The Beginning at the End of the World: A Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopian Series (The Survivor Diaries Book 2)
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Q: So, why did you change your mind about ending the book there?
A: I read a lot of eBook series, and sometimes I feel sort of cheated when they are too short. In actuality, it would still have been a decent sized book, but I really wanted to give my audience more content. People are spending their hard earned money on my books, and I want to make sure they feel like they want to continue reading the series without feeling short changed.
Q: After Jackson and Laura get out of the snow cave, Laura has a real boost of confidence. What gives her that belief in herself that allows her to face-off with people like Colonel Mason?
A: As soon as she steps out of the cave and sees Mark, she knows that he knows she was unfaithful. In a way, that frees her of some of the guilt. Knowing that she is moving away from her old life and towards a new one with someone who is behind her one hundred percent helped, but I think it really came from something deep inside of her that has just opened up. She has the terrible phobia that she has been able to overcome, and she has made it through even more enemy strikes.
With that said, Laura has always been able to stand up to anyone who is acting wrongly. Her super power is to cut down people who need cutting down, like Colonel Mason. That’s a super power I wish I had sometimes. It’s part of what makes her so good at being in charge.
Q: Laura seems to develop a relationship with a woman she has never met, Agenia, the former owner of the tiny cabin. Why is that an important relationship for Laura?
A: Laura has decided that Agenia is her benefactor and role model as a strong female. When she is in the cabin alone for the first time, she realizes how many women have not only lifted her up, but have also had their lives cut short. That’s when Laura resolves to continue to fight against all odds to honor all of the women who died in the Last War and would never be able to reach their full potential.
Q: What is the significance of Laura’s apparent lack of religious faith?
A: In Book II, there are many different ways people are trying to come to grips with what has happened, and religion is one of them. God’s Warriors are following this wing-nut, Steven Rolette. I think that is in part because he claims to have the answers as to why God allowed this to happen to them. As for Laura, she really wants to have some kind of faith in a higher power because she knows it would be comforting, but she is really having an existential crisis.
The fascinating thing is that she and Reverend John become so close. Despite her continued claims that she doesn’t really believe in God, she runs to the Reverend whenever things stop making sense to her. Her conversations with him, especially the one they have in the ice cave, are some of the most raw and deeply honest interactions she has with anyone. She is really being pulled in opposite directions when it comes to her religious beliefs, and she desperately wants someone to absolve her of her sins; however, the Reverend, not being Catholic, is unable to give her that. I think that what he gives her is much better that any confessional absolution or penance, though. He talks things through with her and leads her to her own conclusions, and that is exactly what she needs.
On a final note about religion, if you pay careful attention, there are some themes in the story that are tied to the Bible, with some variations.
Q: So, what’s up for the future of the Villagers?
A: I am not going to give too much away, but let’s just say that the Valley is not the Garden of Eden they are hoping for.
There will be more important revelations from Jackson about the role of the leader. His secrets seem to be a bottomless pit.
Oh, and there is a real villain who emerges, one who is much worse than Rolette, who ends up testing Laura’s resolve about her leadership.
There are many, many more surprises.
Acknowledgments
Thanks, first and foremost, to everyone who has taken the time to read my tale. I know that our lives get busy, so it is even more of a task to cut out time from our day to read. If you enjoyed the ride, I would be honored if you would write a review for me on the site where you purchased the book. Reviews are the eBook author’s bread and butter.
Megan, I know that you are not an editor by trade, but you are awesome! Hatai— my sounding board and friend— I can’t thank you enough for those long hours talking me through this story (not to mention the first and third books).
I also owe a huge thanks to my wonderful BETA readers from the Survivor Diaries Facebook Fan Page. You know who you are. I so appreciate your time and kinds words. Thank you all for fueling me as I write.
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