7 Deadly Questions w/ author Steve Umstead

1. In your debut sci-fi thriller Gabriel's Redemption you introduce readers to the character of Evan Gabriel, a futuristic Naval Commander with an unsettled past and a chip on his shoulder. What was your inspiration for this gritty hero?

It's funny, as the main character wasn't inspired by one particular individual – or any individual at all. The opening scene is one I've had in my head for years, way back to my high school years messing around with pen and paper. When I finally got the motivation to sit down and create a full novel using that opening scene, the character grew exponentially out of that one specific scene. The troubled past, the family memories, the uncertain future, all came out of that first scene. Now don't get me wrong, it's not a slam-bang things-blowing-up breathtaking open, but I felt it had a great depth in showing who Evan Gabriel was, and the rest of the story flowed from there.

As an aside, my younger son's name is Evan, and while I don't want to reveal anything else about the book's plot or twists, a couple other family names figure into the characters. However I certainly can't say my 10 year old was the inspiration for a dishonorably discharged Special Forces soldier!

2. When writing Gabriel's Redemption did you feel bound by current known and accepted rules of science or did you turn your imagination loose on the what if's?

Actually yes, I do feel bound by actual science to some extent. I'm a big fan of the near-to-mid future settings in books I read; the military feel, the newly-explored planets, realistic ships and propulsion, weapons and tech that are naturally (in my opinion) derived from existing technologies. So obviously that translates to what I like to write. I like the fact that a layman (or laywoman) can pick up the story and not be overwhelmed or bombarded by overly-complex systems, and someone who normally reads outside the science fiction genre (including my wife!) can still enjoy the story. I suppose the story has something for everyone; some so-called "hard" science fiction (with some theoretical technologies and genetics) for the die-hards, and near-future, perhaps more "realistic" scenes (settings here on Earth and within the solar system). Think Avatar more so than Star Wars in terms of science and technology.

3. I understand Gabriel's Redemption has received some official acknowledgment. Talk to me about making it through to the second round of Amazon's Breakthrough Novel Contest.

I was floored when I read the listings of the first round qualifiers a few weeks ago. I had only heard about the ABNA in passing back in early January when the novel was still undergoing edits, and I thought it would be fun to enter. At the very least, it gave me a deadline to complete the edits! As the weeks went on, I chatted with more and more fellow authors who had submitted work, and quite honestly I wasn't holding out any hope. I mean, I had literally just finished my first full-length novel – how could Amazon possibly pass that on to the next round? Seeing Gabriel's Redemption listed on the announcement page was quite a thrill. I'm glad to see the judges recognized top quality work! (tongue in cheek)

4. I have to ask which side of the hotly contested battle you fall – Star Wars or Star Trek, and why?

Easy answer – Star Wars, hands down. Sure, that may raise some hackles in the science fiction community, but I saw Star Wars (still far and away my favorite movie of all time) as a seven year old, and it literally changed my life. From that age on I was fascinated with space travel, astronomy, science fiction. I still to this day think Han Solo is the coolest cat in the galaxy. My first memories of Star Trek are watching reruns in college; the early ones are fun, but campy. That being said, the most recent 2009 reboot movie was fantastic. I just think Star Wars, and George Lucas, got the technology right (if right would be the proper word) more than Star Trek (let the flaming from Trekkies begin).

5. Rumor has it you are up to your elbows in writing the next installment in the Evan Gabriel trilogy. What can you share with readers about where the story will take them?

Ah, can't reveal too much! I think I'm about to the upper biceps right now. The biggest I can give away is that Evan Gabriel does NOT die at the end of Gabriel's Redemption. I can give you a sneak preview – the next in the trilogy will be titled Gabriel's Return, and it involves just that, a return. Gabriel is drawn back into a past location for a new mission, and memories that haunt him will make this new mission perhaps the most difficult he's ever had. Most of the characters from Gabriel's Redemption will of course be joining him – what are friends for if not to help each other out? And of course, being part of the same Gabriel trilogy universe, political intrigue and plot twists will be involved…

6. When, not if, they launch the Evan Gabriel movie franchise, which actor would you like to see portray Evan Gabriel?

Wow, thank you for the not-so-subtle compliment! That's certainly not anywhere near my radar range; I'm just enjoying telling a tale and having others enjoy reading it. Movie franchise – now that you say that, it makes me think of my writing techniques. I write scene-by-scene, visualizing small chunks of the story in my head and then plugging them into text on the screen, shifting scenes around where needed. I write like I imagine, and that's probably why some people have told me that the book reads like a script, or felt like they were watching an action-science fiction movie.

Anyway, back to the question at hand. While I'd love to blurt out, "Harrison Ford!" (think about it – he played Han Solo, Indiana Jones, Jack Ryan, and the President of the United States – can he get any cooler?), he'd be slightly on the wrong side of 35. I just recently put up a bio page for Evan Gabriel on my blog (steveumstead.com/bio-of-evan-gabriel), and if you take a quick peek you'll see a headshot of an actor I used for motivation while writing (I use Scrivener to write, and it has built-in character worksheets with the ability to import a photo to help better visualize the character). That actor is David Paetkau, who plays Sam Braddock, a SWAT-type police officer in the little-known CBS drama Flashpoint. I always thought of that character as being similar to how I envisioned Evan Gabriel (looks, attitude, checkered past), so if Mr. Paetkau is available in a couple of years, perhaps I'll have a three movie contract to offer him. (Now that I write this, maybe Paetkau influenced Gabriel more than I realized?)

7. Where can readers go to learn more about you?

I'm still stumbling across more and more outlets where authors can show their wares and network with other authors. I think at last count, I had TEN different "landing pages" where my information could be found. At this point, the best and most efficient way to find me or my work would be my blog (www.SteveUmstead.com); there you'll find links to me on Twitter, Facebook, GoodReads, Independent Author Network, as well as links where to find Gabriel's Redemption in ebook format for Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Sony Reader, iPad, and more. It's a great big busy world out there!

CLICK HERE read my official review of Gabriel's Redemption.

About Steve

Steve Umstead has been the owner of a Caribbean & Mexico travel company for the past ten years, but never forgot his lifelong dream of becoming an author. After a successful stab at National Novel Writing Month, he decided to pursue his dream more vigorously…but hasn't given up the traveling.

Steve lives in scenic (tongue-in-cheek) New Jersey with his wife, two kids, and several bookshelves full of other authors' science fiction novels. Gabriel's Redemption is his debut novel.