The Fiction Enthusiast: Author Interview: Susanne Winnacker

Hi Susanne and welcome!

I’m always curious about why authors choose the names they do for “infected” populations in dystopian/post-apocalyptic novels. Why did you select Weepers for the unfortunate folks infected with the rabies virus in The Other Life?

When I did my research about rabies, I found photos of infected dogs on the internet that showed swollen and watering eyes. It was heartbreaking and horrible, and I wondered how it would be if humans were infected with a new kind of rabies. In my head they looked like they were crying and then the name Weepers just seemed logical.

Why did you choose L.A as the setting for your novel and not Germany where you live?

My husband and I travel a lot and one of our favorite destinations is the US. When I visited L.A, I was surprised to see that it wasn’t as “glamorous” as I’d thought it would be. But still most people associate the city with beauty and fame, and parts of L.A. reflect that and I just thought that a city like that, a city that’s the home of Hollywood, would be perfect to show the downfall of everything beautiful. What happens to a city that was full of life, once everyone’s gone and everything’s destroyed? What’s left?

Which character was your favorite to write? I promise not to tell the others ;)

Hm. That’s difficult. Obviously I really liked writing Sherry or I wouldn’t have chosen her point of view. But Tyler and Joshua were very fascinating to write. They’re both tortured and have gone through horrible things in the past but they deal with it in totally different ways. I love to write tortured characters. ;)

If forced to live in a bunker like your book’s characters, what three things would you want to have with you?

My pets (a dog that looks like a sheep and three bunnies). I hope they count as one thing. My husband, though he isn’t really a thing. Hm. Maybe I shouldn’t count him. Anyway. My laptop because it’s full of music and I could use it to write (assuming there’s enough electricity in the bunker). And coffee. I love coffee. Though maybe caffeine is a bad idea.

With December 21, 2012 rapidly approaching, do you have an apocalypse survival plan in place (just in case)?

I’ve built a little emergency fat reserve. Actually that happened on accident but it might come in handy if I ever have to go without food for days or weeks. (I’m sorry. I have to eat this chocolate bar. It’s in preparation for the Apocalypse). At least, that’s my excuse! ;)

Realistically speaking, I think my chances of survival during an Apocalypse would be bad if I had to run away from Weepers. I’m not very fast and I haven’t climbed a tree or anything since I was ten. I’ve never held a gun, so...I guess I’ll have to hide behind my husband!

Thanks for having me on your blog, Christie!

You're so welcome, Susanne!

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