Virginia L. Jennings and The Alien Mind
Hey guys, meet Virginia L. Jennings, author, good friend, and moderator of the Facebook page, Where Writers and Authors Meet: http://www.facebook.com/groups/wherewritersandauthorsmeet/. Her mission is to help other writers and give them a forum to chat about their issues, problems, restraining orders, whatever. She's also a real Renaissance gal. She wrote her middle grade sci-fi epic, The Alien Mind AND illustrated it. Plus, she wrote and published two books while she was still in diapers. Well, not really, but what, Virginia? 18 years old. I had some burning questions for my pal, Virginia. Here they come.
What age range are you writing for, Virginia?Typically I prefer to write for the 4th-8th grade demographic. It has always been a challenge to me to find science fiction books, other than the short star wars novellas, that children of this age range would enjoy. So I set out to write a book that I would have enjoyed reading at that age.
Do you feel kids that age are capable of comprehending the complex multi-world view you’re portraying?
I believe children are capable of comprehending almost anything if only we can find a different way to explain it. When I set out to write this book I did not want the reader to feel overwhelmed by a large amount of techno mumbo jumbo while still being able to enjoy pondering the abstract concepts that were being described in the book.
It’s a clichéd question, but what truly inspired you to write your novel? The answers you can NOT give are “your children” or a “dream.” Sorry, my rules. Your rules made me chuckle! But no, this story was not inspired by a dream or my children. I did not have any children when I started writing this book. I was really into watching the new Enterprise television series at the time. I wanted to write a science fiction book that could be as enjoyable as star trek without having to live within the confines of that star trek universe. I also wanted to write a book using a realistic theory of space travel. I went to my local library and dived into some quantum physics books to try to find some theories on space travel that I might be able to turn into an idea. One idea blossomed into another and I was off writing again. Another thing that was important to me, was to write an inspiration to others to never give up and to always try to learn and try to succeed even when things look impossible. Which is why my characters have learned to manipulate the laws of physics, not by genetics or a chemical disaster, but by the traditional method of learning and training.
The alien race, the Aruk, are quite interesting. How do you truly see them? Are they evil? Or just doing what’s natural to them? Do you empathize with them?Good question! I did not originally plan for them to be this way but the Aruk and the Aunantet end up becoming parallels to the two sides of humanity, the conquers and 'big shots' vs. the helpers and teachers. The Aruk are not pure evil incarnate, they have simply allowed their power to go to their heads. The Aunantet as a species have developed this ability to use their minds to their full potential, which gives them power over sickness, over the elements, and over even the laws of physics. They are not gods, they do still have limitations and flaws. The Aruk, however, are a separatist faction of the Aunantet who believe that they are better than the other species in the galaxy because of their abilities, knowledge, and power. Therefore they have decided that it would be best if they were in control.
This is something that can naturally happen to any living thing, humans do it, animals in the wild do it. It should follow then that aliens would have this flaw to grapple with too! I empathize with them in so much that I understand what it feels like to be pretty good at something and want to take over doing a task because you feel that you could do it better, and yet you still feel threatened when someone else comes along that sounds like they might be just as good as you are. It is in our human nature. One of my favorite aspects of writing is being able to analyze human nature and portray it from an objective point of view.
My favorite parts of the book are the earthbound scenes between Rivinaig and Daniel. They ring true and are sweet. Any basis in truth?No I never dated an alien.
Seriously though, no the scenes in the book are not based on true scenes in any shape or form. However they are based on what I looked for in a friend (and later in life a husband). I looked for someone who was not afraid to be themselves even in moments of weakness. Someone who could be brave and bold when necessary, and still just an every day person all other times. I looked for friends who were 'real' people, not those who were part of the 'perfect' crowd. I wanted to build for Rivi a lasting friendship with someone who accepted her, as we all want to be accepted for who we are.
