J.M. NORTHUP

Book Spotlight

• What is the title of your book?

The Nymphetamine Girls – available March 1, 2022 in both ebook and paperback

• What is the story about?
  • Two girls, in search of outside validation via social media to escape the loss of their parents. Truly it is a search for a true self, of growing up, and the mistakes we make along the way.
  • Who is the main character?
    • There are three pivotal characters. Lisette, John, and Natalia.  
• What inspired this tale?
  • Growing up in this kind of neighborhood, seeing the girls in my school flirt with disaster. I see them everyday now online, and I wonder if their parents even know, or worse yet, do they even care?
  • How did the story come to you?
    • After seeing a particularly adult photoshoot of a young woman and seeing that it was a shoot for her fifteenth birthday. It was truly shocking.
  • Did you have to research for this novel, and if so, what and why?
    • Unfortunately, no. In today’s culture, the research is simply logging into any social media site.
  • If you did research, what do you think surprised you most to learn, and why?
    • What did surprise me is just how many young girls are actively inviting this kind of attention, and how much attention they get. It’s truly frightening as a mom.
• Do you feel your character is relatable for readers of all ages?
  I feel like this book is for an adult reader. The content is quite triggering in many different aspects. My hope is that it resonates deeply with those who read it. Maybe someone who needs it.
  • Is your protagonist anything like you personally?
    • No.
• If not, then how do you differ from one another?
  • Lisette is very sensual, experimental, bold, and outgoing. She goes along for the thrill of it all. I’m an introvert and socially awkward by nature. We are quite dissimilar.
  • What made you write this character; were they based on a real person or something that inspired you?
    • No.
    • What should readers know about your protagonist?
      • Lisette is only trying to fill the void left by a mother she lost to suicide at a young age. It’s easy to be swept up in the adoration of strangers when you feel so very alone.
    • Why are they important to you?
      • Because I see so many young girls who thrive on the attention of faceless admirers, like Lisette and Natalia. Social Media is, or can be, quite impactful for self-esteem. Sometimes in a negative way, as we see in this book.
  • Do you consider the main character to be good or bad, and why?
    • Confused, I would say. Lisette realizes as we go through her journey of self-discovery, that it’s time to grow up. That it’s time to live a life she can be proud of. Getting there is not an easy road as we see.
  • What’s the objective of your character?
    • Quite simply, love. Doesn’t it all come back to love?
• Is there anything specific you’d like readers to know about this piece of work?
  • Please check Trigger Warnings. This book deals with very heavy and potentially triggering scenes. It is also includes LGBTQIA+ representation.
• Is there a moral or idea you’re trying to convey – if yes, what and why?
  • Be careful who you trust. If it feels wrong, it is wrong. Speak up, say no. Get out. You don’t have to live a life you don’t want to live to make someone else happy.
• Is this novel a standalone?
  • It is a Standalone
• Where can readers connect with you and purchase your book? 
  • I am on all social platforms @AnnaJWalner, and my website, www.AnnaJWalner.com.