Alexis Lantgen's Blog, page 9
August 3, 2020
Interview with Science Fiction and Horror Writer John Coon
My next interview is with Science Fiction and Horror Writer John Coon!
Tell us about yourself! What would you like readers to know about you?John Coon: Writing is in my DNA. I work as a sports reporter when I am not writing novels. I currently write for the Associated Press and Athlon Sports and have worked in the media for more than 15 years. I published my first novel, Pandora Reborn, in 2018. My second novel, Under a Fallen Sun, was released in 2019. Alien People, my third novel, comes out in mid-August of 2020.
What are some tropes of fiction in your genre that you love/hate? Why?John Coon: I write in both science fiction and horror and I make an effort to take tropes and travel in unexpected directions with them. In Pandora Reborn, for example, many of my characters play with teen slasher archetypes. I have them subvert many tropes in the story. The protagonists refuse to split up when they fight an ancient witch in a decrepit house in the climax. They mock the idea of splitting up and going off in different directions – a common one in horror – as a virtual death sentence. Alien People plays on the trope of alien invasion. Aliens coming to Earth are usually portrayed as sinister. I took the opposite approach and explore what happens if the humans on Earth are actually on the villainous side of things.
Alexis: Interesting! I’ve always hated the “evil aliens” trope. I find it sort of xenophobic. Whatever aliens are out there, I imagine that they’ll have good and bad about them, as well as their own interests.
Who is your favorite character in your book? What do you like about them?
John Coon: I have a soft spot in my heart for Calandra and Xttra, the protagonists in my upcoming sci-fi novel Alien People. I love Calandra's hopeful optimism. She always finds a way to overcome any obstacle while retaining a joyful energy that defines her. I also love Xttra's confidence and loyalty. He remains cool under pressure and he is definitely someone who, once in your corner, will weather the storm with you. These are qualities I aspire to create within myself.
Alexis: I think optimism and hope are underestimated these days. It’s good to have characters who aren’t grimdark or mopey all the time.
What do you like to do other than read or write? Do you have any interesting hobbies?John Coon: I enjoy being outdoors. I love to go hiking and explore remote trails. I always bring along a camera so I can capture images of wildlife I encounter or cool landscapes. I also enjoy watching sports. That makes tons of sense with my day job being a sports reporter. Football and basketball are my favorites.
Tell us about a mystery/urban legend from your hometown (or another place you’ve lived).John Coon: When I wrote Pandora Reborn, my debut novel, one source of inspiration for the original idea was folklore involving a lost gold mine in my hometown of Kamas. Thomas Rhoads, one of the original settlers of that region, was shown the location of a sacred gold mine by a Ute Native American tribe in the area. Rhoads was allowed to take gold for the purpose of financing the construction of the Salt Lake Temple on the condition he revealed the location to no one else. When Rhoads died, knowledge of the mine's whereabouts died with him. Many people have searched the Uinta Mountains for many years, trying to locate the mine. Some have died in the attempt, leading to legends that the mine is cursed. While pondering what could cause a mine to be cursed, the image of a witch sealed inside a treasure chest popped into my mind. It formed the basis of the story that eventually became Pandora Reborn.
Alexis: I love it when local legends and stories inspire books. It tends to make the story more unique ad original, instead of another version of “the chosen one will save us all.”
What TV shows/Movies do you like to watch or stream?John Coon: Anyone who knows me in real life can tell you that I am a devoted fan of The Simpsons. I've seen every episode countless times. I tend to like shows that were popular when I was in my teens and 20s more the current offerings. Some other favorites include Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Stargate SG-1. I do like The Mandalorian among current TV shows. As far as movies go, I enjoy a wide spectrum of genres. My all-time favorite remains Raiders of the Lost Ark. I also enjoy the Star Wars movies, Back to the Future, and a host of other films.
Alexis: I’m a huge fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Mandalorian as well.
What’s your favorite animal?John Coon: Big cats rank at the top of the list for me. Lions. Tigers. Panthers. They are so fun to watch in the wild and really are beautiful and majestic creatures. I generally like most animals. That's probably why my sci-fi stories tend to feature all sorts of Earth or extraterrestrial animals at one point or another in the narrative.
Do you have pet(s)? If so, share a picture of your pet!John Coon: I don't have a pet of my own per se, but one of my Dad's cats is like a surrogate pet. Her name is Chloe. I rescued her when she was a month-old abandoned kitten. Dad adopted her and she lives in his house with him. Chloe turns six years old in September and is probably the sweetest little cat I've ever been around. She has brought tons of happiness to my life.
Chloe, John Coon’s favorite rescue kitty
What advice do you have for other writers or people just getting started in writing?
John Coon: Don't give up on your dreams. No one else can share your stories except you. Find your voice and refine your craft. You will encounter critics along the way who will work to discourage you from writing. Never give them permission to impede your journey as a writer.
Alexis: I think it is important to keep going with any dream, even if you face criticism and setbacks. We all start from somewhere, and we just need to keep on learning and writing.
Do you like Greek/Roman/Norse/Asian/African mythology or folklore? What’s your favorite myth?John Coon: Myths and folklore are a treasure trove for sparking new story ideas or embellishing existing ones. I love how they tell stories to explain natural phenomena that was otherwise unexplainable to cultures and races lacking advanced scientific and technical knowledge. I'm most familiar with Greek and Roman myths, but I like searching out ones from less prominent ancient cultures. It gives some valuable insight into what made those ancient societies tick.
Alexis: I agree. I think the stories we tell ourselves are a huge part of what makes us who we are. I don’t think you can really understand another culture or another person without listening to their stories.
If you write scifi, what technology or innovations or scientific discoveries have inspired your work?John Coon: I'm always fascinated by prototypes and concept designs for near-future technology. They have helped me formulate believable technology for distant planets in my stories. In Alien People, for example, the main characters use a personal transport vehicle known as an aerorover on their planet Lathos. It is based off a concept design for a hybrid car/personal airplane I saw in a tech magazine article. The vehicle was built similar to a car, but featured collapsible wings that could be extended after the engine was started to allow short-distance flights. My advanced technology in my stories are typically rooted in these real-world experimental designs.
Learn More About John Coon!
Everyone can check out my author website to get all the latest news on my novels and short stories. I also offer occasional blog posts on writing related topics.
Books: Pandora Reborn and Under a Fallen Sun
Social Media: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
I also maintain author pages on Amazon, Goodreads, and Bookbub.
Sapience
science fiction
fantasy
author interview
books
very short stories
book review
book
Interview with Science Fiction and Horror Writer John Coons
My next interview is with Science Fiction and Horror Writer John Coons!
Tell us about yourself! What would you like readers to know about you?John Coons: Writing is in my DNA. I work as a sports reporter when I am not writing novels. I currently write for the Associated Press and Athlon Sports and have worked in the media for more than 15 years. I published my first novel, Pandora Reborn, in 2018. My second novel, Under a Fallen Sun, was released in 2019. Alien People, my third novel, comes out in mid-August of 2020.
What are some tropes of fiction in your genre that you love/hate? Why?John Coons: I write in both science fiction and horror and I make an effort to take tropes and travel in unexpected directions with them. In Pandora Reborn, for example, many of my characters play with teen slasher archetypes. I have them subvert many tropes in the story. The protagonists refuse to split up when they fight an ancient witch in a decrepit house in the climax. They mock the idea of splitting up and going off in different directions – a common one in horror – as a virtual death sentence. Alien People plays on the trope of alien invasion. Aliens coming to Earth are usually portrayed as sinister. I took the opposite approach and explore what happens if the humans on Earth are actually on the villainous side of things.
Alexis: Interesting! I’ve always hated the “evil aliens” trope. I find it sort of xenophobic. Whatever aliens are out there, I imagine that they’ll have good and bad about them, as well as their own interests.
Who is your favorite character in your book? What do you like about them?
John Coons: I have a soft spot in my heart for Calandra and Xttra, the protagonists in my upcoming sci-fi novel Alien People. I love Calandra's hopeful optimism. She always finds a way to overcome any obstacle while retaining a joyful energy that defines her. I also love Xttra's confidence and loyalty. He remains cool under pressure and he is definitely someone who, once in your corner, will weather the storm with you. These are qualities I aspire to create within myself.
