A.J. JORDAN is best known as the teenage author of the new novel Eerily Wrinkling and The Prodigal Return. Struggling with the Covid lockdown, A.J., along with his brother Tony Jordan looked for ways to stay entertained and created the imaginary world of Wrinkling City. A Dungeons and Dragons Dungeon Master, A.J. is a natural creative storyteller weaving issues of cultural diversity amid a tapestry of fantasy creating engaging stories for all ages. Passionate about using his voice to make a change in this world, he lends his free time to the Sunrise Movement advocating for political action with climate change. A full-time student, A.J. is dual enrolled in both high school and college with an emphasis on creative writing. In his spare time he enjoys writing and anime.
HI A.J. JORDAN, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT WITH US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHO IS AJ JORDAN IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
I feel like I see myself differently everyday but I am growing daily. Experiences shape my perception and sharpen my creativity as a writer. But I am most proud of being a son and big brother. Family is everything and I am blessed to have mine support and love me unconditionally
HOW AND WHEN EXACTLY DID YOU REALIZE YOU HAD A PASSION FOR WRITING?
When I was in 3rd grade a friend and I attempted to write a book. We eventually finished it, although it wasn’t very good. It was ours and we were extremely proud. To this day, I am extremely proud of that partially legible handwritten book. It ignited a passion in me that until that moment, I was unaware existed.
TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR DEBUT NOVEL “EERILY WRINKLING AND THE PRODIGAL RETURN.”
This novel is a marriage of fantasy and sci-fi. It is an antiheroic tale of discovering one person’s perception on how others choose to live can be very one-sided and diluted with prejudice that even the simple truth is clouded by the past.
It follows Alan Ritson’s reluctant return to his childhood home in Wrinkling City after receiving word that his parents are missing. A place where twelve keys hold the secrets and destruction of a majestic place separated from the outside world and the supernatural is not only possible but the norm.
He must discover what happened to his parents without falling victim to the city’s many dangers and temptations. Returning means opening new wounds, fighting forgotten foes, and unexpected risk while untangling the ever-growing web of lies and deceit. His return is unwanted by both himself and the city’s residents.
Old rivals threaten to bring the city to its knees while new menaces use every opportunity to capitalize on the city’s resources to use for their own gain. A side effect of radiation exposure, some of the residents have genetic mutations labeling them – superheroes. Others sharing the same mutations try to take over not only Wrinkling but ultimately the world.
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE STORY?
Many forms of literature have inspired me but this book wasn’t written with any set inspiration. Bits and pieces of other ideas were mixed together to create Wrinkling City the main setting for this book. Coincidentally, what inspired me was bronze-age superhero comics and many do not consider them literature.
WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING RIGHT NOW IF IT WASN’T FOR YOUR WRITING CAREER?
A career at 16 is interesting. Honestly, it barely even feels real right now. I am just so happy to be here. If I wasn’t publishing books, I would likely have found myself in some other form of writing whether it be script writing or news articles. College is definitely in the future as well.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT WRITING?
It’s kind of funny because I am always writing. I aim for 1,000 words a day and haven’t quite gotten there yet, but that is definitely a goal. My brother Tony, has me outside doing a lot of skateboarding. I practice parkour and am enrolled in sailing classes.
WHAT’S SOMETHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT MIGHT SURPRISE US?
Music, I enjoy both listening and playing instruments. My favorite songs are ‘Something Just Like This’ by ColdPlay and ‘I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll’ by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts.
ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS YOU CAN TALK ABOUT?
Working on a second book in the world of Wrinkling City.
WHAT IS ONE MESSAGE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO GIVE TO YOUR READERS?
Never give up, always push forward and never give up. Many times when writing I felt like I was going to give up but had to steel my nerves. It is fun writing, but it may tire you out at times but it is a blast once you get past it.
WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND YOU ONLINE?
The book website is eerilywrinkling.com/
Follow me on IG @IamAJ_Jordan
Follow my brother and I on IG @JordanFellas
Purchase the book: Dorrance Publishing
