Heated Rain
by J. Victoria Tobias
Released: Mar 23, 2026
Genre: Apocalyptic / Dystopian
Why this book and why now?
I love dystopian stories and really wanted to write one, but I wanted it to be rooted in possibility. So I chose melting of the polar ice caps as the way the world ends. And considering what’s going on in the world, it could happen sooner than the predicted thousand years.
What is a significant way your book has changed since either the first draft or the way you thought it would turn out when you first had the inspiration?
Originally the book was supposed to be about boiling hot rains and it still has that element but I added a bit more to have maximum impact.
Do your character names have special significance or meaning?
I’ve always loved the name Alex for a woman. I originally named the main character in my first book Alex, but later changed it and knew I would use it eventually. 2 minor characters’ names are my brother’s names.
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
The Walking Dead. It would help them with what would or wouldn’t help them in an apocalypse.
Which character do you relate to the most, and why?
Alex. We’re both hard and rough on the outside but secretly soft inside, especially when our partner is with us.
If your book were to be adapted into a movie or TV show, who would be your dream cast?
Kris- Bryce Dallas Howard; Alex- Charlize Theron
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
Melissa Etheridge’s Don’t You Want a Woman. The lyrics say it all. Don’t you want a woman wild as the rain, just a little insane, with a little hint of sin, who can rock your soul. Also, Melissa is one of my favorite artists (one of my tattoos is her symbol).
If your book had an official mascot, what (or who) would it be?
Zeus, Alex’s Belgian Malinois
Do you outline your books in detail, or do you prefer to discover the story as you write?
I make a rough outline with questions about different arcs. So far, all of my books have strayed pretty far from the original outline. And I love to discover what’s going to happen next as I write.
Do you have any writing rituals or habits?
I do most of my writing on my laptop on the couch with my dog, either next to me or on my lap. But I also write on my phone while I walk my tiny dog.
What are you currently reading?
Right now, I’m reading Destination You by J.J. Arias and also Beta Reading.
