Without fail, science fiction novels seem to be just the right thing to get me out of reading slumps and The Key to Fear by Kristin Cast has been one of them. It’s uncanny how close it is to real life as we all deal with this global pandemic and you would think that you wouldn’t want to read a book when it’s so close to reality, but this is one you don’t want to miss. It was incredibly interesting to read and it had great in-depth character development that showed one way to handle a virus.
I was ecstatic when I was given the opportunity to interview Kristin! We find out her inspiration for the story, behind the scenes to her writing style and much more!
Hi Kristin! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hello! I am an avid television consumer who feels like a really good person until driving in traffic. I have a love/hate relationship with carbs and just learned to change a car battery. I get very hot when I sleep but refuse to not cuddle up with at least two blankets, and spring is my favorite season.
Your latest novel, The Key to Fear, is out now! Can you tell us about it?
The Key to Fear takes place 50 years after a virus that is spread by touch has decimated the population. The Key, a pharmaceutical company, is firmly in place as the world leader and has implemented a set of rules for its citizens to abide by, most importantly, no touching today for a healthy tomorrow.
We first meet Elodie, a seventeen-year-old nurse, who craves more than the structured plan The Key has made for her and wishes to make meaningful connections outside of virtual reality. Elodie’s life changes when she nearly bumps into Aiden, a free spirited, bad boy who has more secrets than he’s letting on.
Even though the story is focused around Elodie’s and Aiden’s relationship and how it propels them both toward a new life, this is not a love story. At least, not a love story between this girl and boy. The Key to Fear is a thrilling story of self-love and hope and the discovery of inner strength.
This book is very close to reality right now with the worldwide pandemic. Where did you find the inspiration behind this novel?
I started to create the world and change Portland, Oregon into Westfall, the city where The Key to Fear takes place, about six years ago when while on tour for the final House of Night novel.
I was in a cafe in Salt Lake, staring out the window thinking about what I wanted to do next in life when I glanced across the street at Key Bank and their giant, red logo. Because of how big my feelings were at the time, that image stuck with me.
A few months later, I was back home in Portland and in line at Mod Pizza behind several pairs of teens. It was obvious that each group was together, but they didn’t interact physically or even talk outside of showing the other what was on their phone. My writer brain started spinning and throwing out all of these questions like what would happen if all of our social meet ups were in virtual reality? Or, what if we weren’t even allowed to touch each other? I got my food and sat down and continued on this track, asking myself what would have to happen to create a world in which no one touched?
I’ve been interested in viruses and pandemics since eight grade when I read Richard Preston’s Hot Zone. Actually, I grew up thinking I’d be working in level four hot zones, so it wasn’t odd that my initial idea was that of a deadly virus spread by touch. Then, I started thinking about who would come to power if the population was nearly wiped out and everything fell apart. Well, my uncle works in the pharmaceutical industry doing something I don’t quite understand, but I had recently talked with him, so that was fresh in my mind. Boom, a pharmaceutical company in power.
While thinking about these different aspects, my stored memory of the Salt Lake City cafe and the Key Bank logo ran to the front of my brain, screaming and carrying this giant red sign that said, to health, to life, to the future, we are the Key. As I’m writing this, I now realize that I have some of my best ideas while eating. I guess that makes sense since I wrote the majority of The Key to Fear while eating pastries and breakfast burritos at the Stacks Coffeehouse.
The main character Elodie is matched to Rhett. The whole time I read this I wanted to know more about this whole logical matchmaking, no touching algorithm. How does it work? And why were Rhett and Elodie matched?
The Key amasses information about all its citizens from the time they’re born. If a person, (who is eligible to be matched from the age of 17), has received multiple match requests, the Key can use this information, coupled with detailed psychological profiles, to pair the best suited individuals. The Key will also use this to match people who have not been requested.
