Use AI as a specialist so be sure to clearly state its job title. I typically choose to tell it: you are a digital content specialist who is in charge of the next great insert genre novel release. 

Then I give it a window of time, type of content, social media I’ll be posting to, as well as the type of novel—and be as specific as possible—including the title. The following is an interview it generated for the release of my January 2025 novel FreeFalling, the first book in my Futuristic Fiction series. I had it study the online content of the top four novelist in the genre according to Amazon’s top 100 list at the time.

Now, I didn’t get the opportunity to have this interview with these amazing authors, but I did reach out and see if they might be interested. However, I did use the questions on my livestream for myself. It gave me a pathway to generate content by simply selecting key questions and responding to them. I also answered some of the questions on my social media in writing. How you use what it generates is up to you.

INTERVIEW OF CHRISTIAN DYSTOPIAN AUTHORS

For a 45-minute author interview featuring VJ Dunn, John E. Rock, Mark Goodwin, Jamie Lee Grey, and J.L. Burrows, we’ll focus on key themes common to their novels—Christian faith, dystopian futures, government control, and moral dilemmas. This format will allow each author to connect their work with FreeFalling, generating discussions that highlight their shared genre and themes while offering a variety of perspectives.

 Interview Structure Overview:

1. Introduction (5 mins)

2. Thematic Discussion (25 mins)

3. Faith in Fiction (10 mins)

4. Audience Q&A (5 mins)

1. Introduction (5 mins)

Host Introduction:  

Welcome to this special roundtable discussion with VJ Dunn, John E. Rock, Mark Goodwin, Jamie Lee Grey, and J.L. Burrows. All of these talented authors have captivated readers with their Christian dystopian thrillers, and today, we’re going to dive deep into their latest works, including J.L. Burrows’ FreeFalling.

Opening Question to All Authors:  

Each of your novels presents a world where the future seems dark, with society falling under oppressive systems. Can you briefly describe the dystopian world you’ve created in your book and what inspired that world?

(Allow each author to summarize the setting of their books, starting with J.L. Burrows and FreeFalling, followed by the others.)

2. Thematic Discussion (25 mins)

Government Control & Technology (10 mins)

Question 1 (For J.L. Burrows and John E. Rock):  

FreeFalling explores a society where peace is enforced through technological surveillance and government control. In The Mark of the Beast, John, you also tackle themes of control through technology. What do you both think is the greatest danger posed by advanced technology in the hands of oppressive governments, and how do your characters push back against it?

Question 2 (For Jamie Lee Grey and VJ Dunn):  

In both The Bear and Beginning the End, the protagonists find themselves up against corrupt systems that have replaced moral integrity with government overreach. How do your characters’ personal struggles reflect a larger commentary on the role of faith in resisting these corrupt systems?

Faith in Dark Times (10 mins)

Question 3 (For Mark Goodwin and Jamie Lee Grey):  

Mark, your book The Days of Lot draws heavily from biblical themes of judgment and deliverance, while Jamie’s The Bear explores the struggle for survival in a crumbling society. How do you balance the darker elements of dystopia with messages of hope and redemption through faith?

Question 4 (For J.L. Burrows and VJ Dunn):  

J.L., FreeFalling introduces us to Serenity, who must hold on to a budding faith as she leads a rescue mission. VJ, in Beginning the End, we see similar characters grappling with faith in a world that seems to have lost its way. How do you craft characters who struggle with their beliefs in these dystopian worlds, and how do they grow through that struggle?

 Moral Dilemmas & Resistance (5 mins)

Question 5 (For All Authors):  

The theme of moral resistance against unjust laws or systems is central in all your books. How do your characters decide when to obey authority and when to resist? Can you give examples of moments in your stories where this choice is most evident?

Followup (For J.L. Burrows):  

In FreeFalling, Serenity makes the decision to rescue her students, risking her life. How does this decision represent her own moral growth, and how do you see her internal conflict relating to the broader theme of standing up for truth?

3. Faith in Fiction (10 mins)

Faith & Prophecy in Christian Dystopia (5 mins)

Question 6 (For Mark Goodwin and John E. Rock):  

Your books (The Days of Lot and The Mark of the Beast) are heavily influenced by biblical prophecy. How do you approach integrating prophecy into a dystopian storyline, and what do you hope readers take away from these warnings or parallels to today’s world?

