Critically-acclaimed author Victoria Scott joins us today to discuss her action-packed YA adventure Titans; a story about a girl and her robotic horse up against impossible odds that will leave readers’ hearts racing.
What is TITANS about and what inspired you to write it?
TITANS is about a teen girl who rides a robotic horse in a dangerous race to try and win prize money her family desperately needs. The book explores themes like gambling, family, friendship, and trust. I was inspired to write it after watching a racing commercial on TV.
The bond of friendship is really important in the story between Astrid and Magnolia. Why did you choose to focus on friendship?
I chose to focus on friendship because my own female friendships were extremely important to me during my teen years. Though crushes and boyfriends certainly captured a piece of my interest at the time, it was my friends who remained by my side throughout middle school and high school, and beyond. And when I look back at those formative years, it’s the moments I shared with my friends I cherish most.
What can readers expect to gain after reading TITANS?
Mostly, always, I hope my books entertain readers. I hope TITANS offers an escape, and delivers that difficult-to-put-down sensation. And I hope readers are able to put themselves in Astrid’s situation and explore how class structure and our upbringing affect each of us.
What is your writing process like?
I write every weekday, and shoot for roughly 1,000 words per day. I used to write nearly double that amount, but I realize now it’s quality that counts to my readers. Not how fast I can get them the next book.
What can we expect from you next?
I’m currently working on a middle grade novel, HEAR THE WOLVES, in which wolves attack an impoverished Alaskan town during a blizzard, including a deafened 12-year-old girl, after the residents eradicate the wolves’ normal food source. It’s a survival story, and focuses on overcoming preconceived notions others hold for us, and those we hold for ourselves.
