Author Interview: Steven dos Santos previews The Culling

For my spotlight on upcoming dystopian/post apocalyptic fiction series, I interview authors with novels coming out in the genre in 2012/13. These are exclusive first looks at exciting new works. Enjoy!

Debut author Steven dos Santos' THE CULLING (formerly known as THE TORCH KEEPER) is something you don't see all that often - a GLBT dystopian.  It's set to come out winter 2013 from Flux.

Here's the summary:

16 year-old Lucian Spark is the sole caretaker of his young brother, Cole, in a bleak and dangerous world that has arisen from the ashes of a devastating global apocalypse. Betrayed and drafted into the ruthless Establishment’s sadistic military boot camp, Lucian is plunged into the ultimate horror known as The Trials. Now, torn away from Cole, perhaps forever, Lucian must compete in a series of deadly challenges designed to purge the recruits of their humanity and transform them into amoral, cold-blooded killers by forcing them to make the most agonizing, emotionally devastating choice imaginable.

During this terrifying ordeal, Lucian finds himself growing closer to Digory Tycho, a mysterious and rebellious young man who challenges him in ways he couldn’t have dreamed of, and awakens in him the courageous fires of rebellion.

But in a world where loving someone can be used as the ultimate weapon, how can anyone stand a chance?

And the interview:

Why do you think people are drawn to “dark stories?”
I think it has a lot to do with the fact that there is a dark side to all of us, a faction of our own personalities that we struggle with on a daily basis, some with greater results than others, judging from the evening news. Dark stories are both fascinating and terrifying because they give us a glimpse into how things could be if that darkness was set loose upon the world and we were no longer able to control it. Through the medium of story, we are able to indulge in our own dark natures and emerge unscathed without risking all those pesky consequences brought on by morality and conscience.

If THE CULLING had a theme song, what would it be and why?
Party Rock. Just kidding.
I would have to say Without You, from the musical RENT. I just find this to be such a sad song that encapsulates how heartbreaking it can be to survive in a world in which you are separated from your loved ones, how despite our pain, everything goes on and somehow we endure, even though we may be dying inside. Okay, now I’ve depressed myself…thanks!

What fictional character from another book would your main characters chose as a best friend and why?
Definitely Jonas, from THE GIVER. Jonas and my character, Lucian, both start off not questioning the status quo. But both characters share strong protective sibling bonds that act as catalysts for inner change, giving them the courage and strength to do anything to save their younger brothers, Gabriel and Cole, including risking the ire of corrupt governments, as well as their own lives, to keep those they love from harm.

What are your top 5 Dystopian lit recs and why?
THE GIVER by Lois Lowry – for haunting me with devastating emotion, long after turning the last page.
FEED by M.T. Anderson – for its terrifying commentary on society’s current obsession with the internet and viral marketing and future ramifications thereof.
THE STAND – for its epic scope, wonderful characters, attention to detail, and general awesomeness.
THE HUNGER GAMES – for the pure adrenaline rush of exciting storytelling!
THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO – for its emotional rollercoaster ride and distinct style and voice.

What's on the top of your to-do list before the world ends?
Good question. I’d actually love to make a movie someday, you know, the kind people would pay to see while cramming buttery popcorn into their mouths and wearing 3D glasses. Also, it would be nice to travel to parts of the world I’ve never been to before they’re vaporized. Rubble? Not too appealing. In the meantime, here’s hoping there really is nothing to the Mayan Calendar being the harbinger of the apocalypse, otherwise no one is going to get to read THE TORCH KEEPER and this whole interview will be nothing but an exercise in futility. Oh, the ironies! (Lenore' note: Keeping my fingers crossed for you!)

How does your novel stand out from others in the genre?
THE TORCH KEEPER features a gay male protagonist in a story where being gay is irrelevant, not something to be questioned by the protagonist or the other characters. There’s actually a bit of irony here, in that not even the evil, loathsome, tyrannical regime that oppresses every aspect of the citizens’ lives, has a problem with being gay, unlike some in present day society. The themes here are universal and are told in a way they can be appreciated by everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, which will, hopefully, make for an engaging experience for the reader.

Sounds awesome, Steven! Thanks for joining us for #dystopianfeb!

Visit Steven's website

Follow Steven on twitter @stevendossantos

Add THE CULLING to Goodreads

Become a fan of Steven on Facebook

Watch Steven talk about THE CULLING at SCBWI Miami