Hi y’all! I’m super excited to do today’s
post. I have managed to snag a
recording from an interview an unnamed reporter (the poor dear) did with my
character Evelyn Winters. I have transcribed them below. While I’m not positive
of the exact date, from certain things Evelyn says, I do believe this interview
takes place just before the events of RENEGADE.
In fact, I’m
fairly certain this interview takes place the day before RENEGADE starts.
Happy reading!
<recording
start>
REPORTER:
Thank you so much, Ms. Winters,
for agreeing to do this interview with me and, of course, to Mother for
allowing it. We all know this
wouldn’t be happening with out Mother’s…er…graciousness. How are you today?
EVELYN: My life is just about
perfect.
Reporter: Um…okay, then. I’ll just be asking some basic questions
about you and your life here. Is that all right?
EVELYN: Of course. I am
here to serve. *smiles, smoothes skirt over knees*
REPORTER: Evelyn--do you prefer Evelyn?--tell me a little
about yourself.
EVELYN: It is
a pleasure to meet you. Actually, most Citizens refer to me as Miss Evelyn,
which is as Mother likes it. However, I much prefer Evie for some reason.
Even though I don't ever recall anybody actually ever calling me by that name
...hmm...how very odd.
I don't suppose it matters.
Anyway, I am the Daughter of the People
in our wonderful city of Elysium.
Mother hand chose me to be the heir to her position as Governess.
It is both a privilege and an honor to serve our city so completely.
REPORTER: Elysium? Where is that, Greece?
EVELYN: Greece? That was a Surface city.
Before The War, right?...Are you a Surface Dweller? *looks around for Mother*
How did you get down here? How did you get passed the turrets?! SDs are
strictly forbidden. You had better leave before Mother finds out what you
are and sends an Enforcer.
REPORTER: Umm...no. No, everything's fine. No need
for...Enforcers, did you
say? Never mind all that. Why don't we talk a little more
about you?
What are you into?
EVELYN: Into? *frowns, looks down* It's just a
dress. The same as all female Citizens. You don't wear dresses? That’s
against the dress code. Are you
sure that you aren't a Surface Dweller?
Well, I suppose it IS a pretty dress.
Mother had the dressmaker sew it just for me. Do you like it?
REPORTER: Your dress? Oh yes, it's nice. But I
was wondering about your interests. What do you like to do? You
know, what kind of music do you like? What's your favorite movie? That sort of thing.
EVELYN: Oh, I apologize for misunderstanding. I
had never heard of that word “into” used like that before.
I like the music that plays in my
gardens. Father had them built for me, you know. It relaxes the mind and spirit and, of course, I enjoy the
classics. Mozart. Beethoven. It is very rewarding to play them on
my violin. I do not get to the Cineplex very often, so I do not have a
favorite movie, I’m afraid. I am much too busy with my duties and
learning how to rule this city.
REPORTER: Ohhhh-kaaaay. So, you're like, the princess, huh?
What do you have to do?
EVELYN: Oh...um...well, I...I am in charge of
request day! It is a VERY important task to make sure the Citizens have
everything they require to lead full and productive lives, so they may serve
our city completely.
REPORTER: Okay, maybe we should move on. Tell me about Elysium.
Where is it?
EVELYN: You
are very strange. Are you SURE you're not a Surface Dweller? Why
are you so concerned with where we live? *sigh* Well, I don't suppose it
would hurt to tell you.
Elysium is a fully self-sustained
city located on the ocean floor and nestled cozily in a volcanic trench to best
use the natural resources provided to us by the geothermal energy of the
volcanic tubes.
*Smiles* Since I know what your next question will be, let me just
continue.
The city is spilt into several
Sectors that are separate, but connected to each other through various glass
tube walkways. This is in case of a leak. Each Sector can be separated from the
rest of the city until Maintenance personnel can locate and repair the
problem. Each Sector designates a different function needed by the city.
Medical, engineering, science, etc.
In turn, they are all filled with
Citizens who've been Sorted into their Designations by their genetics to ensure
only the very best are servicing our city in the most suitable way possible.
REPORTER: *blinks*
Oh. Right. Bottom of the ocean. I...forgot. So,
um, let's get back to you. Do you have a boyfriend?
EVELYN: *blushes* yes I suppose that is the
common term. As Daughter of the People, and a designated Breeder, my MOST
important duty, now that I'm 16, is to provide Mother with another heir after
me.
Only the most suitable young men have
been chosen to be my suitors and I have narrowed the list to one young man in
particular.
*smiles* His name is Timothy and he's
a metal worker from Sector Three. His genetics are a perfect match for
me.
*leans forward and whispers* Between
you and me, we're supposed to be meeting each other later. I have a
feeling he's going to ask me to Couple with him. Isn’t that fantastic?
*big sappy smile*
REPORTER: *mutters* Yeah,
that's not creepy. *clears throat* So, uh...tell me more about these...what do
you call them? Surface Dwellers? You don't seem to like them much.
EVELYN:
According to Mother, Surface Dwellers are beasts who live on The Surface.
Surface Dwellers are forbidden. The
War has corrupted and turned them into savages. Surface Dwellers are
contemptible. Nothing more than heathens who'd just as soon kill you as
look at you. They will taint our city with their hate and violent ways and
should be shot on sight. *frowns* Are you sure you're not one?
*door slams open* *sound
of multiple feet rushing into the room*
REPORTER: Hey! What are
you doing? That’s my equipment. Who are you people?
*sound of a gun
shot, then a body hitting the floor*
Another woman’s voice, presumably
Mother: Come along, Evelyn. Let the Enforcers clean up. Dr. Friar says you missed your
appointment again. You know how
much I detest when you don’t keep appointments.
<End recording>
J.A. Souders is the author of
RENEGADE a YA dystopian that takes place in an underwater utopian
society, coming Fall 2012 from Tor Teen. For more information visit her
blog or website.
Photo Credit: Jessica Grimm Photography
Jennifer Rush is the author of ALTERED coming Fall 2012 from Little, Brown. Check out her blog for news and updates. 