Question 7 (For Jamie Lee Grey and J.L. Burrows):  

Both The Bear and FreeFalling lean heavily on personal journeys of faith in the face of overwhelming odds. What role does faith play in motivating your characters, and how do you weave Christian principles into the fabric of your storylines?

Building FaithBased Worlds (5 mins)

Question 8 (For All Authors):  

Dystopian worlds often highlight society’s worst aspects. How do you strike a balance between portraying the darkness of such a world and highlighting the redemptive power of faith? Can you give an example from your books where faith is a key turning point for your characters?

Followup (For J.L. Burrows):  

In FreeFalling, Serenity’s small but growing faith contrasts with the overwhelming control of the government. How do you show the power of faith, even when it seems like such a small force in a world driven by technology and deception?

4. Audience Q&A (5 mins)

Open the floor for questions from the audience. Suggested starter questions (in case the audience needs prompting):

How do you research for a dystopian setting and incorporate Christian themes without being preachy?

Have current world events inspired any aspects of your books’ themes?

How do you navigate the challenge of creating characters that reflect Christian values in such bleak environments?

Closing Question (Wrapup)

Final Question for All Authors:  

For readers who are new to Christian dystopian fiction, what is the one message or takeaway you want them to have after reading your books?

Host Closing Remarks:  

Thank you all for joining us today and for sharing insights into your writing and the powerful messages within your stories. For those tuning in, be sure to check out VJ Dunn’s Beginning the End, John E. Rock’s The Mark of the Beast, Mark Goodwin’s The Days of Lot, Jamie Lee Grey’s The Bear, and J.L. Burrows’ upcoming release, FreeFalling.

This interview structure allows for a fluid conversation between authors, digging into their shared themes while also providing individual moments to showcase their unique stories. It balances thematic exploration with personal insights, giving each author the chance to connect their work to the broader genre of Christian dystopian fiction.

IN PERSON PRERELEASE CHRISTMAS PARTY EVENT FOR FREEFALLING

PROMPT: Reimagine the above interview for an in-person gathering book event prerelease Christmas party with an interviewer and J.L. Burrows only.

RESPONSE: For an in-person, prerelease Christmas party book event featuring J.L. Burrows, the interview should be intimate, engaging, and festive, while still digging into the key themes of FreeFalling. Since it’s a Christmas-themed event, we’ll add some holiday flair and create a warm, community-driven atmosphere. The conversation should balance lighthearted holiday elements with the deeper, thought-provoking aspects of the novel.

Event Overview:

Setting: Cozy, winter-themed venue with Christmas décor, warm lighting, and festive music playing softly in the background. A small stage with comfortable chairs for the interviewer and J.L. Burrows, a decorated Christmas tree nearby, and copies of FreeFalling on display. A hot cocoa and Christmas cookie station is available for guests to enjoy before and after the event.

Tone: Casual, fun, but with moments of depth.

Duration: 45 minutes (interview followed by audience interaction).

1. Warm Welcome (5 mins)

Interviewer Introduction:  

“Good evening, everyone! Thank you for joining us at this special prerelease Christmas party for J.L. Burrows’ upcoming Christian dystopian thriller, FreeFalling. It’s an honor to have J.L. here with us tonight to discuss her book and give us some exclusive insights before it hits the shelves. But since it’s the holiday season, we’re also going to keep things festive! So grab your cocoa, get cozy, and let’s dive into a conversation about faith, dystopia, and the power of hope—even in the darkest times.”

Holiday Icebreaker:  

“Before we jump into FreeFalling, let’s kick off with something fun. J.L., do you have any Christmas traditions you look forward to every year? And if Serenity, your protagonist, were celebrating Christmas in her world, how do you think she’d mark the occasion?”

2. Thematic Discussion (20 mins)

The World of FreeFalling (8 mins)

Question 1 (Setting the Stage):  

“FreeFalling is set in a future where the U.S. government enforces peace through extreme surveillance and control under a massive dome. What inspired this futuristic setting? Can you paint a picture for the audience of what life is like for Serenity under this dome?”