Alexis: I think optimism and hope are underestimated these days. It’s good to have characters who aren’t grimdark or mopey all the time.
What do you like to do other than read or write? Do you have any interesting hobbies?John Coons: I enjoy being outdoors. I love to go hiking and explore remote trails. I always bring along a camera so I can capture images of wildlife I encounter or cool landscapes. I also enjoy watching sports. That makes tons of sense with my day job being a sports reporter. Football and basketball are my favorites.
Tell us about a mystery/urban legend from your hometown (or another place you’ve lived).John Coons: When I wrote Pandora Reborn, my debut novel, one source of inspiration for the original idea was folklore involving a lost gold mine in my hometown of Kamas. Thomas Rhoads, one of the original settlers of that region, was shown the location of a sacred gold mine by a Ute Native American tribe in the area. Rhoads was allowed to take gold for the purpose of financing the construction of the Salt Lake Temple on the condition he revealed the location to no one else. When Rhoads died, knowledge of the mine's whereabouts died with him. Many people have searched the Uinta Mountains for many years, trying to locate the mine. Some have died in the attempt, leading to legends that the mine is cursed. While pondering what could cause a mine to be cursed, the image of a witch sealed inside a treasure chest popped into my mind. It formed the basis of the story that eventually became Pandora Reborn.
Alexis: I love it when local legends and stories inspire books. It tends to make the story more unique ad original, instead of another version of “the chosen one will save us all.”
What TV shows/Movies do you like to watch or stream?John Coons: Anyone who knows me in real life can tell you that I am a devoted fan of The Simpsons. I've seen every episode countless times. I tend to like shows that were popular when I was in my teens and 20s more the current offerings. Some other favorites include Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Stargate SG-1. I do like The Mandalorian among current TV shows. As far as movies go, I enjoy a wide spectrum of genres. My all-time favorite remains Raiders of the Lost Ark. I also enjoy the Star Wars movies, Back to the Future, and a host of other films.
Alexis: I’m a huge fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Mandalorian as well.
What’s your favorite animal?John Coons: Big cats rank at the top of the list for me. Lions. Tigers. Panthers. They are so fun to watch in the wild and really are beautiful and majestic creatures. I generally like most animals. That's probably why my sci-fi stories tend to feature all sorts of Earth or extraterrestrial animals at one point or another in the narrative.
Do you have pet(s)? If so, share a picture of your pet!John Coons: I don't have a pet of my own per se, but one of my Dad's cats is like a surrogate pet. Her name is Chloe. I rescued her when she was a month-old abandoned kitten. Dad adopted her and she lives in his house with him. Chloe turns six years old in September and is probably the sweetest little cat I've ever been around. She has brought tons of happiness to my life.
Chloe, John Coon’s favorite rescue kitty
What advice do you have for other writers or people just getting started in writing?
John Coons: Don't give up on your dreams. No one else can share your stories except you. Find your voice and refine your craft. You will encounter critics along the way who will work to discourage you from writing. Never give them permission to impede your journey as a writer.
Alexis: I think it is important to keep going with any dream, even if you face criticism and setbacks. We all start from somewhere, and we just need to keep on learning and writing.
Do you like Greek/Roman/Norse/Asian/African mythology or folklore? What’s your favorite myth?John Coons: Myths and folklore are a treasure trove for sparking new story ideas or embellishing existing ones. I love how they tell stories to explain natural phenomena that was otherwise unexplainable to cultures and races lacking advanced scientific and technical knowledge. I'm most familiar with Greek and Roman myths, but I like searching out ones from less prominent ancient cultures. It gives some valuable insight into what made those ancient societies tick.
Alexis: I agree. I think the stories we tell ourselves are a huge part of what makes us who we are. I don’t think you can really understand another culture or another person without listening to their stories.
If you write scifi, what technology or innovations or scientific discoveries have inspired your work?John Coons: I'm always fascinated by prototypes and concept designs for near-future technology. They have helped me formulate believable technology for distant planets in my stories. In Alien People, for example, the main characters use a personal transport vehicle known as an aerorover on their planet Lathos. It is based off a concept design for a hybrid car/personal airplane I saw in a tech magazine article. The vehicle was built similar to a car, but featured collapsible wings that could be extended after the engine was started to allow short-distance flights. My advanced technology in my stories are typically rooted in these real-world experimental designs.
Learn More About John Coons!
Everyone can check out my author website to get all the latest news on my novels and short stories. I also offer occasional blog posts on writing related topics.
Books: Pandora Reborn and Under a Fallen Sun
Social Media: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
I also maintain author pages on Amazon, Goodreads, and Bookbub.
Sapience
science fiction
fantasy
author interview
books
very short stories
book review
book
July 26, 2020
Interview with Science Fiction and Fantasy Author M. G. Velasco
M. G. Velsaco and I are in a writing group together, so I got to read some of his book Cardslinger before it came out!
Tell us about yourself! What would you like readers to know about you?M. G. Velasco: Hello! I'm a children's book writer out of the Dallas area, a husband to an amazing wife, and dad to a couple of extraordinary teens. I have a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and worked in a pathology lab before I became an author. Shout out to all the lab and med techs helping battle coronavirus!
Alexis: I always think that having a background in science helps people write vivid and realistic sci-fi!
I understand that you had an agent who sold your first book, Cardslinger. But this person did some offensive things on Twitter, so you left. Could you talk about exactly what happened and why you chose to leave?M.G. Velasco: Here's the Publisher's Weekly story about it: Three Agents Resign After Red Sofa Literary Owner's Tweet
I was late to everything, reading a tweet about the first agent who quit Red Sofa. From there, I scoured all the threads relating to the incident. Shocked and confused, I reached out to a couple of writers from the agency. Later, my ex-agent's response to the backlash wasn't good and made a difficult choice more obvious. Still, it was a sad decision to make.
Alexis: Yes, I can imagine how hard it would be to walk away. I’m glad you took a stand for what you believe in, though. I also found another writer’s perspective for anyone who want to know more.
Are you planning on looking for another agent? Is your agent’s company or business doing anything to help you?M. G. Velasco: Definitely. It's back to querying!
If you are planning to look for an agent in the future, what would you want them to know about you?M.G. Velasco: I have experience now and a better understanding of publishing. I'm a decent person and will make deadlines.
Who is your favorite character in your book? What do you like about them? (or, which character do you hate most and why)M.G. Velasco: Atalanta. She has a nice arc and many epic moments. Really though, she kicks ass.
Cardslinger, by M. G. Velasco
What are you doing to de-stress during the pandemic? Is there any coping mechanism you’d recommend (or NOT recommend)?
M. G. Velasco: I try not to watch the news or wallow in social media. There was a point, though, that I had to stay current of the goings on in the world otherwise I would get super anxious. Mostly, I'll occupy myself by writing, gaming, or exercising. Now, if you're sitting at your desk all day writing (or working because of stay-at-home orders), I would suggest taking at least one break to foam roll. Get a full-size, solid foam roller and do thoracic stretches. The little pops and crackles from the movements feel awesome and rejuvenating. Your back will thank you, and because you won't feel like crap, you'll probably increase your word count and improve your writing.
Alexis: It’s ironic that you wrote about the foam roll, because my husband just bought me one. I have a lot of back pain (the downside of being a classical musician), and the foam roll along with lots of yoga has definitely helped my back.
What TV shows/Movies do you like to watch or stream?M. G. Velasco: Recently, my family and I have watched Community and The Good Place. My favorite show from the last few years is The Expanse. Amazing sci-fi with amazing characters. Drummer for life, sasa ke? I binged Watchmen when HBO made it free to watch. God-tier! Early in my writing life, I wanted to be a movie screenwriter. I can't wait to see Tenet and the new Dune.
