What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Metatalta, Daggered Wings?
There was a time when I read a book a night. All the old sci-fi novels from the 60s, 70's & 80's. I really wanted to write, using my life's experiences and aspirations, a series that would endure and inspire generations of future readers and dreamers like the great authors of the past did for me.
I’m a Bio-medical engineer, former Marine officer, and aerospace engineer with experience developing the B-2 bomber and the F-22 fighter. After my time in aerospace, I started a company that designed, built and operated flight simulation facilities for the general public. The most notable of which was Fightertown, located in southern California. I also wrote and developed several flight simulation games before pursuing full time that which I believe I was put on Earth to do – tell stories. Wanting to walk a wire without a net, I ridded myself of every procession. And after eight years of sleeping in garages and on couches finally – Metatalta, Daggered Wings.
The above information is not, in any way, to extol passed accomplishments – far from it. Someone who owns nothing and has absolutely no social life, save for conversations with fictitious characters, is in no position to do such. But it is offers merely as a footnote - possible evidence of life experiences - that might contribute to the success of a military based science fiction novel.
As for the book itself, though it was not born from any conscious decision, elements of Dune and Star Wars are easily recognizable. Also, like Star Wars, with Luke, Leia, and Han, or even Harry Potter, with Harry, Ron, and Herminie—Metatalta follows the adventures of Sam, Bo, and AJ.
The book cover was created by legendary sci-fi artist, Peter Andrew Jones. It is his first cover in over thirty years! What made him agree to design a new book cover now?
Here's what Peter said after reading an early manuscript:
"Receiving you’re your story, I thought I’d just sift through it, give it a once-over, because I needed to get on with stuff, but instead... I just had to read it right through to the end. And I can truthfully say, as I read through it, I felt I was 21 again, visualizing my first E.E. Doc Smith cover, transported back to my London studio the mid-1970s. Obviously, I react to things from a visual perspective, being an artist, and it did, to me, what those 70s books did. So... the point I am making is, if it was your intention to write a 70s style SF book – you cracked it - 100%. Well, for me, it did anyway. It reads like fun, enthusiasm, and I assume, created with passion. Of course, I admit, I'm totally biased, because it conjured up memories for me, of unfettered creativity."
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Metatalta, Daggered Wings, what would they be?
For Sam & Bo - 'Somewhere' (Westside Story).
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
All types of science fiction and select fantasy books (Harry Potter, Wizard of OZ).
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
New cadets traveling from the Star Corp debarkation center to the orbiting Officer Evaluation school. It was drawn from an experience I had while in the Marine Corps.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Believing is Seeing.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Friendship and loyalty out last time itself. And an understanding that the little things that make us different, pale to the things where in we are bound together.
David E. Kinney is the author of the new book Metatalta, Daggered Wings
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