Without giving anything away, um, there’s no romance! Not that I’m a romantic guy or anything, but I almost thought you were setting us up for that. So, what’s up with THAT?There is no blatant romance because Rivi, in the book, is going through way more than any kid her age would have to go through (being abducted and all). Another issue I grappled with is that most normal kids of Rivi's age are not ready to be delving into the life long decision making issues that having a romantic relationship brings. I just thought it would make more sense for her to have other things on her mind than relationships on that level. So I decided to leave that out of the story.
However, that is not to say that a romantic relationship is not budding there-
Good, 'cause I'm a Rivi-Daniel shipper. Just don't tell anyone, 'kay? You wrote a moving middle-grade book AND supplied your own accompanying artwork. From your bio I read online, you’ve had two books published by the age of eighteen. I’m envious and furious. I don’t know whether to congratulate you, cyber-hug you, or pay someone to have your knee-caps busted ‘cause I’m so jealous. This isn’t a question. Just let me fume in silence for a while.Lol- you can fume away ;) I totally understand! The publishing world does not make sense.
Have you had any “proper” education in writing or art?When I started writing Visionary From The Stars and The Alien Mind I had only a middle school education under my belt. Since then, I have completed a few screenwriting and storytelling college courses, as well as English and science courses. I completed a year and a half (I think) of my associates in screenwriting with the Academy of Art before I decided I would rather become a middle grade science teacher and inspire the next generation of kids with science. I had a year left on my bachelors in education/science before life got in the way. I would like to return in the future, but we shall see where life takes me.
In our screenwriting courses we were taught how to set up scenes and how to take still photos. However, everything I know about the art of illustrating has been self taught.
What’re you writing next? I hope a sequel to The Alien Mind. This time, give us some romance. I know. I'm sounding kinda' chick-flickish, aren't I?I am not entirely certain that the sequel will be the next project to begin spilling its way from my mind to my fingers. I DO have plans for a sequel to The Alien Mind which will probably call for more romance than what you see in this first book. However, right now there is a story that I call The Sword Of The White Knight that I am working on in my mind. You can find out more about that one in my blog. It keeps begging for my attention so it may be the next one in line as I tend to go where my muse takes me. I will say this though, if enough people really want a sequel fast my muse can often be easily persuaded. ;)
http://www.amazon.com/Alien-Mind-Virginia-Lori-Jennings/dp/1480111562/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358048895&sr=1-1&keywords=virginia+jennings+alien+mind%5DThanks, Virginia! Check out her heart-felt book, guys.
What age range are you writing for, Virginia?Typically I prefer to write for the 4th-8th grade demographic. It has always been a challenge to me to find science fiction books, other than the short star wars novellas, that children of this age range would enjoy. So I set out to write a book that I would have enjoyed reading at that age.
Do you feel kids that age are capable of comprehending the complex multi-world view you’re portraying?
I believe children are capable of comprehending almost anything if only we can find a different way to explain it. When I set out to write this book I did not want the reader to feel overwhelmed by a large amount of techno mumbo jumbo while still being able to enjoy pondering the abstract concepts that were being described in the book.
It’s a clichéd question, but what truly inspired you to write your novel? The answers you can NOT give are “your children” or a “dream.” Sorry, my rules. Your rules made me chuckle! But no, this story was not inspired by a dream or my children. I did not have any children when I started writing this book. I was really into watching the new Enterprise television series at the time. I wanted to write a science fiction book that could be as enjoyable as star trek without having to live within the confines of that star trek universe. I also wanted to write a book using a realistic theory of space travel. I went to my local library and dived into some quantum physics books to try to find some theories on space travel that I might be able to turn into an idea. One idea blossomed into another and I was off writing again. Another thing that was important to me, was to write an inspiration to others to never give up and to always try to learn and try to succeed even when things look impossible. Which is why my characters have learned to manipulate the laws of physics, not by genetics or a chemical disaster, but by the traditional method of learning and training.
