In the mood for something creepy to read as we get closer to Halloween? We’re here to help. Today, we’ve got a spotlight on The Rains by Gregg Hurwitz, and a Q&A with Gregg about his new YA horror-thriller.
But first, here’s what the book is all about:
In one terrifying night, the peaceful community of Creek’s Cause turns into a war zone. No one under the age of eighteen is safe. Chance Rain and his older brother, Patrick Rain, have already fended off multiple attacks from infected adults by the time they arrive at the school where other young survivors are hiding. Most of the kids they know have been dragged away by once-trusted adults who are now ferocious, inhuman beings. The parasite that transformed them takes hold after people turn eighteen–and Patrick’s birthday is only a few days away. Determined to save Patrick’s life and the lives of the remaining kids, the brothers embark on a mission to uncover the truth about the parasites–and what they find is horrifying. Battling an enemy not of this earth, Chance and Patrick become humanity’s only hope for salvation.
And now, here’s our Q&A with Gregg:
For those who haven’t heard about THE RAINS yet, give us your 140-character “Twitter pitch” for the book.
Chance+Patrick Rain+Patrick’s girlfriend Alex fight 2 save the kids of their town from infected adults who’ve turned into ferocious beings.
What was the one “nugget” of an idea that sparked THE RAINS?
Probably a video I saw back in my high school science class that showed this:
Gross, right? But years later, it got me thinking. What if something like this happened to humans? And what it only affected adults? What if those infected adults were even worse than zombie ants? What if they had holes bored straight through their heads in place of their eyes? What if their job was to seek out and round up kids? But we don’t know why they’re rounding up kids, so our main characters have to figure it out.
And it all exploded from there.
You also write for the screen; what drove you to write THE RAINS as a novel rather than as a movie or TV series?
As stories take shape, I have a gut feeling for what medium I want to write them for. The Rains was always a novel. I wanted to spend time inside Chance and Patrick’s heads – and inside Alex’s as well. That said, I would be open to doing a TV or film adaptation of the books.
FLASH QUESTIONS:
Must-have writing snack?
Sixteen almonds.
Song that always gets you dancing or moving?
“My Maria.”
Pick an Avenger.
Me pick Hulk.
Favorite emoji?
Well, it was the Smiling Pile of Poo emoji until I realized it was the same as the ice cream emoji. And that crossed the Rubicon of grossness for me. So I’d say, Thumbs Up emoji.
Scented candle: what’s it smell like?
Mint lavender. Or lavender mint.
5 things that are in your writing space (and share a picture, if you’d like)
- Lego-esque Punisher.
- David Finch-designed Batman statue.
- Dead Fred pen holder.
- An amulet of The Buddha entering Nirodha
- A Fancypants candle.
And I’m gonna get all Escher on you and send a picture of these five items with the typed list of these very same items on my computer screen. Mind blown!
Gregg Hurwitz is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 15 thrillers, most recently, ORPHAN X (January, 2016; Minotaur Books). THE RAINS (October 18, 2016; TOR Teen), is his first thriller for teens. Follow him at gregghurwitz.tumblr.com for the latest updates, book news, and photos of his dogs.
Novel Novice 
Leave a Reply