Q&A: Annika Johansson, Author of Downstream

What inspired the idea behind this book?

I live in the Northern Rivers region where the 2022 floods hit. Many residents were displaced, which led to unconventional living arrangements. People relied on family members, even strangers. Amongst the heartbreak, there was so much beautiful community support, the way everyone came together to help one another. I wanted to capture this spirit and generosity, as well as the tension of living with strangers temporarily while waiting to find out if you’re allowed back into your home. What would that feel like in our older age? Flat sharing in your 60s as if you’re in your 20s again… how long can the polite manners last? What bad habits might rub off? What clash of values and beliefs might result, from climate change debates to responsibilities around chores, even spliffs in the house! It’s a story of unlikely friendships and finding commonality through resilience.

What is something that has influenced you as a writer?

I love chatting to strangers! And I’m always told by my family to stop staring at people. I’m fascinated by human behaviour, mannerisms and how people talk. What they say and how that often contradicts their body language. Humans are quirky creatures. I love diving into seemingly ordinary lives to discover that they’re anything but ordinary.

What’s some great advice you’ve received that has helped you as a writer?

You’ve got to make the reader care. You can have the world’s most thrilling story, but if your readers can’t connect to your characters, if they’re not invested in the emotional journey, they won’t give two hoots what happens next, and you’ve lost them.

How did you think of the title of the book?

It’s so hard to settle on a title. I will have one for three rounds of manuscript drafts, and then just before sharing it, I’ll change it five times.

Downstream came about as it works on a number of levels, not just literally, but also figuratively. The book focuses on the aftermath following my main character’s life having been turned upside down. He learns a lot about himself when he’s out of his comfort zone, and I love that he rediscovers what matters most to him, to pave the way to enjoy the remaining decades of his life. Including the discovery of a beautiful new friendship.

If I looked at your internet history, what would it reveal about you?

I may love fashion a little too much… it’s a great way to procrastinate, discovering a new drop or checking out a sale. You’ll also find in my search history ‘two words or hyphen?’ and countless Vietnamese-inspired recipes.

What’s your daily writing routine like and what are you working on at the moment?

If I’m writing a first draft, I love getting up early at 4.30 a.m. to write, before my brain switches into gear. I make a green tea, I won’t open anything except my manuscript (no email checking or social media!) and I write till my kids get up for school. If I’m in editing mode, this can be any time of the day and I fit it around work and family. Waiting in the car for dance or gymnastics to finish… I’ll always take my laptop with me.

I’m putting the finishing touches on another relationship drama.  Watch this space….

Buy a copy of Downstream here.