Perception coming soon
Lee Strauss's YA novel Perception is due for release on September 12th. It's the first in what sounds like a really intriguing series, set in the not-too-distant future in a world of extreme climate, natural disaster and impending war. The book blurb promises the novel will explore the clash between faith and science, and how differences can separate us as enemies or ally us together, adding "in the midst of betrayal and personal crisis, there's room to fall in love." Sounds good to me.
I was lucky enough to be able to interview the author, so grab some coffee, sit back and see what we "talked" about.
Here's a bit more information about the book.
I was lucky enough to be able to interview the author, so grab some coffee, sit back and see what we "talked" about.
1.
From the description of Perception
it's clear you have an interest in faith and science. Could you tell me first
about your scientific background?
Well, I took science classes in high school, does that count? :)
My daughter is a science major in university so she's helpful to have around.
However, I'm very interested in science where it intersects with
technology, and we live in a rapidly moving technological age and so this kind
of science effects us all.
2.
And what about your faith
background?
I believe in God. I'll
leave it at that for now.
3.
People in the States often imagine
faith and science as being natural enemies. Where would you stand in that
debate?
I believe science and
faith are more intertwined than we like to think. Of course, my main character
in Perception doesn't think so! :)
4.
The world of Perception involves
genetically altered people, class divisions, climate extremes and war--all very
immediate large-scale issues, but you explore them from the point of view of
individuals. Do you think that's important in writing for young adults? Do you
think it's more or less important for other groups of readers?
Most people are only
really aware of the world immediately around them and everything else going on
globally is vague. This is especially true for teenagers just trying to
navigate high school and their own social circles. This is where we feel safe
to stay unless something dramatic happens to push us out of our comfort zones
and we're forced to take a look at the bigger picture. My main character Zoe is
genetically altered and privileged but she doesn't think about it that much.
She certainly doesn't think about what's going on in the world outside her
gates until her brother goes missing.
5.
Did you have a message in mind as
you started writing this novel? If so, how do you balance conveying a message
with entertaining readers?
I don't have certain
message in mind, except maybe to look wider and deeper at life and the future.
6.
Do you think it's more important to
make people think or to give them good answers?
I definitely want to
make people think. I know I don't have all the answers. :)
7.
I love how your book blurb ends--in
the midst of betrayal and personal crisis, there's room to fall in love.
What about in the midst of writing? To what extent did you fall in love with
your characters in this novel?
We always fall in love
with our own characters, don't we? I'm especially fond of Noah who wrestles
with his faith and his attraction to a girl who doesn't share it.
8.
And finally, what didn't I ask that
you'd really like readers to know?
Perception is the
first book in a series and though I took special care to tie up major lose ends
at the end (no cliffs!) I didn't attempt to answer every question it raised.
There will be more questions and answers in books 2 and 3.
Seventeen
year old Zoe Vanderveen is a GAP—a genetically altered person. She lives in the
security of a walled city on prime water-front property along side other
equally beautiful people with extended life spans.
Her
brother Liam is missing.
Noah
Brody is a natural who lives on the outside. He leads protests against the GAPs
and detests the widening chasm they’ve created between those who have and those
who don’t. He doesn’t like girls like Zoe and he has good reason not to like
her specifically.
Zoe’s
carefree life takes a traumatic turn. She’s in trouble and it turns out
that Noah, the last guy on earth she should trust, is the only one who can help
her.
and here's where you can find the author online http://www.facebook.com/AuthorLeeStrauss
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