(J.L. talks about the government’s control, the peace enforced through force, and how this setting mirrors modern-day concerns about surveillance and control.)

Question 2 (Tech & Faith):  

“Serenity has access to illegal AI tech that helps her escape the government’s control. How does this advanced technology contrast with the idea of faith, which often relies on the unseen and intangible?”

(Discuss how Serenity balances relying on technology and finding her faith, touching on themes of trust and divine intervention vs. human control.)

Character Growth and Moral Choices (8 mins)

Question 3 (Hero’s Journey):  

“Serenity begins her journey as a teacher, simply following the rules of her society. But when two of her students are taken for reconditioning, she’s thrust into a mission that challenges everything she thought she knew. How does Serenity’s internal struggle mirror her external fight against the government? What moral dilemmas does she face along the way?”

(Explore Serenity’s character arc from a rule-follower to a defiant rebel and how her faith plays a role in this transformation.)

Question 4 (Reluctant Heroes):  

“In many great stories, the most compelling heroes are the reluctant ones, those who don’t set out to save the world but end up doing just that. What makes Serenity a relatable hero, and how do you think readers will connect with her struggles?”

(J.L. talks about Serenity’s vulnerabilities, fears, and doubts, making her a realistic and relatable character.)

Christmas & The Power of Hope (4 mins)

Question 5 (Hope in Darkness):  

“Since it’s Christmas, I have to ask—FreeFalling is a dystopian story, but there’s a strong undercurrent of hope throughout. How does this theme of hope, especially tied to faith, come into play as Serenity fights for her students and ultimately herself? And what parallels do you see between that message and the hope of Christmas?”

(Tie in the Christmas theme of light coming into darkness with Serenity’s journey of finding hope even in dire circumstances.)

3. Faith in Dystopian Fiction (10 mins)

Faith Under Pressure (5 mins)

Question 6 (Challenges to Faith):  

“In FreeFalling, Serenity’s faith is tested again and again as she faces seemingly insurmountable odds. How do you portray that struggle in a way that resonates with readers, especially those who may have questioned their own faith in difficult times?”

(Discuss how Serenity’s faith grows, how it isn’t always perfect, and how that mirrors reallife challenges of faith.)

Question 7 (Christian Dystopian Fiction):  

“Dystopian fiction often highlights the worst of society, yet Christian dystopian fiction offers something more—a spiritual dimension. What drew you to blend these two genres, and how do you see faith as a powerful force in worlds like the one you’ve created in FreeFalling?”

(J.L. discusses the unique opportunity to explore faith in a dystopian context, where characters are tested in extreme ways, and how faith can be a guiding light in such dark scenarios.)

4. Audience Q&A (7 mins)

Interviewer:  

“Now, before we wrap things up, let’s open the floor to some audience questions! Who has a question for J.L. Burrows about FreeFalling, writing dystopian fiction, or even her favorite Christmas treat?”  

(Allow 23 audience questions. Potential topics could include character inspiration, worldbuilding, or advice on writing faith-based fiction.)

5. Fun Holiday WrapUp (3 mins)

Interviewer Closing:  

“J.L., as we close out tonight’s discussion and celebrate both Christmas and the upcoming release of FreeFalling, I have one last question: If Serenity were to give a Christmas gift to one of her companions in the book, what do you think it would be—and why?”

(Lighthearted question to end on a fun note, potentially involving some humor about her AI companion or her furry beast companion.)

Closing Remarks:  

“Thank you all so much for coming tonight! FreeFalling is a thrilling, faith-filled journey, and I can’t wait for all of you to experience it. Be sure to preorder your copy and enjoy the rest of the evening with some cocoa and cookies. Merry Christmas, everyone!”

PostEvent:

Book Signing & Mingling:  

After the interview, guests can enjoy more holiday treats, purchase prerelease copies of FreeFalling, and chat with J.L. Burrows while she signs books.

This in-person Christmas party interview balances in-depth discussion with holiday cheer, providing an engaging experience for fans while keeping the conversation focused on the themes of FreeFalling.

Bring gifts for everyone who orders a copy of FreeFalling for themselves or as a gift for others!