Dragons & Spaceships

In this episode of Dragons and Spaceships, host Brandy interviews Tatiana Schlote Bonne about her YA horror novel, Such Lovely Skin. The conversation delves into the book's exploration of psychological horror, guilt, grief, and redemption, as well as the role of gaming and streaming in the narrative. Tatiana discusses her character development process, particularly the complexities of the protagonist Viv and her relationship with the Mimic. The episode also touches on the blending of real-life and supernatural horror, the challenges of creating an atmospheric dread, and the personal connections to gaming culture that influenced the story. In this conversation, the author discusses the themes of her book 'Such Lovely Skin', including the impact of gaming culture, the duality of social media, and the importance of self-forgiveness. She shares her journey as a writer, the challenges of writing for young adults, and offers advice for aspiring authors. The discussion also touches on the visual aesthetics of potential adaptations and the psychological depth of the horror elements in her work.

Key Points

• The book blends psychological horror with emotional depth.
• Guilt and grief are central themes in the narrative.
• Tatiana drew inspiration from the movie Stay Alive.
• The character Viv is image-obsessed and a Twitch streamer.
• The Mimic symbolizes Viv's internal struggles.
• Creating a flawed protagonist allows for deeper character exploration.
• Supernatural elements heighten real-life horrors.
• Tatiana faced challenges in balancing horror and emotional arcs.
• The atmosphere of dread was inspired by classic horror films.
• Tatiana's personal gaming experiences influenced Viv's character. Gaming culture is a significant influence in modern storytelling.
• Self-forgiveness is a central theme in young adult fiction.
• The duality of social media can lead to both connection and isolation.
• Writing should reflect the authenticity of the characters' experiences.
• The horror genre can explore deep psychological themes.
• Finding a writing community is crucial for aspiring authors.
• Visual aesthetics play a vital role in storytelling adaptations.
• The impact of internet fame on personal identity is profound.
• Books can be a reflection of the time they were written in.
• Engaging with pop culture references can enhance relatability in literature.

Resources

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dragonsandspaceships

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragoninaspaceship/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragonsandspaceships/