Burn the Water: A Dystopian Tale of Love, Conflict, and Empowerment
Billy Ray, an award-winning screenwriter, is feeling anxious as his first novel, "Burn the Water," a YA dystopian take on "Romeo and Juliet," is about to be released. The novel is set in London in 2425, after a catastrophic event that flooded the world. It follows the story of two warrior houses, the Rogues and the Crowns, who have been at war for centuries over dwindling resources. The main characters, Jule and Rafe, are star-crossed lovers caught in the midst of this conflict.
"Burn the Water" was initially conceived as a film adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet" set in the future. However, after the idea was not what the studio was looking for, Ray decided to turn it into a novel during the Writers Guild of America strike. He wanted to create a story that would resonate with young people, particularly young women, about leadership and empowerment.
Ray's background in politics, where he advises Democratic officials on communication strategies, influences the themes in "Burn the Water." The novel explores the consequences of tribalism and division, mirroring real-world issues like climate change and political polarization. Ray hopes that the novel will spark discussions about balancing love, violence, and politics.
Despite his success in screenwriting, Ray was surprised to land a two-book deal with Scholastic for "Burn the Water" and its sequel. He envisions the possibility of a film trilogy based on the novels if they are well-received. Ray's goal is to bring his story to the big screen and continue to engage audiences with his unique blend of love, conflict, and social commentary.