Exploring The Creative Minds Behind The Award-Winning Series
John and Leanne Yarrow discuss their collaborative writing process, the inspiration behind the Time Forward Trilogy, and the challenges of crafting compelling characters and high-stakes, time-bending narratives.
John and Leanne Yarrow are a literary force to be reckoned with, a dynamic duo whose collaborative brilliance has captivated readers across the globe. Together, they have masterfully woven the Time Forward Trilogy, a science fiction saga that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. Their debut novel, Future’s Dark Past, has already garnered critical acclaim and prestigious awards, setting the stage for the eagerly anticipated release of Future Unfolds this February, with the trilogy’s conclusion, Future Impact, slated for 2026.
John, the imaginative architect of their stories, brings a boundless creativity honed over decades of writing and a career in Information Technology. His knack for crafting intricate worlds and epic narratives is matched by his sharp wit and penchant for humour, which infuses their work with a unique charm. Leanne, with her background in teaching and programme development, complements John’s vision with her meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of human nature. Her transition from proofreader to full-fledged co-author has enriched their storytelling, adding layers of emotional depth and complexity to their characters.
The Time Forward Trilogy is a testament to their shared passion for exploring profound themes through the lens of speculative fiction. With its gripping premise of time travel, societal reflection, and the high stakes of humanity’s survival, the series challenges readers to consider the consequences of their actions and the legacy they leave behind. The Yarrows’ ability to balance humour, heart, and high-concept science fiction is nothing short of extraordinary, making their work both relatable and unforgettable.
In this interview, we delve into the creative minds behind JL Yarrow, exploring their collaborative process, the inspirations that fuel their stories, and the dynamic characters that have captured the hearts of their readers. Prepare to be inspired by their journey, their insights, and their unwavering commitment to crafting tales that resonate long after the final page is turned.
“John and Leanne Yarrow are masterful storytellers, blending science fiction with emotional depth to create unforgettable, thought-provoking adventures.“
EDITOR
How do you balance your individual strengths and backgrounds when collaborating on writing projects, and how has this dynamic evolved over the years?
John is a science fiction fan and our family’s original author. He started writing in college and has completed a few novels. Any innovative, high-tech idea is his baby. He’s an imaginative ‘big picture’ guy, masterful at creating and weaving together seemingly disparate threads into an epic tale. What he comes up with is ALWAYS surprising!
Leanne’s writing background is nonfiction based. Early on, she was John’s sounding board and proofreader. She’s learned a lot through recordings of previous editors, and writer’s podcasts, panels, and workshops. Creative, detail-driven, and observant, she’s endlessly fascinated with what makes people tick.
This trilogy started with John, but as the scope grew, Leanne’s involvement increased until it became a fully collaborative project. We recognize and appreciate what our differing skills provide within our mutual goal of telling a superb story.
What was the inspiration behind the Time Forward Trilogy, and how did your personal experiences influence the themes and characters in the series?
Our inspiration came from two ideas, really. First, John loved the old TV show “Time Tunnel” and wanted to create something similar but with an overarching theme. The second dealt with current day societal concerns and how we are handling them as a society. This premise revolves around a more thought-provoking concept. If a time traveler was to appear and tell us we need to change things, or else a war will annihilate Earth, would we learn that hindsight truly is 20/20 and do something about it before it’s too late? And, if we don’t, what impact will that have on future generations?
Can you describe your writing process as a duo? How do you handle differences in creative vision or storytelling approaches?
We discuss the overall concept while John starts the early chapters. Leanne does quick reads with comments, then marinates on it while he continues. We hash through characters and conundrums while on hikes. She redlines or expands ideas, and we go back and forth through overlapping ‘rounds.’ With multiple timelines and books, everything must be checked and crosschecked.
Collaboration isn’t always easy, but it’s so rewarding. Once we’re rolling, one may take the lead in certain parts, but we find common ground. The bottom line is this requires thick skin, honest communication and trust.
How do you incorporate humor and personal anecdotes, such as ‘dad’ jokes or family experiences, into your science fiction narratives to make them more relatable or engaging?
Humor keeps everything in perspective. (And keeps us married, right? Ha!) Quips, sarcasm, and ironies give characters depth and make stories genuine. Unexpected humor is useful for levity or defining perspectives. For instance, futuristic Kristen is confounded by current day idioms: “hold your horses” becomes “grab your cows.” We borrowed this from someone dear to us who often goofs up common sayings. Our characters are not usually based on a particular person, although John wrote one friend into Future’s Dark Past who wanted to be a bad guy. “You harpooned me!” he told us. “I’m not sure what to think about that!” We all had a good laugh.
What inspired you to create the concept of the Time Forward Project and the use of a deep-space wormhole for time travel in your trilogy?
When you use time travel to tell a story of strife, you must have a means to do just that. John envisioned a futuristic scientist discovering this deep space wormhole with tapered ends that looks like, well, an enormous, writhing worm.
Determined to save humanity by using the anomaly’s powerful capabilities, she develops the Time Forward Project and space station around it. Elite time agents drop into its horizontal side on quests to change history and improve their miserable fate. But the wormhole is unstable and shrinking. Time for making a difference is literally running out.
How did you develop the character of Kristen Winters, and what challenges did you face in portraying her transformation into a warrior-like time agent?
At first, we thought Hunter was the main protagonist, but Kristen’s dynamic voice couldn’t be ignored. Three additional chapters set the stage for her to rise from rock bottom to leading the charge. She makes the most of impossible, wild situations. Her wonder over pre-war Earth is something to consider. Kristen is smart, determined, strong, and complex, and she’s become a reader favorite!
Can you share more about the role of the Keplers and their motivations for thwarting the Time Forward Project’s missions?
Kepler Space Station is the military base for the Earth Defense Force. They work to solve humanity’s dire predicament through methods that Time Forward considers barbaric. The Keplers emphatically oppose any attempt to change the past, fearing it could eliminate their very existence. They’ll do anything to stop this.
How do you envision the relationship between Kristen Winters and Hunter Coburn evolving throughout the trilogy, especially given their contrasting backgrounds and the high-stakes nature of their missions?
These two meet in unfathomable circumstances. Kristen is a hardened soul with little trust in anyone. She’s a bad ass with the weight of the universe squarely on her shoulders. Hunter is under tremendous threat and in over his head, but he holds his own with her. They are mired in all sorts of moral trials and tensions encompassing a dizzying array of edge-of-your-seat challenges. The duo’s tenuous foothold of respect grows deeper. When the big picture becomes clear, major decisions must be made. The question is, at what cost for each of them?
What’s next for the Time Forward Trilogy and where do we find it?
2025 will be an exciting year! Future Unfolds, our second novel in the series, will be released on February 4th. This hardback will be a collector’s dream, really jazzed up. This date coincides with a huge announcement from our publisher, The Story Plant. Keep tuned in—this is big!