Alexis: I love Community, and I need to watch the last season of The Good Place. Right now, I’m binge watching Person of Interest, which is sort of a spy thriller/detective show with a scifi premise. I keep meaning to watch the Expanse, because I loved the first season, but it feels like a very intense show, so I’m waiting to watch it when I’m in a happier place.
Do you like playing video games? What’s your favorite game right now? Has a video game ever influenced you as a writer?M. G. Velasco: I grew up in the 80's and got caught up in the craze, only hitting pause on video gaming during the PS2/xbox era. Got a PS3 and haven't really stopped since, still loving arcades, home systems, and PC gaming. My favorite game right now is Final Fantasy VII Remake. I played a lot of Red Dead Redemption while writing early drafts of CARDSLINGER. It helped me stay enthusiastic about writing a Western. The details in that game are amazing. The music's great, too. Same with RDR2 while I was revising. The writing in those games is tops.
Alexis: When I’m playing certain games, I always think that stories they tell are really something special. There’s a incredible amount of art in a well done video game, and I wish more people would recognize that.
Do you like playing board games or role playing games like D&D? If so, which games do you like best?M. G. Velasco: Board games take up a lot of shelf space in my house, although I would say my collection is small compared to others. Playing tabletop games is one of my favorite ways to spend time with my family. Although we might break out a heavy game or two, we mostly stick to medium-weight or light party games that allow for joking around. I still try to crush everybody, though, because I respect my family too much to take it easy on them. Current favorites are Wingspan, Root, and Terraforming Mars. I also have a "small" pile of Magic: The Gathering cards and a few janky, homemade decks. CARDSLINGER has a fictional collectible card game at its core, and it's because of my love of MtG. I even made promos of most of the characters as game trading cards! Also, I went 3 for 3 at the last MtG event, so yeah, I'm not bad. Lol
Alexis: Haha, I actually tried to get a copy of Wingspan before quarantine, but it was all sold out! I used to play Magic: The Gathering, but it’s been years and I was never a very serious player. We’ve been playing Scattergories and Jackbox with friends online though, and that’s been very fun.
What advice do you have for other writers or people just getting started in writing?M. G. Velasco: I'm going to steal this from Neil Gaiman: "Just write." If you have that story bubbling inside, don't wait for inspiration, don't worry about perfection, and don't worry about what anyone else thinks. Put that sucker down on paper, on screen, whatever, and write to The End. Oh, and read.
Alexis: I know it can be so hard to write regularly or write everyday, especially if someone has a job and a family. But honestly, I know that I’m a better writer when I write more often. I have more ideas, I write faster, and I feel better about what I’m writing when I write everyday. It’s just so hard to keep it up when there’s so much to do and so many distractions.
How do you choose what books you want to read?M. G. Velasco: I'll pick up a book for its premise and cover (yes, I love me some good cover art). I'll read the first few paragraphs to get a sense of the voice. If it hooks, I'll probably buy it or check it out from the library.
Do you like Greek/Roman/Norse/Asian/African mythology or folklore? What’s your favorite myth?M. G. Velasco: Mythology plays a big role in CARDSLINGER in its plot and in the card game. The story is partly a reverse Odyssey, with some of the characters and monsters showing up in CARDSLINGER. Overall, I love the uniqueness yet similarity of all cultures' myths. They're a reflection of humanity. One Filipino folklore I remember being told as a kid was the story of Pina and why the Pineapple has a thousand eyes. Let just say this: Kids, do your chores or your mom will turn you into a fruit.
Alexis: I had never heard this myth before, so I had to look it up! Very interesting. I always think stories that parents clearly make up to scare children into being good are so funny (now that I’m old enough make up some of my own). It’s such a universal parent thing.
If you write scifi, what technology or innovations or scientific discoveries have inspired your work?M. G. Velasco: I love everything that is space. Planets, stars, space flight. My work in progress, a scifi adventure, is filled with that goodness. I mixed in Newton's Laws of Motion and artificial intelligence. There's also some of the more fantastical stuff like giant robots, stealth suits, and flying billboards.
Alexis: I’m a huge fan of space as well. There’s something so inspiring yet terribly humbling about the vastness of space.
Science Fiction and Fantasy Author M. G. Velasco, interviewed by Alexis Lantgen of Lunarianpress.com
Learn More About M. G. Velasco
Thanks for having me on your blog, Alexis! It was a nice way to reflect on my writing and on being an author. Here's my website: www.mgvelasco.com and twitter: @Velasco_MG
Y'all can find CARDSLINGER at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and bookshop.org.
Please, check out this review by American Library Association's Booklist: CARDSLINGER
science fiction
fantasy
author interview
books
very short stories
book review
saints and curses
July 22, 2020
Interview with Artist and Fantasy Author Sarah Mensinga
My next interview is with my good friend Sarah Mensinga, a brilliant science fiction and fantasy writer and artist.
Tell us about yourself! What would you like readers to know about you?Sarah Mensinga: I'm a professional artist who loves telling stories. I write novels, picture books, and sometimes comics. I have two books officially out in the world; Currently, an aqua fantasy novel about a girl who teams up with criminals to rescue her best friend/true love, and The Box, a story about children wondering what’s inside a mysterious box. I share lots of goodies on my website too. Right now you can find a free graphic novel there, a short comic, and downloadable coloring pages. As for future books, I’m in the final stages of editing my next novel which is a YA fantasy about a girl with unusual powers. I’m also revising a Middle Grade sci-fi ghost story, and I have three new picture books in the works, too.
Alexis: Wow! It’s amazing to me how much creativity and dedication you have, and how many projects you’re working on at any given time. I can’t wait to read your future books.
What are some tropes of fiction in your genre that you love/hate?Sarah Mensinga: I love an odd couple. I think the dynamics created by opposite personality types or opposing perspectives can breathe life into almost any story or scene. There’s nothing more fun than two characters who have to work together despite their differences. Think Thor and Loki, Pinky and the Brain, or Sokka and Katara. So fun.
As for tropes I dislike, I’m not a huge fan of writers using the “hero’s journey” as a plot structure. I always groan inwardly when I spot it in movies and books (“Oh gee, here’s the mentor.” “Ugh, this is the resurrection moment.”) It’s not that I don’t think it works, it can, it just seems like riding a bike with training wheels, and I think it limits storytellers. It can also feel formulaic. Besides, there are so many other types of plots out there, and I think the best stories are not boxed in by invisible rules an author thinks they need to follow. We’re writers! We should be fearless and inventive! The most recent book I read, The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin, had a wonderfully unpredictable plot structure. I don’t even want to say what makes it so great because that would be a spoiler. Just go read it and be delighted.
Alexis: I do love odd couples! Even in the original Norse myths, Thor and Loki play off each other in such fun and interesting ways. As for the hero’s journey—it can get tiresome. It’s like “farm boy saves the world” which is also in so many fantasy books. Just once, could maybe the expert scientist or the quiet old woman save the world?
Who is your favorite character in your book? What do you like about them? (or, which character do you hate most and why)Sarah Mensinga: In my novel, Currently, my favorite character is Melily. She is initially an antagonist to my main character, Nerene, although their relationship becomes more positive as the story progresses. When I first came up with the book’s concept, I thought Melily might be my main character. She’s a siren with the power to compel others to do whatever she wants. It seemed to me that she would probably be a very selfish person with warped morals. As I developed the story, though, I thought readers might not stick around for such a badly behaved character, so I gave her a companion who was immune to her power. That companion, Nerene, ended up being the main character of the book. And I found writing Nerene to be very fascinating, too… what would it be like to be an average person surrounded by people with dangerous, superhuman powers? Could you ever really trust them, even if they claimed to have your best interests at heart? The underlying theme of Currently is definitely that power corrupts.
Currently by Sarah Mensinga
What are you doing to de-stress during the pandemic? Is there any coping mechanism you’d recommend (or NOT recommend)?