However, that is not always what happens. In Elodie’s case, Rhett saw her at an event and went to the Key and requested her. Because this is a patriarchal society and Rhett is a male in a position of power, his request was granted. The Key then sent word to Elodie’s family that she had been matched. There are also special instances, like with Elodie’s best friend, in which the Key believes they will benefit from not proceeding with a match request.
The process is very political and doesn’t take into account either persons’ feelings or motivations. It’s all about what’s best for the Key.
Cerberus comes from Greek mythology, referring to Hades’ hound in the underworld. Why did you choose that name to identify the virus and pandemic in your novel? Was there any significance or reasoning behind using this well-known name?
I chose to name the virus Cerberus because I was drawn to the thought of a virus that devours anyone who tries to escape. The imagery the name Cerberus evokes also played a part. Many are familiar with the three headed dog that has a serpent’s tail and snakes growing out of its back, and I wanted to use how well-known this mythological creature is to push the terrifying aspect of the virus that much further.
You’re well known for writing with P.C. Cast as an absolutely awesome mother/daughter writing duo. How does your writing process change writing solo, compared to as a duo?
My writing process with PC isn’t very different from my solo writing process. I am an extreme outliner. (I feel like that could be a show. Extreme Outliner – Writing Edition. No?) I usually write a page about the overall feel and plot of the story followed by a three to five act outline. After the acts outline is finished, I’ll break it down into a chapter by chapter outline. PC and I have adopted this method because it’s the best way we’ve found to keep us going in the right direction. It’s also easier to make changes when you can see each chapter and know how the rest of the story will be impacted if something is added or removed.
What challenges did you face when writing this dystopian?
I had a baby not too long after signing the contract for this series. I thought I would be out for a few months and then I’d get right back to it with no problem. Unfortunately, it wasn’t that simple. I had postpartum depression that lasted for more than a year. Instead of being able to focus on writing The Key to Fear, I was overcome by anxiety and panic attacks and feelings of not being a good mother, hopelessness, worthlessness, and shame. I spent hours reading articles on how to be a better parent and all the possible things that could go wrong during infancy. It was a “good day” if I didn’t hide in the bathroom and cry. With time and hard work, I was able to inch my way out from under the crushing weight of postpartum depression and work during the few months I had left before my deadline.
Do you have a favourite scene? Favourite character?
The Key to Fear is told from three different points of view: Elodie, Aiden, and Blair. My absolute favorite character is Blair. Writing from her POV makes me feel strong and powerful. She’s an amazing young woman and I cannot wait to watch her evolution as the series continues.
I do have a favorite scene. It’s a very soft moment with Blair who has a very tough exterior. I can’t tell you exactly what happens because it’ll give away too much, but it’s a moment in which Blair blooms a little and we’re able to see even more of the bright, shining light within.
I loved how this book had a great debate on technology and Elodie’s reactions to Aiden’s old school methods of communication were funny and interesting in this pandemic setting. Which do you prefer, physical books or e-books? And why?
My love for physical books will never die. The smell of the pages and flipping through them, seeing how much of the book I have left to enjoy before it ends, they’re parts of the reading experience that I never want to give up.
Is the sequel already in the works? Can you give us any hints?
I am currently working on The Key to Fury, and I am not one for spoliers. My lips are sealed! But what happens to Elodie and Rhett—ohmygoodness! Okay, that’s it! Nothing more!
What’s next for you? Are there other projects on the go?
Besides The Key to Fury, which releases fall/winter 2021, I’m also excited about Spells Trouble. This first book in Sisters of Salem, the new YA trilogy I coauthored with PC Cast, releases May 25, 2021 and is all about twin witches in rural Illinois who must save their town and themselves.
And lastly, do you have any book recommendations or go to authors to check out?
Pintip Dunn, Karin Slaughter, Nic Stone, VE Schwab, Caleb Roehrig, Justin Cronin, and Emily Suvada are all authors whose books I will pick up without even knowing what they’re about. Check ‘em out!
