An Interview with A.M. Davila

A.M. Davila writes post-apocalyptic and dystopian fiction for both a YA and adult audience. When not writing, she teaches Social Studies to high school students in New York. The worlds she creates are at once both fantastical and eerily plausible. Her characters may seem familiar because, as a teacher and observer of humanity, Davila creates characters based on life. Each could be someone you know. Davila resides with her husband, two daughters, and lap dog in the Hudson Valley and enjoys traveling and enjoying the outdoors when she can.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I have been an avid reader since the time I was extremely young. I would read anything: books, magazines, cereal boxes, shampoo bottles. I dabbled in writing a little bit here and there, but when I was in third grade we raised caterpillars into butterflies and we had to write and illustrate a story afterward. I distinctly remember how proud my teacher was of my story Charlie the Butterfly. In retrospect, maybe she was as enthusiastic for all the kids, but it meant a lot to me. So from there I wrote all the time. At home, in the car, at school. Everyone bought me notebooks whenever they could. They were mostly marble notebooks, but I had a lot of fancy ones too.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

I love reading apocalyptic fiction. One day a character came to mind, but I had no extended ideas or plans. Then one day in December, I was stuck in traffic on my way to work in the pouring rain. My coworker and carpool buddy took a detour, where we got stuck outside a church. As we sat there I saw a flicker of light in the corner of my eye, and when I looked over, two more characters came to mind. From there the story unfolded!

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The Undoing was a natural title for the book. The world is falling apart and so are the characters. They are becoming undone, if you will. The titles for the other two books in the series were more difficult to come by. One day on my way to work I brainstormed on the phone with my husband. I was driving, so I had him write down the possibilities on his phone and text them to me. He has a more creative brain than I do, and he’s not as close to the project as me, so he could visualize the titles differently than I could. He has been a big help as a sounding board for other ideas as well. Sometimes when I get stuck in part of the plot, I stop and talk to him. Pretty much every time I’ve come out of our conversations with a new outlook!

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

Well, I had certain songs I listened to while writing, especially when I was in need of inspiration. Alicia Keys’ “Underdog” was a staple. When I was in my general flow-state, classical music or other instrumentals were helpful for a clear head. When I was stuck, I listened to the Hamilton soundtrack on repeat. “Non-Stop” was the perfect motivator for writing a specific character, but the play/songs overall have the most amazing character development. I had a terribly long commute at the time of writing, which gave me ample time to listen and think. That soundtrack helped me learn how to develop my characters and let each of them shine on their own, as well as together.

Describe your dream book cover.

I love my covers! My husband designed them on Canva. I had zero concept in mind, but because he knows me so well and knows my work, he created these striking covers for me that were exactly what I didn’t know I needed.

What books did you read (for research or comfort) throughout your writing process?

I read a lot of historical fiction regularly, which became too heavy while I was writing. Instead I switched to high-quality YA for style research and thrillers just for fun. I don’t feel right if I don’t have a book in rotation, the same as if I forgot to wear my wedding ring or watch. So though writing took a great deal of my remaining headspace after family and work, I always had to read something, no matter how short or fluffy.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I hope they think a little bit about what they might do during the apocalypse. (I would be completely unhelpful myself. I always say I’m thankful my husband is a Marine. He would would down the apocalypse for us!). I also hope readers see themselves in the characters and reflect on their lives and their futures. I worked hard to make this a story about people, not the apocalypse, and it was important to me that my characters were realistic and from every walk of life.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.