August 27, 2015: Exclusive Interview with "Lois Lane: Fallout" Author, Gwenda Bond
The Superman Super Site recently had the opportunity to speak with author Gwenda Bond about her hit Young Adult novel, "Lois Lane: Fallout".
In the following exclusive interview, Bond discusses writing about such an iconic comic book character and what the future holds for the teenaged Lois Lane:
Your novel, "Lois Lane: Fallout" features a teenaged version of this iconic character. What led you to wanting to write about her younger years?
BOND: I was approached via my agent about whether Id be interested in writing a teen Lois Lane. And the moment I heard that brief description of the concept, it made sense to me. I could instantly envision how the story could look and feel. Despite how long this character has been around, theres so much about Loiss historyparticularly her formative yearsthat we havent seen explored in great depth. And the young adult genre has been in a golden age for some time now, filled with interesting, complicated, amazing girls in the spotlight. Lois Lane fits right in there. She deserves an origin story, just like any superhero (even if shes sans superpowers).
Over the years, there have been many different versions of Lois Lane featured in such media as comics, film, and television. How did you approach taking on such a familiar character and what challenges did you face?
BOND: Lois Lane is one of the all-time great characters. So I was definitely intimidated and afraid I might mess the project up and disappoint her many fans. But once I got started, shes such a great character that she took over in many ways. I did think a lot about the best versions of her, and about what it is that makes a good Lois (versus a less-good one). Ultimately, though, as soon as I started writing she was there, wanting something in every single scene and going after it. I have often joked that I plot these books by asking: What Would Lois Lane Do? But its true!
In the 75+ years since her first appearance in Action Comics #1, Lois Lane has certainly become a part of pop culture. What have been some of your favorite things in regard to writing about her?
BOND: Shes such an enduring figure, and means so much to so many people on a deeply personal level. Shes a gift to work with as a writer, as Ive said. But one of the best things about getting to tell stories about her is also getting to hear from her fans and readers of the book what impact Loiswhether across the years or in Fallouthas had in their lives. I remember someone at an event telling me that shed been bullied as a kid and that reading Fallout gave her a new appreciation for all the real-life Lois Lanes whod stood up for her. Moments like that are my favorite.
Lois has always been an integral part of the overall Superman storyline. What are your thoughts on the Man of Steel and have you always been a fan of his as well?
BOND: I am a huge fan of Clark Kent and Superman, and of the Lois and Clark/Superman relationship. (Which is one reason I couldnt pass up writing a version of young Clark and that either!) Im also just a fan of the Superman mythos in generalit has always held appeal for me as having so much heart and humor mixed in with very high stakes and serious themes.
Your books focus on the young adult genre. What appeals most to you about this particular genre?
BOND: Theres so much freedom in YA as an author to tell many different kinds of stories and borrow from lots of different genres as long as youre writing about teens. I always say, by the way, that I write about teens, not necessarily for them. At least, not exclusively. YA bookslike all booksare for anyone whos interested in them. Theres something very universal about writing this time in life thats such a crucial part of forming our identities. I find greater immediacy there and less hand-wringing perhaps, but the themes and journeys we go through when were young play out again and again throughout our entire lives (who we want to be, what we want to do, who we love, what we do next). This is partly why so many adults read YA too, I think. YA is also a fantastic writer community to be a part ofits a very supportive field.
It was recently announced that the sequel to "Lois Lane: Fallout" will be coming out next year. What can you tell us about this next chapter in the series and any other titles you are currently working on?
BOND: Yes, Im so excited to get people the next book in the series! Double Down will be out on May 1, 2016, the same time that Fallout releases in paperback. I dont want to give away too much this early, but there will be more SkepticGirl1 and SmallvilleGuy (and more of TheInventor), plus more of Loiss new friends and colleagues at the Daily Scoop. Her investigations this time around will take her into some very dangerous territory, with verrrrry high stakes for failure. *twirls fingers*
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us. "Lois Lane: Fallout" was an absolute thrill to read and we can't wait to see what happens next!
BOND: Thank you so much and for the great questions!
"Lois Lane: Fallout" is currently available at Amazon.com and "Lois Lane: Double Down" is available for pre-order.