Lisa T. Bergren talks with us about her dystopian world in Remnants: Season of Wonder.

Season of Wonder is the first novel in Bergren’s Remnants series, a dystopian trilogy that follows the story of the Remnants, a group of teenagers who have exceptional powers and have been trained since they were children in order to save the world from those that wish to control it. Read our review.

Interview with Lisa T. Bergren

Tell us five interesting facts about yourself.

I’ve scuba dived in the Red Sea (and got the worst sunburn while up on the boat deck); the one main thing I bake is a Scandinavian roll called kringla (only twice a year because they’re as addictive as crack); I’ve been inside the Great Pyramid at Giza (the most claustrophobic experience of my life); I’ve rented a Tuscan villa four times (and can’t wait to return); I had to have plastic surgery as a kid because I had an extra flap at the top of my ear.

What made you want to be a writer?

I always loved escaping into a story as a kid. To provide other safe escapes for readers is a joy.

What inspired this story about the Remnants?

I’ve been reading dystopians since Orwell’s 1984 in high school. I wanted to write one in a similar setting, but to include a strong thread of hope within the pages.

How does this series differ from your past work?

It’s my first futuristic, dystopian setting!

Who was your favorite character to write, and why?

I’m close to Andriana, because she’s my heroine, so I identify with her the most. But her gift is that she’s an empath, meaning she feels what everyone else is feeling around her. And that gets a little exhausting as a writer. My second favorite is Raniero, because of his secrets…which shall not be revealed here.

Did you always know this was going to be a series?

Yup. Too big, too epic to wrap up in one novel.

What was it like creating a world that had hints of familiarity, but at the same time was so changed?

Freeing! I always love to base my fiction on some sort of facts. Research fuels my fiction. But to have the freedom to change it up any which way I wanted was some serious fun. I liken it to a Mad Max sort of world…

Can you tease us about the sequel, Season of Fire?

Ooo, things ramp up for Dri and Ronan in terms of romance, and yet all the Ailith encounter some of the toughest trials of their lives—emotional, spiritual, physical. It’s grueling, but also a page-turner because of it.

What’s easier to write, the first line or the last line?

First.

What’s one YA novel you wish you had when you were a teen?

Hmmm…probably Eleanor & Park. I know some people don’t like the more gritty aspects of that novel, but it felt so real to me. And if I’d read it as a teen, I would’ve learned that romance and love comes in surprising ways.

About Lisa T. Bergren

Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 40 books, with more than 2.5 million copies sold. Her most recent works includes a YA series called River of Time (Waterfall, Cascade, Torrent, Bourne & Tributary), God Gave Us Easter, a devotional called Upside-Down Prayers for Parents and the Grand Tour Series (Glamorous Illusions, Grave Consequences, and Glittering Promises). She’s currently at work on a new YA series called Remnants, coming out in 2014.

Lisa’s time is split between managing home base, writing, and working on ducks with her husband, Tim (RMrustic.com). Tim’s a worship leader, graphic designer and duck-sculptor. They have three kids–Olivia (18), Emma (15) and Jack (10).

The Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.