How would you describe the world that Birthmarked is set in?
Let me first say thanks, Katie, for inviting me by. I’m really happy to be included on Mundie Moms. Birthmarked is set in a future, dystopian world after climate change, on the shore of Unlake Superior. I imagined a society divided by a wall, where those inside the Enclave still have electricity, technology, and ample water and food, while those outside live in essentially medieval conditions. Though it’s surrounded by wasteland, very dry and hot, I picture very colorful clothes and gardens inside the wall.
What do you admire most about your main character, Gaia?
It’s very cool that Gaia is a midwife, so I appreciate her skills, but most of all I admire her gutsy courage. When faced with awful situations, she does not hesitate to do what she thinks is right. I wish I could be more like her. I’m trying to be.
What inspired your dystopian story?
The first idea of the wasteland and a stressed society emerged from a cross-country road trip when I saw the drought in the southern states in January, 2008. I didn’t realize, at first, it would be dystopian. I let the characters evolve in ways that felt natural, and it seemed likely that the people of privilege would be careless about others who were less fortunate.
Do you have a favorite dystopian book?
My favorite dystopian book is Ayn Rand’s Anthem. What she does with “we” in that book absolutely dazzled me the first time I read it. I felt like she was playing with my mind at the same time that she was urging me to think for myself: a very odd experience.
If you could spend a day with one of your characters, who would it be and what would you do?
I’d like to spend a day with Leon, but it wouldn’t work. He only opens up with Gaia, and I’m private, too, so we’d probably just shake hands politely and say hello, and then he’d want to get back to work and I’d want to come home to write about him.
Thanks again, Katie. This was fun!
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Thank you Caragh for spending some time with us today!! If you'd like to learn more about Birth Marked, please visit Caragh's site here- http://www.caraghobrien.com/
This sounds excellent. I can hardly believe this is the first time I've heard of it! I'll definitely be checking it out. Thanks Mudies and Caragh!
ReplyDeleteThis is a fabulous book! I read it a couple months back and was glued to the pages. I had to read it into the very wee hours of the morning because I could not close it to go to sleep.
ReplyDeleteGreat job!
Great interview. I absolutely loved Birthmarked. I read it back in May while I was at an anime convention (and the fact that I actually made time to read while I was there shows how much I enjoyed the book) and I kept talking about it to the people I was with.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book - great interview. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!! I'm looking forward to sharing my review tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteOhh I'm so curious about this book now, thanks so much for this interview! Loved the question about spending a day with one character, it's always fun to know which characters stand out to the authors. Adding this one to my list immediately!
ReplyDeleteThis is great book! The dystopian world she created was wonderful, and very creative. Thank you for the interview!
ReplyDeleteThis book is now available in French and I had a great time with Leon and Gaia. And for once, I think we have a better cover than you ;-)
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