Posts Tagged It’s the End of the World and I’m in my Bathing Suit

It’s the End of the World and I’m in my Bathing Suit: Interview with the Justin A. Reynolds

It’s the End of the World and I’m in my Bathing Suit. Doesn’t that title say it all? From the start, we know we are embarking on a sci fi story—and a funny one at that. I am so glad to have gotten to read the newest book by Justin A. Reynolds as I find science fiction such an intriguing genre.

About the Book

Hi Justin! Thank you for sharing It’s the End of the World and I’m in my Bathing Suit with us. Can you give us a short summary about the book?

Eddie’s spent half a summer waiting for this one day: Beach Bash, his town’s annual awesome beach party. Except on the morning of, Eddie’s told he can’t go…unless he does his least favorite chore of all-time, LAUNDRY. Yuck. But when the power goes out mid-washing cycle, Eddie, along with a few friends from the neighborhood, soon discover that not only are they probably not gonna make it to Beach Bash, their families and friends (and entire town) may never come back.

When did it come out?

April 5th, 2022!

About the Author

Did you always want to be an author? Tell us a little about your writing journey.

Absolutely. In kindergarten I wrote on green construction paper, I want to be a writer when I grow up. It was a long, windy road to get to this point, and there were a lot of times I didn’t know how it was ever gonna happen, but it was well worth the journey.

You have a great cast of characters. Who do you relate to the most?

This is gonna seem like a cop-out, but the truthful answer is, all of them. They’re all composites of people I know, of myself, of random experiences, of chaotic creative energy—and I love all five of them. But I’ll pick one for the sake of the question and I’ll say Eddie, because his brain is much like mine, kind of all over the place, and rather than accept it as a weakness, for Eddie it’s his superpower.

I have to ask: Did you have to wash your own clothes growing up (and did you try Eddie’s brilliant plan to save it all to do at once)?

My mom did most of my laundry until I was probably 15 or 16 and then I voluntarily took it over from there. And unfortunately, when I was growing up, I did not try Eddie’s brilliant plan. Not because I don’t believe in it, I do, but because I wasn’t smart enough to come up with it back then. Man, how kid justin would’ve loved that idea though, haha!

Research/Writing

Would you say you’re more of a plotter or pantser?

Plantser. 100% a plantser.

Can you tell us whether a sequel is coming out (and when!)?

I can neither confirm nor deny there’s a sequel in the works. That said, there is definitely a sequel in the works. Or is there??

I see your books Opposite of Always and Early Departures are also science fiction. Is that your jam? Did you grow up enjoying science fiction?

I love science fiction, yes. It’s for sure my jam. I love how it wrestles with life’s big questions. I love the breadth and scope of its imaginative powers. And I love the hope it so often provides.

Your chapter titles crack me up (I was hoping someone would catch me reading and be impressed I was on chapter 3600!). Any tips for writing humor?

I actually don’t set out to write jokes in my stories. I imagine if I did they’d be awful because in real life, whenever I try to be funny, my jokes land with a thud, ha. But I find when I’m letting the story come to me, when I’m not trying to steer it any one direction, even in the most serious of moments, there’s always a natural levity there, waiting for a laugh.

Information for Teachers

Are you doing school visits related to this book? Tell us more!

Yes, this story is classified MG by the good folks that classify things, and so far I’ve done school visits from 4th grade and up. It’s been a lot of fun.

How can we learn more about you?

Website: justinareynolds.com

Twitter: andthisjustin

IG:  justinwritesya

TikTok: andthisjustin

My mom

Thank you for your time, Justin!

Thank you for having me! 😀