Sarah Mensinga: I’ve been lucky in that I haven’t been that stressed. In turbulent times, I’m the type of person who feels safest when I’m holed up someplace with all my loved ones. So in many ways, having to quarantine was a relief. I would have been a lot more stressed if my kids had been expected to still go to school or if my husband still had to work in his office. My kids have pretty low-key, independent personalities, too, so they’ve handled the quarantine fairly well. That’s not to say it still isn’t hard some days, though. We all miss casual outings. We’re missing our annual summer trip to see extended family in Canada. We miss seeing friends (like you, Alexis!) But in the grand scheme of things, I know we have it pretty good, and I’m thankful. When my family does feel stressed, we go for walks on the park trail near our house, play board games or the Sims, or work our way through TV shows. Right now we’re watching the Clone Wars and Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts. We also really enjoyed watching Legomasters together as well as all the Marvel movies.
Alexis: We miss seeing you, too! I think I just miss all the fun parts of summer that we can’t have because of Covid 19—zoo trips, museum trips, splash parks, swimming lessons. We’ve had some fun exploring our own backyard a little though, and seeing the baby bunnies was definitely a highlight of the summer so far. My little girl also loves Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts, and we’re finally watching Avatar: the Last Airbender.
What do you like to do other than read or write? Do you have any interesting hobbies?Sarah Mensinga: Because I’ve had a lot of illustration freelance work lately, writing is still my hobby when it comes to how I spend my free time. But I have several “aspirational hobbies”, and what I mean by that is that I don’t actually invest time in them, but I like to think I someday will. I dream of gardening more and playing music on my very neglected keyboard. I’d also like to cook & bake more, but that’s tricky. My kids are picky eaters, and my husband can’t eat gluten or dairy, so finding food that everyone likes and everyone can digest is a challenge. Our go-to, most delicious meals at the moment are sauerkraut and sausages (getting high-quality German sausages are key here), and Grandma’s Soup… which is a traditional Dutch soup much like this one. We also have a killer lentil stew recipe (the secret ingredient is blackstrap molasses!) and I regularly make something we uncreatively call “broccoli-sausage-meal” which is a yummy mixture of gluten-free pasta, steamed broccoli, bulk Italian sausage, and Parmesan cheese. I’ve been campaigning to call it “Brocamazing” but I’ve sadly been voted down.
Alexis: Cooking is definitely one of the ways I’ve been coping with Covid 19. Bread of all kinds, fancy tarts, ad I even made cream puffs. There are some amazing gluten-free recipes they make on the Great British Baking Show, by the way. They usually have at least one episode per season that has gluten-free, dairy-free cooking (though not usually both of those things).
Tell us about a mystery/urban legend from your hometown (or another place you’ve lived).Sarah Mensinga: There were no urban legends (that I knew of, anyway) where I grew up in Etobicoke, Ontario. But I did spend a summer drawing caricatures at Canada’s Wonderland (which is a lot like Six Flags). Our boss had worked at the park for ages, and he told us all sorts of horror stories about people dying on rides and drowning in the park’s fake waterfall. Who knows if what he said was true, but it made my late night walks to the employee parking lot much creepier.
The Box by Sarah Mensinga
Do you like playing board games or role playing games like D&D? If so, which games do you like best?
Sarah Mensinga: My husband and kids are big fans of role-playing games, and although I like them too, I love board games and card games even better. My parents enjoy tabletop games too, so I grew up playing Uno, Scattgories, Balderdash, Pictionary, and Euchre. Now I play games like Carcassonne, Azul, Mysterium (which is a creative combination of Dixit & Clue), and Lords of Waterdeep (which appears to be complicated but is simpler than it seems.) I think the best board games have a good balance of luck and strategy. That way the game is interesting, but no single player can dominate too easily. I also think the mark of a great tabletop game is gameplay that’s so engaging you have fun whether you win or lose; Code Names is a good example of that.
Alexis: Code Names is an awesome game. I can’t wait to have game nights again. My family always loved Trivial Pursuit, which explains why I know random facts about the 1980’s.
What advice do you have for other writers or people just getting started in writing?Sarah Mensinga: Join a critique group. There are many aspects of writing novels that don’t come easily, even if you are a natural storyteller, such as point-of-view, how to handle exposition, how to edit such large manuscripts, etc. A good writing group will help you identify and solve problems in your manuscript, and hopefully also inspire and encourage you too. Writing can be a lonely endeavor so connecting with other writers is important and definitely makes writing more fun. I’ve been lucky to be a part of several writing groups over the years, and I’ve worked with many writers online, too. My favorite social writing events have been when I’ve spent weekends writing with friends.
Learn More About Sarah Mensinga!
Find me at http://www.sarahmensinga.com/
Instagram: @sarah_mensinga
Twitter: @sarahmensinga
science fiction
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author interview
books
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SAints and curses
July 19, 2020
Interview with Science Fiction Writer and YouTuber Bryce Parker
My latest interview is with science fiction writer and YouTuber Bryce Parker, of Our Unobservable Universe.
Tell us about yourself! What would you like readers to know about you?Bryce Parker: I got into science fiction when I watched Star Wars: A New Hope on VHS. I was four or five then, and I’ve been writing sci-fi stories ever since. Currently, I’m working on a series of sci-fi flash fiction stories that I read and turn into short videos on YouTube. It’s a unique way to showcase my writing and it has been quite fun to make the accompanying videos.
Alexis: That does sound fun and interesting. A friend of mine made a simple video of one of my short stories, and I loved it!
What book or books have most influenced you as a writer?Bryce Parker: Red Mars, Green Mars, and Blue Mars should be required reading in schools. I read Kim Stanley Robinsons’ landmark trilogy in college and my writing hasn’t been the same since. His books distill the elements of good science fiction writing in a way that really clicked for me. There’s so much scientific detail in those books and it’s backed up with a strong narrative that spans centuries.
What are some tropes of fiction in your genre that you love/hate? Why?Bryce Parker: This doesn’t just apply to science fiction, I see it in almost every genre, but I must say that I am not a fan of stories that justify abuses of power by their main characters. I don’t understand why writers have their stories treat things like warrant-less searches and torture as no big deal as long as the bad guy gets caught. Stories that do this normalize violence against civilians and give cover to those in power who commit real life atrocities.
Alexis: Agreed. Especially in times like these, when we’ve seen such vivid evidence of the abuses of power that police and government will wield against ordinary people.
What do you like to do other than read or write? Do you have any interesting hobbies?Bryce Parker: I’ve made a lot of short films and that was one of the reasons that I decided to make my flash fiction stories into videos. I haven’t made any traditional short films in a while, but I might start again once the pandemic is over. For now, I’ll stick to my writing. I also have a fondness for pixel art. I’m not great at it, but you’ll find me posting my pixelly doodles on twitter from time to time.
What’s your favorite animal?Bryce Parker: There are so many great animals on our planet that it’s impossible to say which is my favorite. Tragically, humans are responsible for the extinction of some of the best: including the thylacine (Australia’s apex predator), Steller's Sea Cow (giant manatee from Alaska), and the Chinese Giant Paddlefish (big weird fish). We’ve got to do better at not killing all the coolest creatures on our planet.
What advice do you have for other writers or people just getting started in writing?Bryce Parker: Think about how you can present your writing. Not every story works best as a book, you could take your dialogue heavy manuscript and turn it into a video game visual novel, a podcast, or even a theatrical play. The possibilities are endless. The point is that if you can come up with a cool way to present your work you might find a new audience.
If you write scifi, what technology or innovations or scientific discoveries have inspired your work?Bryce Parker: Any discoveries about the planets and moons of our solar system can inspire me to write a story. Recently, I got super interested in the methane lakes on Titan and, after a bunch of research, I wrote a flash fiction piece on it. Thank you NASA, astronomers, and astrophysicists for all your hard work!
Science Fiction Writer and YouTuber Bryce Parker, interviewed by Alexis Lantgen at Lunarianpress.com
Learn More About Bryce Parker
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFDvqolCLxW0UtOtuFNggOzMK1Uznl8vc
https://twitter.com/brycepwrites
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7vyrieXc-nViwhKn_-6bNQ
Sapience
July 15, 2020
Review: Blood Child and Other Stories by Octavia Butler
I’ve been meaning to read Octavia Butler’s books for a while now. She’s one of the great masters of science fiction, and I think it’s important for writers to read the greats of their genres. I also think it’s necessary now more than ever for everyone to read books by diverse authors, and Octavia Butler is also one of the first black women to become famous for writing science fiction. So I recently bought a copy of Blood Child and Other Stories, to check out some of Butler’s short fiction.
