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Without giving the question much thought, the first song that came to mind was "End of the World" by R.E.M. It has historical references, and I like the pacing.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.
