Bio

A J B — more commonly known as John or Jay — grew up in Truro, Nova Scotia. He writes fiction, history, and museum exhibits.

BA, MA at Dalhousie University; PhD in History from Université Laval.

Books and articles on the history of Atlantic Canada, especially on the Fortress of Louisbourg, led France to make him a chevalier of its Ordre des Palmes Académiques.

First three novels reflected his familiarity with the 18th century: Thomas, A Secret Life (2012), The Maze (2014), and Crossings (2015).

Into the Wind, A Novel of Acadian Resilience (2023) is a fresh YA take on the 1755 Deportation; Something True (2018) is the story of a young woman who finds her identity in France during the First World War. Kings of Friday Night: The Lincolns (2020) is about a 1960s rock ‘n’ roll band. Ancient Land, New Land (2021), was co-authored with Jesse Francis.

Jay is also on Facebook at AJB Johnston, Writer and on occasionally on Instagram and Twitter.