1.- Could you introduce yourself to Jamreads’ readers?
Hi, Jamreads' readers! I’m CJ Rivera, author of The Final Orchard. When I’m not producing videos or live events, I’m balancing storytelling with a bit of chaos from raising my young kids. I’ve always been fascinated by speculative fiction and dystopian worlds—those places where imagination and real-world fears collide. I’m beyond excited to share my debut novel with you and hope it sparks your curiosity and keeps you turning the pages until the very end!

2.- How did you start writing?
I feel like I’ve been writing my whole life! My first “book” was when I was five—my mom helped me type out a wild story I made up, and we stapled it together like a real book. From then on, I was hooked. In school, I loved creative writing, filling notebooks with stories and later falling in love with screenwriting. But it wasn’t until my obsession with YA dystopias like The Hunger Games and Divergent that I decided to try writing a novel. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’ve loved every step of it.

3.- Could you tell us more about how the original idea for The Final Orchard appeared?
The idea for The Final Orchard took root back in college when I wrote a paper called “Big Butts Are Big Business,” which explored the conflicting messages around beauty standards in the media. That concept stuck with me, how beauty ideals constantly swing between extremes, always keeping “perfection” just out of reach. I started imagining a future where cosmetic surgery and technology merged, creating a society where bionic enhancements became the ultimate status symbol. In contrast, my Protagonist, Ro’s, organic enhancements represent a rebellion against that cycle, a shift toward something more balanced and sustainable. This clash between bionic and organic ideals isn’t just about beauty trends; it delves into larger themes like inequality and ambition. 

4.- The Final Orchard is a dystopian novel; what would you say inspired you to choose this genre for your debut novel?
I’ve always been drawn to dystopian stories for their ability to amplify real-world fears and anxieties. They’re mirrors of our society, reflecting what’s happening now but in an exaggerated, cautionary way. For The Final Orchard, the genre gave me the freedom to explore issues like inequality, body autonomy, and the commodification of beauty while creating a thrilling, character-driven narrative. It’s the perfect mix of imagination and introspection, which is what I love most about writing.

5.- Would you say your previous experience as screenwriter has helped you to shape this novel?
Absolutely. My background in screenwriting shaped how I approach storytelling. Screenwriting taught me to think visually, craft tight, impactful scenes, and maintain a strong sense of pacing—all of which influenced The Final Orchard. Many readers have told me the book feels cinematic, and that’s definitely a result of my screenwriting experience.

6.- Getting your novel published is another tricky part of being an author. Could you tell us about the pitching and getting agented process for you?
It was quite the journey! Querying agents is notoriously tough—it’s a mix of sending your work into the void and hoping for the best. After many rejections, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and attend the NY Pitch Conference. There, I pitched directly to editors and agents, which was nerve-wracking but game-changing. That’s how I connected with Angry Robot Books. After securing a deal, finding an agent became much easier. The process taught me a lot about persistence and the value of taking bold steps to pursue your dreams.

7.- We have recently seen a rise in the dystopian genre; why would you say it is becoming popular nowadays?
Dystopian fiction resonates because it reflects the fears and uncertainties of our time. With issues like climate change, technological advancements, and growing inequality dominating headlines, people are drawn to stories that explore “what if” scenarios. They’re both cautionary and cathartic—a way to confront our anxieties in a fictional setting while finding hope in the resilience of humanity.

8.- Which pieces of media would you recommend to people that enjoyed the Final Orchard? How would you pitch it in five words?
In five words I’d say it’s a “Silo meets Black Mirror thriller.” Perfect for fans of The Maze Runner, Divergent, and Resident Evil. They all explore themes of survival, dystopian societies, and the impact of technology in gripping, high-stakes ways.

9.- What can we expect from CJ Rivera in the future?
I’m currently working on the sequel to The Final Orchard, which will expand on the world and themes of the first book. Beyond that, I’m diving into a sci-fi horror project set on a newly emerged island off the coast of the Dominican Republic, blending folklore with a twisty, suspenseful narrative. I’m excited to keep exploring speculative fiction in fresh and thought-provoking ways.

The Final Orchard is the debut novel of CJ Rivera. You can use this link to order it.