Interview with Pam Bachorz (With Grandma Bee =))
What compelled you to write Drought and its dystopian theme?
I decided to bring in a little help for this one. So here’s my imaginary interview with my
husband’s Grandma Bee, who was one grand lady.
Honey, I’m so happy to help you out but… I don’t know what dystopian means. Can you tell me?
Well, Grandma Bee, people are using the word “dystopian” a lot these days. It means that
a story is set in a (usually future) society where things are wrong and twisted. Quite often
the society looks perfect on the outside but there’s something dark hidden at its core.
Now why’d you want to go and write about such a serious thing?
I tried writing picture books, when I got serious about writing, but they all came out
strange and dark. My favorite one was titled GO HOME GRANDMA.
That’s not very nice, baby!
It wasn’t about you, Bee Bee.
I know. (Pats hand and delivers reassuring smile). Go on, honey, tell them about why you write these things, they want to know.
Well, then I wrote middle grade books but they were just… boring. Once I started writing
the kind of books I love the most, YA books with magical or technological twists, I was
in business.
The dystopian element in DROUGHT is that it takes place in a small, hidden community
that’s being controlled by an evil man named Darwin West. He’s enslaved an entire
group of people—the Congregation—to harvest water that heals wounds and prolongs
life. What he doesn’t know is that it’s my main character’s blood that makes the water
work. The Congregation has protected Ruby’s secret for two hundred years.
You know who could help those people? Susan Powter. I bring her up on my TV and exercise with her every day. She’s a very strong lady. Maybe you could write her into the book? Is it too late?
Yeah, I think the book is pretty much final. I would imagine I’d have to change a lot of
things if Susan Powter showed up.
Maybe in the next book, honey.
Maybe, Grandma Bee.
I just hope your Ruby and Ford get to live a happy life together. Is that allowed in these dystopian books of yours?
Sometimes. But the path is never easy. You’ll just have to read it to find out, Bee!
I can’t wait, baby. I’ve already ordered it from Paul’s Books.
