Just for Fun Friday: In Conversation with Author Jon McBrine

Can I get Franc? (Cabernet, that is.) Just for Fun Friday: Independence Day...

Just for Fun Friday: In Conversation with Author Jon McBrine

As an author drawn to superhero sci-fi aimed at young adult readers, Jon McBrine adds a unique spin on coming-of-age stories – by adding superpowers, snarky villains, and big robot fights. Focused on pure fun and adventure, Jon also showcases the people under the mask (and spandex).

In Conversation With Jon McBrine

Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with author Jon McBrine. Thanks for dropping by. Can I offer you anything to drink?

I’m good, I don’t need anything, but thank you, though. and thank you for having me!

I read that you live in Texas. Is everything really that big there or is it just a way to dupe tourist into coming?

What I can say is that a lot of people drive large trucks and there are plenty of restaurants that serve large portions. Saying that, though, a recent trip to Philadelphia saw some way bigger meals than I’ve seen here.

How are you finding the Substack experience? I started one but haven’t been able to get much traction.

It’s like any other app, it’s yet another thing to manage and nurture. It’s a grind unto itself, but I do like how easy it is to use and how recognizable it is. I’ve considered only having my blog on my site, but Substack at least provides the chance of a wider outreach.

What got you into science fiction?

I’m the youngest of three siblings and we, of course, love all things sci-fi, and my parents were fans of different sci-fi films and television, so in a way, I feel like I was born into it. Science fiction has been a presence throughout my entire life in numerous forms.

What authors influenced you?

In middle school and high school I read some superhero novelizations written by Greg Cox, as well as Elliot S! Maggin, Chuck Dixon, a lot of the comic book guys.

What was the first book you published?

The first ever release was a short story eBook called The Supervillain’s Oath. What’s neat about that is that it was written as a prequel to my full-length novel, which I had completed writing some time before. So, to me, “Oath” feels like the prequel it was designed to be, but it is “officially” my very first publication.

Did you plan on Eric Icarus being a series?

Eric Icarus books one and two are out now and it is planned as a five book series.

I see that you do your own cover art? Have you always been an artist?

I have been drawing since I was a kid and much later as an adult, I earned my degree in graphic design. Creating the books has been an amazing way to focus my creative interests in one project.

What music do you like to listen to and do you have any favorite bands/artists?

As I get a little older, I can appreciate more genres, but metal will always be what I gravitate back to. From thrash bands like Megadeth, hardcore like Terror, and so many others like Lamb of God. For newer acts, I’ve been enjoying the likes of Turnstile and Sweet Pill.

Many great bands has come out of Texas. Which ones are your favorites and which ones do you wish never made it out?

There is no shortage of country music bands from here, and there are a lot I like, but some of the more contemporary more R&B/dance/Hip Hop country fusion bands aren’t my favorites. If more of those sounded like the opening credits of the show Justified, then that’s a different story because that song is a banger.

Get ready for the lightning round!
Ever been told you look like someone and is so, who?
When I was a bit younger people would say I looked like the “Can You Hear Me Now?” commercial guy.
Best river that’s not the Rio Grande?
The Brazos, of course.
Armadillo. Fan or not?
I can’t say I’m a “fan” of armadillos, but I have nothing against them.
Favorite city?
Dallas because it’s the general area where I live.
Move beautiful place you have stood?
White Sands, NM
Scariest animal you have encountered?
Snakes of any kind.

This has been a pleasure. Thanks for chatting. Any links you want to share?

https://jonmcbrine.com

-Leon

Euphrates Vanished (Kindle/KU)A Matter of Sabotage (Kindle/KU)

Don’t feel like buying the book? How about reviewing for free?

Sci-fi not your thing?

Try my two poetry collections: Lines by Leon and A Wonder of Words

Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words, and his latest sci-fi mystery, Euphrates Vanished.

My new book page: http://books.linesbyleon.com/