Nikki Brooke Weaves Bisexual Representation and Dystopian Tension in Plagued Lands
A Journey of Self-Discovery Through Storytelling
Nikki Brooke’s Plagued Lands blends dystopian world-building with personal discovery, highlighting bisexual representation, societal control, and medical autonomy. Her novel challenges conventions while delivering a gripping, emotionally resonant narrative.
Nikki Brooke discusses her debut novel Plagued Lands, her journey of self-discovery, authentic bisexual representation, and the challenges of blending dystopian world-building with deeply personal and emotional storytelling.
Nikki Brooke is making waves in the literary world with her bold storytelling and commitment to authentic representation in science fiction and fantasy. An Australian author and scriptwriter, Nikki has carved out a unique space with her debut novel Plagued Lands, a gripping dystopian tale that intertwines societal upheaval with personal discovery. A finalist in the 7th Annual Launch Pad Prose Competition and a semi-finalist in the ScreenCraft Cinematic Book Competition, Nikki has already captured the attention of both readers and critics.
At the heart of Plagued Lands lies Nikki’s dedication to portraying bisexual identities with depth and nuance, challenging the traditional narratives often seen in literature and cinema. Through her richly developed characters and thought-provoking themes, she not only tells a compelling story but also encourages meaningful conversations about identity and human connection.
Nikki Brooke masterfully crafts compelling, immersive storytelling with rich world-building, emotional depth, and groundbreaking bisexual representation in dystopian fiction.
Self-Discovery Through Fiction
Surprisingly, Nikki credits her characters with helping her realize her own bisexual identity. “I thought I was straight,” she admits. “But then these bi characters kept popping into my head, including Martina, the main character of Plagued Lands. After some reflection and exposure to bisexual stories, I recognized my own truth. Writing bisexual characters showed me how fluid and complex sexuality can be.”
Authentic Representation in Literature and Film
Ensuring genuine bisexual representation was a key challenge for Nikki, particularly in adapting her novel for film. “In my first draft, I unintentionally objectified the female love interest, Persephone, because I had internalized certain portrayals of women from the male gaze,” she explains. “I had to rewrite those parts to reflect authentic attraction and relationships. It was a learning process for both me and my characters.”
Balancing World-Building and Emotional Depth
Set in a future where cities are encased in glass domes to protect against disease, Plagued Lands offers a richly developed dystopian setting that serves as both backdrop and catalyst for Martina’s journey. “The world is an integral part of Martina’s evolution,” Nikki says. “Rather than lengthy exposition, the story unfolds through her interactions with the world, revealing its truths piece by piece.”
“The world is an integral part of Martina’s journey, so they’re interwoven closely.” – Nikki Brooke
Literary Influences and Unique Themes
While Plagued Lands shares thematic elements with dystopian classics like The Hunger Games, Want, and Legend, Nikki emphasizes its distinct premise. “If you enjoy those books, you’ll likely enjoy Plagued Lands, but the world I’ve created is uniquely mine,” she explains. The novel also incorporates timely themes such as medical autonomy and power dynamics, making it particularly relevant in today’s socio-political climate.
The Role of Relationships in Plagued Lands
A complex love triangle between Martina, Nathan, and Persephone adds emotional tension to the novel while driving the central themes forward. “Romantic subplots add depth, and love triangles heighten the stakes,” Nikki notes. “Each character brings a different perspective on the world, pushing Martina toward self-discovery and the truth.”
Reflections on Pandemics and Societal Control
Although the concept for Plagued Lands predated the COVID-19 pandemic, real-world events added an extra layer of realism to the novel. “COVID is referenced as a historical disease, and insights from lockdowns, facemasks, and sanitation practices helped shape the story,” Nikki explains. The novel also explores themes of bodily autonomy, a subject that has gained increasing relevance in contemporary discourse.
With Plagued Lands, Nikki Brooke has crafted a novel that is as thrilling as it is thought-provoking, challenging both genre conventions and societal norms. As she continues her journey as a writer and advocate for authentic representation, readers can look forward to more groundbreaking stories that push the boundaries of speculative fiction.
Originally published in Reader’s House Magazine.