In the forward to her book, Butler writes that she doesn’t consider herself much of a short story writer, but I think she must be being incredibly modest or her novels must blow your socks off. These are some of the most powerful, shocking (in a good way), and imaginative science fiction short stories I’ve ever read. It’s hard to put into words how radical and incredible her ideas are. To much science fiction reads like badly updated Star Wars or Star Trek novels (I mean, I loved Star Wars, but I don’t think most people really improve it much with their thinly veiled rip offs). In stories like the titular “Blood Child” or “Amnesty,” Butler depicts aliens in an entirely original and unique way. And the relationships she imagines between humans and aliens are complex, fraught, and uncomfortable in ways that are alternately hopeful and horrifying. It’s hard to explain without giving too much of the stories away, but it’s incredibly powerful and unlike any other science fiction I’ve read.
Blood Child and Other Stories by Octavia Butler, reviewed by Alexis Lantgen of Lunarianpress.com
Other stories that vividly stand out to me are “Speech Sounds” and “The Evening, the Morning, and the Night,” both of which refer to pandemics. They hit home (also, I heavily suspect that at some point “Speech Sounds” was the inspiration for the movie Bird Box—some of the parallels are too uncanny). “The Evening, the Morning, and the Night” explores the concept of not trusting your own mind and the fear that genetic diseases like Huntington’s or Alzheimer’s, with a terrible homicidal/suicidal twist. Yet, for whatever terrors both of these stories inspire, in the end, they have hope.
One of the things I loved about all of Butler’s stories is how many of them had hope even in desperate and nightmarish scenarios. While I haven’t yet read Butler’s novels, I know that one of her most famous, Kindred, explores the horrors of slavery. I wonder if stories like “Amnesty” aren’t influenced by this historical awareness, the understanding that many people survive even the most unimaginably horrifying situations. The understanding that to a certain extent, losing a war against aliens is only the beginning. After that, we can find a way to survive, or not.
I’d highly recommend this book to anyone who loves science fiction or cares about the future. The book also has two essays that writers, especially science fiction writers or writers of color, should read. Her writing advice is thoughtful and usable. And her stories are mind-blowing, visceral, and incredibly powerful.
What good is science fiction’s thinking about the present, the future, and the past? What good is its tendency to warn or to consider alternative ways of thinking and doing? What good is its examination of the possible effects of science and technology, or social and political direction? At its best, science fiction stimulates imagination and creativity. It gets reader and writer off the beaten track, off the narrow, narrow, footpath of what “everyone” is saying, doing , thinking—whoever “everyone” tends to be this year.
—Octavia Butler, “Positive Obsession,” from Blood Child and Other Stories
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Sapience
July 8, 2020
Interview with Science Fiction Writer and Poet Shaine Greenwood
My next author interview is with writer and poet Shaine Greenwood, author of Faces & Other Poems.
Tell us about yourself! What would you like readers to know about you?Shaine Greenwood: There are milestones in my life that have shaped me: I have been homeless more than once. I have lived a vagabond life—which isn’t as romantic as Kerouac made it out to be. Before that, I was an academic with a Linguistics (Near East studies) and English double-major. I’ve wandered and now I’m settled. I embrace both lifestyles. I think that shows up in my work.
Alexis: I was never quite a vagabond, but I was a starving artist (or in my case, a starving musician), and that was also not nearly as romantic as people make it out to be.
What book or books have most influenced you as a writer?Shaine Greenwood: Big Kurt Vonnegut fan, love Slaughter-House Five and Breakfast of Champions. Song of Solomon (Toni Morrison) has been extremely influential to me. That book showed me how powerful fiction can be. How fiction can cut through reality like a knife and reveal truths. Infinite Jest (David Foster Wallace) showed me how wild and expansive one can take writing as not just a discipline, but a philosophy. The Namesake (Jhumpra Lahiri) was the first book that demonstrated to me the power of exposition. How a writer can pick at the reader until they’re forced to feel something in the spaces between dialogue.
Alexis: I also love Kurt Vonnegut, though I’ve never read Breakfast of Champions. Mother Night haunts me to this day, though, and I love Slaughter-House Five. I also loved Song of Solomon and The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. I never read David Foster Wallace or Jhumpra Lahiri, but I hope to get around to them someday.
What are some tropes of fiction in your genre that you love/hate? Why?Shaine Greenwood: The biggest trope in fiction, one that I hate, is the perpetual sex, gender identity, and racial disparagement we see. A lot of literature is whitewashed. Popular fiction is mostly written for white people, by white people. I’m not saying that white people need to go out and put a non-white MC in every one of their stories, but we as writers need to reflect deeply about why most of the faces in our stories are white—then make a change!
A general trope that I support is romance in non-romantic fiction. When done well, it’s a great way to humanize people. We all seek varying kinds of connection and most of us desire intimate bonds with other people. (It’s OK if people don’t want intimate relationships as well, and we should think about writing people like that into our stories.) Some people are against romance in non-romantic stories, and I think that’s because it typically builds on the stale tactics of the hero always winning the heart of the person who was out of everyone else’s league, so to speak. Love is such a varied and nuanced concept, that when we rely on the old trope, we fail to do what we as writers wanted to do in the first place: make our character seem more real.
Alexis: I definitely agree that too much literature is whitewashed. It’s racist, and it’s also dishonest and unrealistic. Look at the world around you! Especially in science fiction, why would you imagine a world where people of color don’t exist?
Who is your favorite character in your book? What do you like about them? (or, which character do you hate most and why)
Shaine Greenwood: No novel, but I’ve got some short stories that I’ve published online and some that I’m currently working on. Here’s a beautiful bullet-pointed list:
Currently Published Online
The Manufactured: I love the printed person in this. I layered a lot of subliminal concepts into this (not giving people names until the end, as one example), but putting that all aside...the struggle and discovery that the printed person goes through was uplifting and cathartic for me.
Coffee, Robots, and Walt Whitman: This was a story I wrote when I was 14, that I edited it in my late twenties. It’s dear to me in a unique half-nostalgic, half-self-deprecating way. I love the “mechanic” in that story. I put “mechanic” in quotes because they’re more than they seem. *Queue spooky music.*
Works in Progress
Atmosphere: I love both Simone and Citlali in this. Without spoiling too much, Citlali illegally charters a ship to a dangerous, quarantined planet to save her wife Simone, who with her crew became MIA for months.
Untitled “trapped in apartment” story: This is about someone who is trapped in their apartment due to a countrywide chemical gas accident. I actually started writing this short story before the pandemic but I put it down because it was bumming me out due to our actual pandemic. I was to a part where the main character gets a cat shipped to them unexpectedly, and well, I really love that cat.
What are you doing to de-stress during the pandemic? Is there any coping mechanism you’d recommend (or NOT recommend)?Shaine Greenwood: I’m introverted, but still want to maintain connections with the few people (by choice) that are dear to me. I’m also catching up on a lot of reading and writing projects. Most importantly, I’m taking time to rest when I don’t feel motivated. I would not recommend excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages at this time. I’m trying to fight the one drink a day or so that I might have into several drinks to “destress.”
Alexis: I’ve also been glad to have the chance to do more reading.
What do you like to do other than read or write? Do you have any interesting hobbies?Shaine Greenwood: I paint. I painted the book cover for Faces and Other Poems. I’m trying to practice my painting techniques for more realistic concept art so that I can paint all of my covers. I’m also practicing French and soon I’m going to try and learn German.
Alexis: I’m always impressed with people who paint and do other artwork. My mother is an artist, and she does painting quite a bit. I also think it’s great to learn new languages. I studied Latin and French in school, but I haven’t kept them up very well. I’ve also learned a smattering of Spanish, but I really want to learn more.
