Every Tuesday, get to know a bit about the stories behind the books you love, and discover your next favourite novel.

Zilla: The best science fiction makes us think about our own world—the people and politics that inhabit it—while still telling a great story. Which is why we have Taya DeVere here today to tell us about her novel Serf Girl (Machina Deus Book 1). Taya, tell us a bit about yourself and your book!

Taya: Hello! I spend half of the year in Finland, the other half in Spain, and visit my third happy place, Maine, whenever possible. I write dystopian sci-fi stories under the pen name Taya DeVere.

My new release tells the story of Sam, a PTSD-driven woman who volunteers in a human experiment in the year 2150. To escape the horrors of Slumland, she moves into a questionable haven; an abandoned mall. She’s no different than any other Serf in the mall program… except for the secret that would terrify them all.

Zilla: What inspired you to write this book?

Taya: The idea for Serf Girl came to me while sitting in the Maine Mall food court. It’s not a brand-new idea; people living in repurposed buildings due to housing shortages and overpopulation. But that’s where the story originated—and then along came Sam. With Sam’s nightly flashbacks and nightmares, Tourette’s syndrome, antisocial ways, and PTSD symptoms, she was in for a (torturous) ride. While writing the first draft, I let Sam lead the way. I started to enjoy the time I spent in her headspace more and more. During the second draft, I pushed her to overcome her trust issues and defenses – no matter how much blood she had to spill along the way.

Zilla: How much research did you need to do for your book?

Taya: My partner, Chris, has Tourette’s syndrome. All the ‘twitches’ in Serf Girl are from real life and what we call Chris’s “Demon.” In addition to interviewing Chris about his twitches and tics, I also did extensive research on the syndrome to avoid the biggest pitfalls.

Zilla: Have you ever killed off a character your readers loved?

Taya: Yes, I’m known to kill off my characters, whether they’re loved or hated. I had to slow my roll while writing my previous series, Unchipped, because my development editor threatened to quit her job if I slaughtered any more of her favorite people. People do die in Machina Deus, but I think we’re moving in the right (happier) direction. I did read somewhere how European writers are expected to kill their characters, no matter the genre, how interesting is that? Good thing I’m not writing romance or children’s books!

Zilla: I’ve never heard that, but it checks out. Speaking of other people’s books, what book do you tell all your friends to read?

Taya: I’m currently devouring The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. It’s a story about time traveling, romance, expats, and refugees. I can’t wait for bedtime to dive back in!

Zilla: Thanks for sharing your story and your process. We’re looking forward to reading! Where can the Night Beats community find you and your book?

Taya: Serf Girl is available on Amazon (e-book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYX85MNB) and anywhere paperbacks are sold. 

Find me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/tayadevereauthor) and on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tayadevere_author/).