Karen Upper asked Philippa Dowding:

Hi Philippa! I just noticed that you will have a middle-grade dystopian book out soon, entitled Oculum...what a very strange sounding title? Can you explain how you came to a title such as this? Sounding out the name aloud....it has sent shivers up my spine!

Philippa Dowding Hi Karen! Thanks for your question about OCULUM! I will have to get the book itself on goodreads soon, but here is a link to more about it with the cover, on the publisher's site: http://cormorantbooks.com/dcb/oculum/

OCULUM is a latin word which means "eye." Oculus is also an architectural term used in ancient domed buildings like the Roman Pantheon for example, a circular opening at the top of the dome to allow light and air into the building.

In my book, OCULUM is the name of the ancient, ruined city that the children live in. Some children live in the rubble of our civilization, and others live an isolated life of privilege in a gigantic dome, called Oculum City Dome.

I chose the word because it sounds sort of futuristic, but also kind of spooky and ancient at the same time. Also, much of the story takes place in a dome, with a removable top (a circular "eye") so it made sense.

Thanks for the great question!

Philippa

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