Tell us about a mystery/urban legend from your hometown (or another place you’ve lived).Shaine Greenwood: I live in Seattle. Our big urban legend and unofficial Seattle mascot is the Sasquatch, or Bigfoot. An ape-like creature that frequents the forests of Washington. It’s likely that people are misidentifying bears and bear paw prints as Sasquatch tracks. Loggers have claimed to bear witness (pun intended) to Sasquatch for many years, but no substantial evidence can be found on their existence.
How do you choose what books you want to read?Shaine Greenwood: Mood. Sometimes I want to explore futurist ideas in scifi, sometimes I want to be informed and wowed by reality in nonfiction, sometimes I crave the humanity and call to think deeply about myself and the world around me, so I’ll read poetry or some of the great 18th and 19th century literature out there. It all depends on my mood at the time.
Alexis: That’s interesting. I also like reading widely, including nonfiction and poetry. I especially love Ancient Greek and Roman poets.
Do you like Greek/Roman/Norse/Asian/African mythology or folklore? What’s your favorite myth?Shaine Greenwood: I majored in linguistics in college, which means a lot of history for my specific field of study. I have a deep fascination with Mesopotamian stories, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh. These are the first stories written by human beings, not passed through word of mouth alone, and they’re filled with such spirit and creativity, such wonder and at the same time they capture the bonds of friendship and the despair of death.
Alexis: I’m also fascinated with the Epic of Gilgamesh. I’ve tried to write a novel set in that world, but it never quite took off. I do have one short story that was inspired by it, though, and maybe someday I’ll find a way to finish or re-write the novel.
If you write Scifi, what technology or innovations or scientific discoveries have inspired your work?Shaine Greenwood: I think the idea of interplanetary travel (with what Space X is doing) is my inspiration to write Atmosphere, my scifi short story (work in progress).
My muse for writing The Manufactured is the research into printing 3D organs for transplants, and—of course—Frankenstein. My original story actually involved a brain transplant and the printed person’s moral dilemma with someone else being murdered to give them life, but I couldn’t really fit all of that into the story without it being extremely long...so I cut it.
Learn More About Shaine GreenwoodBook: Faces and Other Poems
Medium: https://medium.com/@neutrinoburrito
Twitter: https://twitter.com/neutrinoburrito
Sapience
science fiction
fantasy
author interview
books
very short stories
book review
July 5, 2020
Interview with Science Fiction and Fantasy Author Kellie Doherty
My next interview is with science fiction and fantasy writer Kellie Doherty, author of Finding Hekate, Losing Hold, and Sunkissed Flowers and Severed Ties.
Tell us about yourself! What would you like readers to know about you?Kellie Doherty: Hi there! Thanks for having me today. My name is Kellie Doherty. I’m a science fiction and fantasy author who lives in Alaska. I’m an office assistant by day, a freelance editor by night, and an author literally all the time. (Seriously, I was stuffing envelopes earlier this week for my day-job and brainstorming story ideas at the same time.) Readers should know I am a champion for diversifying the publishing industry. As a queer lady, I never really saw myself—a shy bi girl—in the books that I read, not as a teen or as an adult. There are more queer characters in stories today, but I feel like there could be more positive representation. So all the stories I write have queer female main characters. I write adult fiction currently—novels, short stories, flash fiction, and even some poetry!
Alexis: Awesome! I think it’s wonderful to have more diverse books. I’m a teacher in my day job, and I’m always delighted to find great books that have good representation for all my students to read (or my daughter, who’s a burgeoning reader). Also, I was actually born in Alaska (though I live in Texas now), so I’m glad to interview someone who’s living in my home state!
Who is your favorite character in your book? What do you like about them? (or, which character do you hate most and why)
Kellie Doherty: Ooo, interesting question! It’s so unfair, though, like asking a mom to pick her favorite kid! I love all of my main characters so I can’t possible pick between them. From my secondary characters, I’d have to say my favorite in Sunkissed Feathers & Severed Ties has to be Roorik Shadowhunt. He’s a late addition who swoops in at the end of the book, and he’s simply fabulous. A glorious gay ex-banished-one-turned-fabric-dyer who helps the heroes in their time of need. He’s also one of my favs because I grabbed the inspiration from Critical Role. (Anyone who knows Shaun Gilmore, knows the energy Roorik would give off.) From Finding Hekate, one of my favorite characters is Cassidy Gates, the first mate. She’s sweet, sees the good in everything, and always tries to help out. But cross this lesbian lady and she’ll shoot you clear off the bridge! I had a reader compare her to Kaylee from Firefly, which made me so giddy I danced around my apartment.
Alexis: Exciting! I loved Firefly, and Kaylee was one of my favorite characters (I actually dressed as Kaylee for Halloween one year).
Sunkissed Feathers and Severed Ties by Kellie Doherty, Interview by Alexis Lantgen of Lunarianpress.com
What are you doing to de-stress during the pandemic? Is there any coping mechanism you’d recommend (or NOT recommend)?
Kellie Doherty: Reading is a lovely way to de-stress for me anytime but especially during this pandemic. I read science fiction and fantasy, so those stories take me into a completely different world. Right now I’m reading the Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon. If you haven’t taken a stab at her seriously enormous book—It could’ve been broken into a trilogy easily!—I’d recommend it. Her descriptions are truly amazing. When not reading, I play video games (Minecraft is my current obsession right now) and take walks outside since it’s been super gorgeous here in the Land of the Midnight Sun. I also write to de-stress, as it’s nice to sink into a world full of magic and wyverns and daggers. For others, coping mechanisms are specific to the person so if reading, writing, playing games, or walking outside sound like they’ll help, do them! If woodworking, knitting, or playing sports sounds like more your style, do that instead!
As for something I wouldn’t recommend: Binge watching too much TV every single day. No shade to anyone who does this—like I said earlier, each person will have specific coping mechanisms—but if I sit in front of the TV (or lets be real, YouTube on my computer) for too long, I tend to feel worse than I had before. I do love binge watching sometimes, though! Four hours of Critical Role and I’m golden, but I can’t do that every day, day after day or I’d feel crappy about it.
Alexis: I agree. I try to get out as much as I can, though it’s so hot and miserable here that it’s hard to be outside as much as I like. I do end up watching quite a bit of TV sometimes, but I try to limit it.
What do you like to do other than read or write? Do you have any interesting hobbies?Kellie Doherty: See these kinds of questions make me realize I want to get more hobbies! I read, I write, I do freelance editing (but that’s more of a professional gig than a hobby). It’s amazing how much time those things take up, so around eighty percent of what I do in my personal time is centered on the book-ish world. And that’s not a bad thing! I love books. But a well-rounded person has to have other passions, too, so perhaps I should find some more of mine. I really like water aerobics (and honestly, just swimming in general) and Zumba. I’ve had the benefit of traveling extensively when I was younger since my parents loved to go on grand adventures. Actually, you know what, most of my friends will tell you that I’m a bit of a homebody but I think I would like to travel more! (As time and circumstances and viruses allow.) I’d like to go to Scotland. My mom went there last year and said it was gorgeous. And going back to Japan would be fun!
What’s your favorite animal?Kellie Doherty: Cats of all kinds, big or little! House cats are so finicky and graceful, sassy and confident. They know when to chase after hair-ties and when to laze in the sunshine. It’s hilarious when they run around at dusk and dawn, meowing like little banshees or chattering at birds. Big cats are gorgeous and powerful. Sleek. Super fast. I always visit them when I go to the zoo. I even got to hold a lion cub once at the state fair; it bit my arm! (But it had baby teeth so it didn’t hurt at all.)
Alexis: I love cats! I have two right now, and they are the sweetest, most affectionate kitties. They’ve actually been thrilled that we’re staying home to avoid Covid 19—one of our cats just stays on my husband’s lap while he’s working.
Do you like playing board games or role playing games like D&D? If so, which games do you like best?Kellie Doherty: I play D&D with some friends of mine from college, and I also play board games with my family. I really like the character creation and collaborative storytelling from D&D. (Drow cleric who used to be a tiefling here—my girl was reincarnated.) It’s an exciting way to spend a few hours, literally in someone else’s shoes for a bit, and the campaign we’re on is super interesting. We’re playing 5e right now and it’s the only version I’ve ever tried. As for board games, my family really likes playing Pandemic—which is terribly ironic these days but we always win—and Catan is always a solid pick. We also enjoy Sushi Go if we want a short game, and we recently learned a new card game called Garbage that sparked our fancy.
