What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
I like sci-fi, but I could never find books or movies that also had emotional stories focusing on the people involved. It was always about the big picture. So I wrote a story that shows the viewpoints of the people affected by the big events. All my characters have a role in these events, but they’re part of the team.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
Marcus – “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi; Jana – “Dreaming of You” by Selena; Mira and Galon – “Love in the First Degree” by Alabama; Gauntlet – “Mr. Roboto” by Styx; Aurelianus – “Mony Mony” by Billy Idol; Marla – “What Kind of Love Is This” by Streetheart; Darla – “Truly Madly Deeply” by Savage Garden; Carla – “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon; Daisy – “Girls’ Night Out” by Toronto; Riya – “As Long as You Love Me” by Backstreet Boys; Kristi – “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor; Eesa, Ewen, Fraser, and Caelius – “I’se the B’y” by Great Big Sea.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Sci-fi and sci-fi.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Rereading the Galactic Centre Saga by Gregory Benford.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
That’s a really hard question. If I have to pick one, it’s after the second battle, where the “last chance to dance” tradition begins.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
My cat sat in my lap when I was writing my first draft, but I moved and had to leave him with my son.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
Live for today, plan for tomorrow.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
You don't have to be at the top of the command chain to have an impact on the big events.
Ron Bennett is the author of the new book Run And Hide (Empire Series Book 1)
