A Conversation with the Creators of XX v XY: The Final World War
XX v XY: The Final World War is a dystopian novel that feels like it is coming true. As tensions flare between women and men, women’s voices are being heard louder than ever before thanks to #MeToo, #TimesUp and #BeattheOdds.
We’re digging into the heads of the creative team who produced the book everyone is reading this summer. Bobby Goldstein is the idea guy. The executive producer and creator of the hit TV show Cheaters, he has an insider’s perspective of what triggers women and men.
Christina Cigala is the author. By day, she’s a TV writer and producer — by night, she’s a must-watch author who bled words into a book that is downright creepy in the way it depicts characters who match many of today’s players. For example, the book features a maniacal President X who, just like our current POTUS Donald Trump, runs a beauty pageant. The correlations between this made-up world and our own has people wondering if we truly are on the edge of an all-out battle between the sexes.
Q: Your book’s genre is popular right now, why is that?
A: Goldstein — The subject matter/genre of XX v XY speaks to a shifting paradigm at this moment. Humanity is made up of groups and subgroups, all of which are rising up from history and tradition to take a stand against prior poor treatment of yesteryear. The ascent du jour happens to be women now who have been under-appreciated and under-rewarded for centuries by patriarchal societies. If one is not part of the spewing lava, then at least one likes to watch the spewing lava because it is a train wreck, which people like to watch.
Q: What was the hardest part of writing XX v XY: The Final World War?
A: Cigala — Sitting down and writing. I was on set most of the time I was writing this, and it was really hard to find the time.
Q: What was the most rewarding part of writing XX v XY: The Final World War?
A: Cigala — Gaining the confidence that comes from writing a book — no one can take that away from you.
Q: If XX v XY: The Final World War was turned into a film/TV show, who would you tap to play the lead(s)? Why?
A: Goldstein — Charlize Theron, Amy Adams, Halle Berry, Julianne Moore — these are my rolling stones; I love them all. Why? Because they give off so much power with their eyes. They all just make me want to say, “Yes ma’am” and “No ma’am”. But I’d like to kick back and watch it with Jennifer Aniston because she was a big fan of Cheaters.
Q: What makes XX v XY: The Final World War a must-read?
A: Cigala — I’m a really creative writer and it’s weird and fun and short.
Q: If you could give your book to one world leader, who would it be and why?
A: Goldstein — The crown prince of Saudi Arabia. He’s just now allowing women to drive. Imagine if he got caught up on the set of 9 to 5. Where would those women have sent him?
Q: If you could give your book to one celebrity, who would it be and why?
A: Cigala — Amy Sedaris because I love her so much.
Rapid Fire Questions
Q: The beach or the mountains?
A: Goldstein — Beach for sure
Q: Cats or dogs?
A: Goldstein — OMG, get them all away from me. They smell and would eat your food without regard.
Q: Ninja or pirates?
A: Goldstein — Pirates
Q: Alice in Wonderland or Lord of the Flies?
A: Goldstein — Lord of the Flies. It has come true.
Q: Sponge Bob Square Pants or Bugs Bunny?
A: Goldstein — Bugs Bunny. I was called the rabbit at the courthouse because nobody could catch me.
Q: Thor or Hulk?
A: Cigala — Alex Mack
Q: Miley or Selena?
A: Cigala — Miley does a great Dolly cover.
Q: Game of Thrones or The Sopranos?
A: Cigala — Mother of Dragons or bust.
Q: Hardcover or Kindle?
A: Cigala — I love an audio book!
Q: Formal attire or yoga pants and a hoodie?
A: Cigala — Girls in tuxes are the best thing.
XX v XY: The Final World War is shocking statement about our times. Find the book on Amazon and from bookstores and retailers everywhere.