Alexis: We actually liked playing Pandemic, too, though we’ve avoided it lately. I’ve only played Catan once, but I thought it was fun. We were playing Scythe for a while, too, partly because we could play it online with our friends.
Do you have pet(s)? If so, share a picture of your pet!Kellie Doherty: Yes, I have cats! (No shocker there, right?) I’ve had them as pets ever since I was a young child. My first was an adorable little butterball named Snowball, white as milk and super shy but who liked being in the same space as me. He wasn’t terribly huggable, but I liked to say his aura wanted to touch my aura. I now have two gorgeous black cats—Raven and Cinder. Raven was a rescue cat from a local shelter, and Cinder was from a litter. They’re both super cuddly, lap-cats all the way.
Alexis: They are adorable, and Raven and Cinder might be the some of the best black cat names I’ve ever heard!
Raven and Cinder, Kellie Doherty’s adorable kitties!
Do you like Greek/Roman/Norse/Asian/African mythology or folklore? What’s your favorite myth?
Kellie Doherty: Asian mythology has always fascinated me! One of my top five places to visit when I was younger was Japan and in 2014 I finally got to go. I’ve always loved the Japanese culture and food and people, and because of that for my fantasy book Sunkissed Feathers & Severed Ties, I brought some Japanese mythology into it. For example, the yokai are a class of supernatural monsters, spirits, and demons and there was one in particular that caught my eye: the enenra. It’s a creature composed of smoke and darkness that lives in bonfires and can only be seen by the pure of heart. I used this idea to create the eneeraa, a small smoke creature with eyes and claws. It’s quite fun to draw inspiration from unique sources, and while I do have semi-traditional European dragons in my books, I wanted to incorporate different mythology, too!
Alexis: Interesting! I’ve never heard of an enenra, but it sounds like a very unique creature.
If you write scifi, what technology or innovations or scientific discoveries have inspired your work?Kellie Doherty: I do write scifi—I have a scifi duology out right now, Finding Hekate and Losing Hold—but honestly, I tend to get my inspiration from other scifi works, like Star Trek, Firefly, Stargate, etc., rather than real-world instances. I do grab some inspiration from our tech, though, basic stuff like tablets and radios to more sophisticated holo-imaging. Oh, one thing I incorporated from our scientific discoveries is molecular gastronomy. I saw it on a cooking show—like where liquids can form semi-solid states—and I used that for planet-side water globules in Finding Hekate!
Alexis: You might be the first science fiction author I’ve interviewed to use molecular gastronomy as an inspiration!
Science Fiction and Fantasy Author Kellie Doherty, interviewed by Alexis Lantgen at Lunarianpress.com
Learn More About Kellie Doherty
Books: Finding Hekate, Losing Hold, and Sunkissed Flowers and Severed Ties
Author Website: http://kelliedoherty.com/
Publisher Website: https://desertpalmpress.com/
Social Media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram
science fiction
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Saints and Curses
July 1, 2020
Interview with Science Fiction Writer Chad Morgan
My next interview is with science fiction writer Chad Morgan, author of The Last Rite and Intergalactic Space Force.
Tell us about yourself! What would you like readers to know about you?Chad Morgan: I’d like the readers to know that I am charming as I am handsome, that I have thousands of fans that fawn over me and hang on every word I write, and my phone rings off the hook as world leaders call me to ask me for my advice.
That is, or course, not true, but it’s what I’d like the readers to know.
Oh, well, back to reality . . .
What book or books have most influenced you as a writer?Chad Morgan: One of the funniest books I’ve read was Double Whammy by Carl Hiaasen. I love the humor in his writing. When you read one of his books, you get the feeling that, no matter how ridiculous his characters get or outlandish the situations they find themselves in, you can almost see it happening in some kind of Tiger King documentary.
Alexis: That’s awesome! I think Carl Hiaasen is an underestimated comedy writer. I actually got to hear him speak when I lived in Miami, and I have a signed copy of his YA book “Hoot,” which is an absolutely adorable and wonderful story. I also suspect that Hiaasen maybe be partly responsible for the “Florida man” stereotype, but to be fair, he often pulls amazing story ideas for real life Florida news stories (about say, a nude lady found floating in the Atlantic ocean on a bale of Marijuana).
What are some tropes of fiction in your genre that you love/hate? Why?Chad Morgan: Intergalactic Space Force allowed me to play with a few sci-fi tropes.
One of my favorites was the big open spaces in the original Star Wars. Who would waste that much space? You see Obi-wan creep along a small ledge to turn off the tractor beam. Does the empire not believe in handrails? What was the point of that big, open space anyway? What would have happened if he fell? There’s no gravity in space, so any gravity on the Death Star was artificial, so why waste the energy creating gravity in a big, empty space? What a safety hazard!
Another one I play with is how everyone in Star Trek knows how to fly a shuttle. Enlisted person that’s trying to earn his Federation College Fund? Still an expert pilot. You’re a cook? Need to complete flight training first. I was a corpsman on an aircraft carrier, and I was definitely NOT cruising around in a borrowed F-14.
Alexis: Omg, I never thought of that before, but you’re right! They would have had to create artificial gravity on the Death Star—they should have just been floating around in the gigantic empty space that was there for…reasons?
Who is your favorite character in your book? What do you like about them? (or, which character do you hate most and why)Chad Morgan: Guppy was fun to write. When I voiced him in the audiobook, I tried to channel my inner Keanu Reeves from the Bill and Ted movies. He was the Costello to Q-Tip’s Abbott, but the better parts were where Guppy was not setting up jokes. Q-Tip is the brains of the group, but Guppy is the heart.
Intergalactic Space Force by Chad Robert Morgan
What are you doing to de-stress during the pandemic? Is there any coping mechanism you’d recommend (or NOT recommend)?
Chad Morgan: These days, we watch videos while relaxing in the hot tub. We bought it about a year ago and had no idea how much we’d come to appreciate it now that we have nowhere we can go.
Alexis: That sounds so nice and relaxing! I’d love a hot tub, but it’d probably just be a death trap for my crazy monkey toddler.
What do you like to do other than read or write? Do you have any interesting hobbies?Chad Morgan: The Last Rite started life as an animated series. The series turned out to be too much for me to do by myself with my meager resources, but I still try to get the scenes rendered and animated when I have time. Otherwise, I’m experimenting with building games in the Unreal Engine, which is what I use for my day job. I had created my own endless runner in Unreal based on The Last Rite.
Tell us about a mystery/urban legend from your hometown (or another place you’ve lived).Chad Morgan: My stepmother used to tell me ghost stories from when she was a kid growing up in Brawley, CA, mostly about the irrigation canals that ran through the area. I remember one story she shared with me was about when one of her siblings would come running into her room at night terrified that there was a giant hand waving at him out in the canals. My stepmother was never a timid person and didn’t buy the story of a giant ghost hand, but when her sibling took her to the window, there was indeed what looked like a giant hand in the darkness, beckoning for them to join it. The police were notified, and the truth was no less creepy – the “giant hand” was the decayed body of some poor person who had fallen into and drowned in the canal, the waving illusion caused by the body bobbing up and down in the water.
What TV shows/Movies do you like to watch or stream?Chad Morgan: I decided to give Shudder a try and have been watching NOS4A2, which I’m enjoying. One of my all-time favorite series is Farscape, and my son and I recently finished binge-watching Community.
I also watched Steve Carell’s Space Force. When I first hear this was coming out, I was pissed. I was about two thirds through writing what I was at the time calling Space Force, and here come’s Steve Carell and steal’s the name! Okay, fine, I guess I can have a book named Space Force and he can have his series named Space Force . . . and then someone else publishes a book called Space Force! I was pulling my hair out. I renamed my book Intergalactic Space Force (it’s like the Space Force, but more bigly) and gave Steve Carell nasty looks whenever he popped on television to promote his new show. But I gave it a shot, and even though the critics didn’t like it, I thought it was really funny. Now I like to think of it as an unintended prequel to my book.
