Page 57 - Novelist Post – J.D. Barker and more

PHOTO: Author Molly Johnston in Berkshires, where the inspiration for her Girl Adventure series continues to grow.
such as Morgan, Madison, and Tilly build resilience through their interactions with horses, which help them in dealing with issues like bullying and emotional difficulties. Through these connections, they show personal strength and the significance of empathy and perseverance.
How has your background and life in the Berkshires shaped the settings or atmosphere of your stories?
Living in the Berkshires has deeply influenced my story- telling. The region's serene landscapes—horse farms, vast meadows, and winding trails—provide a rich backdrop for my stories. For instance, when I walk through historic horse farms, I envision young girls riding joyfully, their laughter echoing through the fields. This peaceful setting inspires a sense of community, reflected in my characters and settings.
What was your experience like using virtual voice narration for your audiobooks, and why did you choose it?
Amazon selected my books to test the virtual voice nar- ration feature, offering an opportunity to make my stories accessible to a broader audience, including listeners who prefer audiobooks. The process was straight forward and resulted in a professional-sounding audiobook that met
my vision. This format offers a new way to experience my work, with potential for further exploration in virtual voice narration.
Are there any future projects or series you're excited to share with your readers?
The fourth and final book in the series, Jumping Over Challenges, was released on Amazon on April 22, 2025. It is also available on Audible.
A new genre—romantic comedy—is being explored, whi- ch is different from previous work but aims to reach more readers. This creative path is hoped to engage new readers.
A screenplay for Moran’s Journey is being written with the intention of selling it. It is aimed to inspire young girls in dealing with bullying and seeking help.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to write empowering stories for young readers?
Write from your heart and don't give up. Be the light and inspiration for a young girl, tween, or boy. Let your story flow and shine. Everyone has stories inside them; they just need to let them out.
Everyone faces difficulties and not
everyone will like us. – Molly Johnston
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