The alien race, the Aruk, are quite interesting. How do you truly see them? Are they evil? Or just doing what’s natural to them? Do you empathize with them?Good question! I did not originally plan for them to be this way but the Aruk and the Aunantet end up becoming parallels to the two sides of humanity, the conquers and 'big shots' vs. the helpers and teachers. The Aruk are not pure evil incarnate, they have simply allowed their power to go to their heads. The Aunantet as a species have developed this ability to use their minds to their full potential, which gives them power over sickness, over the elements, and over even the laws of physics. They are not gods, they do still have limitations and flaws. The Aruk, however, are a separatist faction of the Aunantet who believe that they are better than the other species in the galaxy because of their abilities, knowledge, and power. Therefore they have decided that it would be best if they were in control.
This is something that can naturally happen to any living thing, humans do it, animals in the wild do it. It should follow then that aliens would have this flaw to grapple with too! I empathize with them in so much that I understand what it feels like to be pretty good at something and want to take over doing a task because you feel that you could do it better, and yet you still feel threatened when someone else comes along that sounds like they might be just as good as you are. It is in our human nature. One of my favorite aspects of writing is being able to analyze human nature and portray it from an objective point of view.
My favorite parts of the book are the earthbound scenes between Rivinaig and Daniel. They ring true and are sweet. Any basis in truth?No I never dated an alien.
Seriously though, no the scenes in the book are not based on true scenes in any shape or form. However they are based on what I looked for in a friend (and later in life a husband). I looked for someone who was not afraid to be themselves even in moments of weakness. Someone who could be brave and bold when necessary, and still just an every day person all other times. I looked for friends who were 'real' people, not those who were part of the 'perfect' crowd. I wanted to build for Rivi a lasting friendship with someone who accepted her, as we all want to be accepted for who we are.
Without giving anything away, um, there’s no romance! Not that I’m a romantic guy or anything, but I almost thought you were setting us up for that. So, what’s up with THAT?There is no blatant romance because Rivi, in the book, is going through way more than any kid her age would have to go through (being abducted and all). Another issue I grappled with is that most normal kids of Rivi's age are not ready to be delving into the life long decision making issues that having a romantic relationship brings. I just thought it would make more sense for her to have other things on her mind than relationships on that level. So I decided to leave that out of the story.
However, that is not to say that a romantic relationship is not budding there-
Good, 'cause I'm a Rivi-Daniel shipper. Just don't tell anyone, 'kay? You wrote a moving middle-grade book AND supplied your own accompanying artwork. From your bio I read online, you’ve had two books published by the age of eighteen. I’m envious and furious. I don’t know whether to congratulate you, cyber-hug you, or pay someone to have your knee-caps busted ‘cause I’m so jealous. This isn’t a question. Just let me fume in silence for a while.Lol- you can fume away ;) I totally understand! The publishing world does not make sense.
Have you had any “proper” education in writing or art?When I started writing Visionary From The Stars and The Alien Mind I had only a middle school education under my belt. Since then, I have completed a few screenwriting and storytelling college courses, as well as English and science courses. I completed a year and a half (I think) of my associates in screenwriting with the Academy of Art before I decided I would rather become a middle grade science teacher and inspire the next generation of kids with science. I had a year left on my bachelors in education/science before life got in the way. I would like to return in the future, but we shall see where life takes me.
In our screenwriting courses we were taught how to set up scenes and how to take still photos. However, everything I know about the art of illustrating has been self taught.
What’re you writing next? I hope a sequel to The Alien Mind. This time, give us some romance. I know. I'm sounding kinda' chick-flickish, aren't I?I am not entirely certain that the sequel will be the next project to begin spilling its way from my mind to my fingers. I DO have plans for a sequel to The Alien Mind which will probably call for more romance than what you see in this first book. However, right now there is a story that I call The Sword Of The White Knight that I am working on in my mind. You can find out more about that one in my blog. It keeps begging for my attention so it may be the next one in line as I tend to go where my muse takes me. I will say this though, if enough people really want a sequel fast my muse can often be easily persuaded. ;)
http://www.amazon.com/Alien-Mind-Virginia-Lori-Jennings/dp/1480111562/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358048895&sr=1-1&keywords=virginia+jennings+alien+mind%5DThanks, Virginia! Check out her heart-felt book, guys.
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