Alexis: I’ve just finished watching Space Force, and I thought it was hilarious! I loved the way they got some aspects of military culture spot on, and I though both Steve Carell and John Malkovich were a joy to watch. If it’s at all like your book, I think it could be great marketing for you:)
What’s your favorite animal?Chad Morgan: Other than dogs, I’ve always been a fan of dolphins. I think they’re beautiful animals.
Do you like playing video games? What’s your favorite game right now? Has a video game ever influenced you as a writer?Chad Morgan: When I have time. I was enjoying Doom Eternal until I got stuck on a level. I’ve also enjoyed the Mass Effect series, Horizon : Zero Dawn, and Bendy and the Ink Machine.
In terms of influencing my writing, Silent Hill 2 was a huge influence when I started working on The Last Rite. The game is very atmospheric with a deep lore and unique monster design.
Alexis: I loved Mass Effect 2 and 3 (except for the ending). I find that games that really draw you in with rich characters and worlds can be a great inspiration for writing.
Do you like playing board games or role playing games like D&D? If so, which games do you like best?Chad Morgan: I do play D&D with a group of friends. These days we play online. My character is a half-orc rogue. I was going to make a gnomish barbarian, but we already had a gnome in the party (he’s actually a moss-covered kobalt, but the characters don’t know that). I recently got the base set for Battletech to try to teach my son how to play.
Do you have any pets?Chad Morgan: This is Annie. She was found on the streets of Los Angeles when she was a puppy and taken in by a dog rescue organization, and we adopted her.
Alexis: What a sweet doggie!
Annie, Chad Morgan’s adorable rescue dog! Doesn’t she look like a good girl?
What advice do you have for other writers or people just getting started in writing?
Chad Morgan: People are going to hate. People are going to tell you that you will fail. People will say they will support you, but their actions won’t match their words. It happens. Don’t let it get to you.
When I first applied to get into the games industry, friends thought I was crazy. Had one friend tell me straight out, he didn’t think I could pull it off. Now, I’ve been making video games for 20 years now.
When I wrote the scripts for The Last Rite, I couldn’t get anyone to read them, including my business partner in that venture. We got a cast together and started recording, all without my partner or anyone else reading and providing feedback on the scripts. Halfway through the recording session, my partner pulls me aside and tells me, “This is actually really good. I think it’s the best thing you’ve ever written.”
Let every person that tells you that you can’t do it be one more person you can prove wrong.
Alexis: Great advice! Writing can be tricky, and you have to let a ton of rejection/criticism slide off your back (though it never hurts to listen to thoughtful criticism when you feel ready to hear it).
How do you choose what books you want to read?Chad Morgan: I start with my favorite authors – Peter Clines, Scott Meyers, Barry J. Hutchenson, Carl Hiaasen, Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling). If I’ve read all of those, I start browsing the horror or sci-fi sections. I try to find interesting books from fellow indie and self-published authors – I like Stephen King, but he has enough money. If all else fails . . . fine, Mr. King, you get my money anyway.
Do you like Greek/Roman/Norse/Asian/African mythology or folklore? What’s your favorite myth?Chad Morgan: I’ve never gotten into mythology. Years ago, I tried to get through Joseph Campbell’s The Masks of God but never got too far with it.
If you write scifi, what technology or innovations or scientific discoveries have inspired your work?Chad Morgan: There’s a current theory that empty space can be compressed. It’s one possible explanation of the expansion phase after the Big Bang, where the early creation of the universe seemingly violates the speed of light and expands further than it should have given the time it took. The idea is that maybe space was decompressing, the way one would unpack a zip file on your computer. That led to my Compression Drives, because it’s kind of hard to have an Intergalactic Space Force if you can’t get around that whole can’t-go-faster-than-the-speed-of-light thing. The idea is that the ship doesn’t go much faster than a jet plane goes today – relatively. What happens is the space around it gets crunched so the space between two points becomes shorter.
Alexis: That’s an interesting way to address the physics problems with most FTL drives.
Learn More About Chad MorganBooks: The Last Rite and Intergalactic Space Force
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpectralInk
Sapience
Finding Joy in July
I think everyone in the country is having a tough time right now. More and more people in my state are being diagnosed with Covid 19, the hospitals are filling up, and it feels like there’s a horrible new video depicting racism and police brutality everyday. It’s been hard to see any sort of light at the end of the tunnel.
But I don’t think we should give up hope. We can do things to protect other people and ourselves. We can wear masks and stay home to stop the spread of Covid 19. I was encouraged that I saw so many people wearing masks the last time I went out (to the Tag agency). When I take my kids on walks around the neighborhood, people cheerily wave and cross the streets to physically distance. It’s hard, and I wish we could go back to normal, but at least for now, we have our health. We can also donate to organizations that are fighting to stop Covid 19, like Doctors Without Borders.
And I do think that there’s a greater awareness of systemic racism than I can remember ever seeing before. It’s hard to dismantle racism when you can’t see it. Now that so much attention is being brought to the way institutions discriminate and dehumanize people of color (as well as poor people, LGBTQ people, and other marginalized communities), I hope we can find real solutions to address these problems. I’m encouraged by some of the amazing ideas that so many people have, like this program to include social workers and paramedics on calls to people with mental health crises, instead of just the police. This helps people with mental health problems to get the help they need, instead of just having them tasered or arrested or otherwise treated like criminals. What we need to do now is to elect officials who will do the right things and enact good anti-racist policies. And of course, hold politicians and police accountable when they harm innocent people like Elijah McClain.
Bunnies!In terms of finding joy, I’ve come to love watching the local wildlife in my neighborhood. So imagine how excited I was when I noticed a bunny digging a little nest in my thyme pot. It started when I noticed the little hole the bunny had been digging, which she’d lined with fur. I thought it must be a nest, but I didn’t see any babies in there, so I wasn’t sure if she was just using it to keep warm at night (or honestly, whether she was a female bunny at all—I don’t think there’s a good way to tell gender on wild bunnies). Then I saw the bunny in my thyme pot, and managed to snap a couple of pictures. I couldn’t tell what she was doing, but I suspected that she was doing baby-type things.
A few days later, I saw movement coming from the bunny’s nest, and then a couple of teeny little bunny ears and adorable little paws. Sure enough, there are baby bunnies in my thyme pot. I don’t have a picture of them because I didn’t want to disturb them too much, but I hope I can get some cute pics once they’re bigger and maybe hoping around my garden a little more. I’m just so amazed to see something like this, and it’s been a very joyful experience.
Update: The baby bunnies came out of their little burrow in the pot for the first time today, and I got a couple of pictures! They’re just adorable!
Yellow-Crowned Night Herons
In addition to having baby bunnies in my herb garden, I’m also excited that my neighborhood has a nest of yellow-crowned night herons living in my neighbor’s trees. There are at least two baby herons in addition to the parent birds, and it’s been a thrill watching them grow up. I’ve often seen the young birds (which are pretty large, though their coloring makes them hard to spot) both on their nest and walking around near their trees.
Book News
If you’re looking for books to read, I’m hosting some of my largest Story Origins Online Book Fairs ever. Right now there are over 90 books in my Fantasy and Sci-Fi in July Kindle Unlimited Book Fair. If you’re looking for books on sale, you can also check out the July Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Sale and All for Less Than a Pair of Socks. And if you’re looking for some free short stories, you can also check out the Summer Reading—Science Fiction and Fantasy Giveaway!
It’s also been exciting to read all the interviews that my fellow science fiction and fantasy writers have shared with me! Many of them are fascinating people, and I hope that you’ll read some of the interviews, especially if you’re looking for a new author to try out. Reading is probably one of the safest and most relaxing things we can all do right now.
Cat Pics!Of course, if we want to find a little joy and comfort, we can give our pets a good snuggle or look at pictures of how cute they are! Here are some of my cat pics.
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