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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Forbidden Captive (Legends & Predators Book 1)?

The greatest betrayal can come from someone you love—but what if they share your DNA? What if you’ve known them for years, or all your life? How does one recover from such a thing? I wanted to write a story that portrays that, despite such a great betrayal, others will reach out a hand and show that they love and care for you.

I feel that I must write this story because of my own life experiences. I feel that I must write this story for those who have been betrayed by those closest to them. Many of those relationships never return to what they once were, or they are left behind altogether. As a result, many don’t know how to cope and move on from such harsh disloyalty, deception, heartbreak, and treachery. I must write this particular story to highlight that we can come back from such things.

Additionally, what if the person you thought was your enemy turns out to be the one most loyal to you? How do you come to trust them, let them in, and allow them to get close? No matter what, try not to judge.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Forbidden Captive (Legends & Predators Book 1), what would they be?

The Heat by The Score.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

As a writer, I lean into fantasy or horror because of my love for all things creepy. As a reader, I enjoy a little bit of everything when it comes to fiction. Give me that steamy, forbidden romance, give me vampires, or even the young, lovey-dovey stuff with all the twists and turns!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

A lot of romantasy and contemporary romance is on my TBR pile. I’m a book dragon, so I collect plenty of books and choose what to read based on my mood.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The beginning! I love Riker and Zyra’s first encounter.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I have to have a fun drink, a blanket, and a lit candle. Music is also usually a must!

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

"Write without fear, edit without mercy." It’s a difficult quote to live by, but I try my best!

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I’d definitely keep the family betrayal plot twist in mind for the prequel 🙂

 

Ashley Earley is the author of the new book Forbidden Captive (Legends & Predators Book 1)

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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Try Not to Die: In Roswell and Beyond?

I have always wanted to return to a story filled with all the sci-fi references from my youth. The first draft of my first published novel, Night of the Living Trekkies, was packed with jokes, puns, and nods to every sci-fi or fantasy franchise from the '60s, '70s, and '80s you can think of. But the editors at Quick Publishing decided we needed to scale back the references and focus mostly on Star Trek and Star Wars, with a few others sprinkled in.

I’m very proud of the novel we created, but the desire to craft a story that captures all the pop-culture magic of a 1980s version of Comic-Con has stayed with me. So when Mark asked me to pitch an idea, the first thing that came to mind was TNTD in Roswell, inspired by one of my favorite sci-fi movies, The Last Starfighter (1984).

The story in TNTD in Roswell and Beyond differs greatly from my beloved Starfighter sci-fi comfort movie, but there are some parallels and key references. I hope readers experience plenty of aha moments and enjoy spotting all the subtle—and not-so-subtle—shout-outs to the sci-fi I grew up on.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Try Not to Die: In Roswell and Beyond, what would they be?

Without giving the question much thought, the first song that came to mind was "End of the World" by R.E.M. It has historical references, and I like the pacing. But after some reflection, I think if there were a movie or book trailer for TNTD in Roswell, the song "Major Tom" by Peter Schilling (1982) would be a better choice. It comes from the right time in my youth, when all these sci-fi franchises were fresh in my mind, and it fits the story—because, in the end, it’s really about two young men just trying to get home.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I enjoy reading biographies and horror, with horror being at the top of the list. I would never write a biography or, God forbid, a memoir. No one should read about my life—I get drowsy just thinking about it. But I really do enjoy writing horror, first and foremost.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’m looking forward to reading Joe R. Lansdale’s new book, Hatchet Girls, and the next TNTD book, TNTD with Satan Inside. Both sound like a really good time. I also have John Penny’s Truck Stop ready to go when I find the time.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Any scene with quick back-and-forth dialogue—snappy, funny, a little insulting—that’s always me having fun. I usually giggle as I write, which probably looks weird or slightly psychotic to the outside world. There was one scene I wrote that really took over the story for a moment and was a ton of fun to write. It takes place in the temple, and even as I wrote it, it felt unnecessary, but I couldn’t stop. Afterward, I even tried to convince Mark to take it out, but he said it was one of his favorites, so it stayed. So if you get to that part in the book and don’t like it, remember—it’s totally Mark’s fault.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

For the most part, no. In fact, writing habits or routines are something I’ve never been able to stick with—I’d probably have a much bigger body of work if I did. But I do have one quirk: when I write, I listen to only two sets of music in the background. Holiday music from the Peanuts specials by the Vince Guaraldi Trio—usually for editing, revising, and other writing business—and, for writing, the soundtrack to Blade Runner. Ninety percent of the time when I was working on TNTD in Roswell and Beyond, Blade Runner and other film music by Vangelis were playing in the background of the scenes.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“Do unto others, then run!” – Benny Hill. I also have a fondness for “No good deed ever goes unpunished” and Oscar Wilde’s “A good friend will always stab you in the front.”

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

If I could have just one thing for readers to remember, it would be this: having an interstellar fish thrust inside your ear canal isn’t the worst thing that could be inserted into your body. If I could have two things, I’d also want readers to remember that when you’re doing something you’re not supposed to be doing, always look like you belong—and be one with the cantaloupes.

 

Kevin David Anderson is the author of the new book Try Not to Die: In Roswell and Beyond

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