For my spotlight on upcoming dystopian/post apocalyptic fiction series, I interviewed over 20 authors with novels coming out in the genre in 2012/13. These are exclusive first looks at exciting new works. Enjoy!
Since my name is Lenore, you know I have to love all things Poe, so you can imagine how excited I am about Author Bethany Griffin’s upcoming post-apocalyptic steampunk reimaging of Poe’s classic horror story MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH coming out with Greenwillow (HarperCollins) in 2012. Welcome to Dystopian August Bethany!
Here’s the summary:
The year is 1870 and a plague has decimated North America. When her twin brother died, Araby Worth thought she’d be numb forever, but that was before she got caught up in a conspiracy to overthrow an oppressive government and fell in love. Now she’s being chased by two rebel groups and two boys, and a new plague is threatening what’s left of her city.
(ETA on Oct 22, 2012) The cover!
And the interview!
Why do you think people are drawn to "dark" stories?
I think dark stories force characters to become heroes or villains (sometimes a combination of the two). Dark stories force people to become more than they would be if they were just going to work everyday, paying the bills, they have to step out from that life...I think dystopian is attractive because it has elements of rebellion. We'd all like to rebel from something...
If MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH had a theme song, what would it be and why?
Roads by Portishead.
What fictional character from another book would your main character chose as his/her best friend and why?
Oh wow, I don't know...I'd say Holden Caulfield because they both sort of loathe themselves, but they'd probably hate and scorn each other.
What are your top 5 Dystopian lit recs and why?
I LOVE The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick
The Stand by Stephen King
The Unidentified by Rae Mariz
He, She, and It by Marge Piercy
and The Giver by Lois Lowery
What's on the top of your to-do list before the world ends? (you know, in case it ends next year).
Travel, spend more quality time with my family, read more books...
How does your novel stand out from other books in the genre?
It's very different in that it's historical. The plague wiped out humanity in the mid-1800's, so the book also has steampunk elements.
Thanks Bethany!
Visit Bethany’s website
Follow Bethany on Twitter @_bethanygriffin
Add MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH to your GoodReads wishlist
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7 comments:
This. Looks. Awesome! I love many of Poe's stories, and dystopias, and historical fiction, and steampunk...
Thanks for the interview, Lenore! And I've loved reading all the other dystopian August interviews, reviews, etc. Very exciting!
Interesting website. Keep blogging!
Awesome stuff! I laughed right out loud when I read "I'd say Holden Caulfield because they both sort of loathe themselves, but they'd probably hate and scorn each other"...too perfect. And I still think that after all these years, The Giver is my favorite dystopian book.
bethany's series sounds so fabulously awesome.
i have read (and loved) her contemp debut so i already know how (insanely) talented she is.
I ma really loving seeing authors recommend their top 5 dystopia's that have been so varied s far.
Oh this one is based on Poe? That sounds intensely wonderful! Not too many homages being paid to him today. I also like the idea that dark stories bring out the hero or villain in a character. Sort of like saying that the darkness of a story is like the impetus for change or character growth. Very astute observations! I loved this interview!
I'm on the same page with you on this one, Lenore. This book sounds fantastic! Added it to my wishlist.
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