About NATURALS: Ripped away from those she loves most, Tess is heartbroken as her small band of travellers reaches the Isolationist camp in the mysterious and barren Middlelands. Desperate to be reunited with James, the forbidden chosen one who stole her heart, she wants nothing to do with the rough Isolationists, who are without allegiance in the war between the Westerners and Easterners. But having their protection, especially for someone as powerful as Tess, may come at a cost. When James returns, Tess’s world once again feels complete—until she discovers her sister, Louisa, has taken up her old post at Templeton, the dangerous chosen ones training centre and the site of Tess’s loss of innocence. Tess will do anything to protect her loved ones—but will the price be more than she can give? This second book in Tiffany Truitt’s dystopian series is a thought-provoking, thrilling story that asks who the true enemy really is—the chosen ones who are different, or the naturals…who are just like us.
About Tiffany Truitt: Tiffany Truitt was born in Peoria, Illinois. A self-proclaimed Navy brat, Tiffany spent most of her childhood living in Virginia, but don’t call her a Southerner. She also spent a few years living in Cuba. Since her time on the island of one McDonalds and Banana Rats (don’t ask), she has been obsessed with travelling. Tiffany recently added China to her list of travels (hello inspiration for a new book).
Besides travelling, Tiffany has always been an avid reader. Tiffany spent most of her high school and college career as a literary snob. She refused to read anything considered “low brow” or outside the “classics.”
Tiffany began teaching middle school in 2006. Her students introduced her to the wide, wonderful world of Young Adult literature. Today, Tiffany embraces popular Young Adult literature and uses it in her classroom. Tiffany is proud to call herself an educator and Young Adult author.
What inspired The Lost Souls series?
I’m at the age where a lot of my friends are getting married and starting families. Naturally, one starts to question life, and as woman, motherhood. The Lost Souls series has a great deal to do with ideas of creation and gender identity. There are also some literary works that have contributed to the novel: Shelley’s Frankenstein, Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles, and Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice. I was completing my Masters in Literature (with a focus on 19th cent British literature) when I first started the series.
Who is your favourite character in your Lost Souls series? And why?
I am very protective of my female lead, Tess. A lot of readers think she comes across as too hard and unfeeling, and I always get a bit defensive of her. When you think of what she has gone through, it’s not surprising that she fears feeling anything at all. She has always been taught that love is a weakness. I think there is a double standard in YA literature. Male characters can be dark and brooding while female characters are shunned for following this character track. The beauty of writing this series has been watching her transform.
That being said, there is a new character in book two named Lockwood. He is a ball to write for, and I think readers will really enjoy his humour and lightness.
How many books are there going to be in The Lost Souls series?
There will be a total of three books in the series: Chosen Ones, Naturals, and Creators.
Can you give us any teasers for what is coming next?
They way the books are set up (hinted at in the titles), each book explores a different aspect of the dystopian world. Book one explored Templeton, the training centre of the young chosen ones. Book two takes the reader to the community where Naturals who ran from the council live. Book three will take the reader right to the heart of the council itself. While there, we will learn quite a bit about the creators, those responsible for engineering the chosen ones, and their ultimate role in this world.
Which books/authors are your favourites?
I get asked this question a lot, and my answer will probably be different in every interview! It really depends on the mood I am in when asked the question. The best book I have read in 2013 is John Green’s, The Fault in Our Stars. I know I am late to the party, but it is amazing. Simply devastating and beautiful all at the same time. I just purchased Looking for Alaska. I can’t wait to read it.
What are you working on now/next?
I am in the middle of revisions on a contemporary YA novel that explores how two teenagers deal with the tragic death of their best friend. It is one of my favourite stories I have written yet, and I hope to find a home for it soon.
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