Interview with Author Justin Shepherd!

Good afternoon, everyone!

This week, we're bringing you yet another exciting author interview. We've made a point recently to dedicate time talking with some very talented authors for both our blog and our weekly podcast, both called BOOKMARKED. In a recent poll for the blog, I asked what topics you'd like to see covered in our podcast, and most people urged us to continue with the author spotlights.

So, without further ado, I've got another special author Q&A, this time with Justin Shepherd. Justin will also be featured in our PODCAST episode this FRIDAY, so be sure to listen to that this week.

We talked with Justin about his new book, "Boundaries."

In this beautifully illustrated story, Victoria is a curious little girl who wonders why she gets to see her mom’s family but not her dad’s. Justin Shepherd skillfully tackles the delicate topic of family dynamics and the importance of setting boundaries in a way that children can understand.

"Boundaries." is a must-read for children and families alike, as it encourages open conversations about family relationships, respect, and the importance of safeguarding our emotional well-being.

Help your child navigate the complexities of family and boundaries with this book. It is a story about love, understanding, and the power of setting healthy limits, which is something we all can relate to. You can purchase the book online here.

BOOKMARKED: What initially got you into writing? What is your background with writing? JUSTIN SHEPHERD: To be frank, my experience in writing is rather limited. However, with this specific book, I recognized a pressing need and a valuable opportunity to assist fellow parents navigating the same challenging conversations I've encountered with my own daughter.

Your new book, "Boundaries.," tackles the difficult topic of setting boundaries within families, which I'm sure many adults can relate to. How did you come up with this idea of making the topic accessible to children and conveying the topic through the platform of a children's book? Really, there are a couple of reasons, but before I give those, I believe it’s important to note that recent studies show that 26% of Millennials and Gen Z are no longer in contact with a family member. That’s a massive number and shows the need for a book like this. Children possess a keen intellect and observational skills that often surpass the credit they're given. When they notice the absence of certain family members, their curiosity prompts questions. For instance, a few weeks ago, my daughter astutely remarked, "Daddy, I've never met your mom. Why is that?" At such moments, navigating the conversation becomes crucial. Balancing the need to avoid vilifying estranged family members while still providing an age-appropriate explanation to a child is challenging but essential. It's an opportunity to engage in a significant discussion about establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries within family dynamics.

What do you hope children (and adults) take away from reading your book? I liken this book to the TV show "Bluey," which serves as both entertaining for children and rich in meaningful content for parents. Similarly, this book is designed to resonate with both audiences. My aspiration is that young readers will gain an appreciation for their parents' efforts to shield them from negativity, instill healthy familial boundaries, and underscore the importance of mutual respect within the family dynamic. For parents engaging with this book, their choice to introduce such themes to their children reflects a commitment to breaking generational cycles and providing their kids with a more nurturing upbringing than they might have experienced. This book, I hope, serves as a tool for parents to recognize the difficulty of their decisions, yet reaffirms that these choices are made with the ultimate goal of offering their children a life filled with unconditional love and respect. Who are some of your favorite authors and books of all time? While I don't have a specific favorite author, I find myself drawn to autobiographies. I find the personal narratives and insights into individuals' lives truly captivating. One standout autobiography that left a lasting impression on me is "DeLorean" by John DeLorean. The depth of his personal journey and the automotive industry's intricacies made it a compelling read. More recently, I delved into "I'm Glad My Mom Died" by Jennette McCurdy, a book that struck a chord with its raw and honest portrayal of life's challenges with a toxic parent. Additionally, I just completed Brittany Spears' latest book and have the memoirs of Matthew Perry and John Stamos on my reading list. Each autobiography offers a unique perspective, providing me with a diverse range of experiences and insights into the lives of remarkable individuals.

If you could give an aspiring writer one piece of advice, what would it be? Stay inspired, set realistic goals, remember your purpose for writing, and make sure to do your due diligence and conduct research.

Is there anything you'd like to say to your supporters and fans?

My journey has been significantly shaped by the unwavering support of my extensive social media community, boasting 1.2 million followers on TikTok and 22,000 on Instagram. Their feedback and candid sharing of experiences have been instrumental, making this entire endeavor possible.

Equally crucial is the understanding and support of my wife, Alyssa, who graciously tolerates my late nights dedicated to social media and, by extension, this book. Lastly, my daily motivation to evolve as a parent comes from my daughter, Victoria, inspiring me to strive for continual improvement in my parenting journey.

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Thank you again to Justin for a wonderful Q&A. We cannot wait for everyone to listen to Justin's podcast episode with us on FRIDAY!

Thanks to everyone who continuously supports this blog, and I hope you have an amazing week.

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Allison Chudina

Editorial Assistant

Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.

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