a lot of reading on social media, and the biggest surprise to me was the extent of some of the impacts it has had on the world, specifically children.

 

I incorporated some of those startling figures into the book to serve as justification for the antagonist, but candidly, I was personally dumbfounded by some of them and think people need to make sure they know the score before they set their kids up with mobile devices.

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the novel?

 

A: Above all, to enjoy reading it. It’s fiction, you know? I am not trying to say social media is terrible or inspire folks to think that, but all the best thriller novels out there use the reality of the world and facts to drive the story.

 

My hope would be that people consider their own feelings on the subject, specially as seen through the eyes of Ben Siebert, the protagonist, or Susan Reynolds, the authority most directly responsible for bringing him down.

 

Is what the antagonist is trying to do more wrong than the status quo? If I were in Ben’s shoes, what would I do? What are the consequences of inaction? Is it possible that I might be conflicted? 

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I’ve been dabbling with another thriller novel as well as potentially a YA short story. Nothing’s firm yet, but with two books published in the last two years, it’s been hectic time. I am excited to continue to work with other authors and keep everyone posted on www.jleethrillers.com along with my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@j.leeauthor

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: Thanks for asking and for the opportunity to talk with you today! I am happy to share that The Social Silence has recently been considered for some awards (details coming) and that I am really interested in continuing to pursue my passion of helping others in the writing space.

 

Please check out www.jleethrillers.com or https://www.linkedin.com/in/jleethrillers/ if you want to learn more about it!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with J. Lee.