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What can you tell us about your new release, The Living Reminder?

Each book in my Neuphobes Series explores different aspects as to how extraterrestrials have influenced mankind during the past millennia. My latest release in this Series, The Living Reminder, explores humanity’s final chapter as to just where the catastrophic conclusion of alien intervention inevitably leads. Elijah, my protagonist, had long ago been chosen to be the Living Reminder, and my book establishes the reasoning behind this as well as humanity’s bizarre acceptance to its annihilation. Befriending extraterrestrials, after their being released from imprisonment within the Earth, Elijah and the aliens inevitably learn from one another during their journey across the universe, growing spiritually while absolving the other of past sins.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I was inspired to becoming an author back when I was young. Whenever I read a book--especially science fiction--I would always find myself pondering changes to the story line. I had my own sense as to how the plot should unfold, how the aliens should look and behave. I incorporated that thinking into what I remembered from high school, an English class where the teacher analyzed short stories; dissecting them, extracting the theme, humanitarian travails she felt the author strived to convey. I found it all very interesting and something I wanted to do myself. And so I have.

What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?

Childhood’s End, Arthur C. Clarke
The Stand, Steven King
War of the Worlds, H G Wells
Fantastic Voyage, Isaac Asimov
Journey to the Center of the Earth, Jules Verne

Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask

If I were to host a literary talk show, I would definitely want to interview Jules Verne. Having lived nearly two centuries ago, I would ask about his childhood, and just what experiences he had during those years that inspired his writing. I’ve always felt things that have touched your life during childhood fuel your imagination--yet back in his days I would think there were not that many to do such.

What's your favorite thing about writing?

My favorite thing about writing is the evolution of the story. At first it is just a concept, an outline. But as you work on it, put it aside to think about it, then go back and work on it more and more, it evolves into something phenomenal. Writing is something you can work on even when you’re not sitting in front of the computer. I tend to carry around the story with me (in my head) during most of my waking hours. Many times I find myself jotting down notes when I’m in the midst of doing other things. Yes, I am a daydreamer.

What is a typical day like for you?

My typical day consists of waking up before sunrise, making myself coffee, then watching about an hour of television: news, financial stuff, old westerns. I’m a channel surfer. I then make my way into my study (Thought Chamber, I like to call it) and troll around on the Internet for a bit. After that, I get serious and pick up on where I left off the following evening with whatever project I’m currently working on. I’ll write for a couple hours, then go and have breakfast, do some chores around the house, around the yard, run errands out to stores here and there--all this happening usually before lunch. This leaves the remainder of my day, into the evening, open for my writing. Depending on how far I am into a project, what point I’m at either developing plot or editing content, I’ll spend a minimum of 2 hours, sometimes as many as 12 hours a day writing. After that, I will then read. I write everyday of the week—except holidays. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do, be an author. Now I’m doing just that.

What scene from The Living Reminder was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene in the Living Reminder is when Elijah is talking about music with the aliens; especially when they play their songs for him and he marvels from the experience. I’ve always believed music to be a universal language, a universal joy that everyone from any walk of life can appreciate.

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

As for philosophy, all I say is to try and be more understanding of others. I try and see things through others eyes, and try not to be judgmental. Everyone has his or her own thinking, their own interests, and I feel that if I am open to such I will have grown as a human being.

Thomas Zman is the author of the new book The Living Reminder.

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What can you tell us about your new release, Supertide?

It’s a breath of fresh air, a disaster thriller that keeps the best elements of the genre and discards the clichés. The pace is strong out of the gate and accelerates as the story progresses. The story is told from the point of view of not only the main character but also from people living (or dying) through the tragedy.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

My mom and sister. They’d been “encouraging” (bugging) me to write for years. Once my daughter acquired her driver’s license, my taxi services were no longer needed and my schedule at last accommodated writing. I took a flyer on penning a thriller and discovered I loved it.

What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?

Gosh, it’s hard to narrow down, but here’s my list: David Copperfield (Charles Dickens), Kiss the Girls (James Patterson), The Complete Sherlock Holmes (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle), The Foundation Series (Isaac Asimov), All Creatures Great and Small (James Herriot)

Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask

Assuming I could invite anyone living or dead, I’d interview Charles Dickens. I would ask to what extent his characters were inspired by actual people he knew versus his imagination. His ability to present a cast of believable characters who are easy to love or hate is a hallmark I strive to emulate in my own books.

What's your favorite thing about writing?

Unlike the real world, when writing I’m constrained only by my imagination. The best part of writing is creating a story that evokes a strong reaction from the reader, even though the reader knows it’s fiction. Accomplishing that is a thrill.

What is a typical day like for you?

It varies quite a bit. I have a “day job” as a manager at a tech company, so on workdays, I’ll often wrap up and turn immediately to writing. On weekends and holidays, I’ll often settle down to write not long after breakfast. This schedule isn’t inviolate, but by using it, I’ve managed to crank out one or two books a year.

What scene from Supertide was your favorite to write?

Definitely the climax. I don’t want to spoil my own book, but delivering the epic disaster in a disaster novel is a blast to write…the payoff the reader has been expecting.

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

Definitely: “regret avoidance.” This means giving deep thought to the choices we face today in order to avoid regret later. It’s a theme I’ve weaved into several of my books.

Steven F. Freeman is the author of the new book Supertide.

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What can you tell us about your new release, Battle for Earth: Journal One?

The book is an exciting mix of Science Fiction and Fantasy with plenty of twists and turns along the way. I tried very hard to add some new concepts and storytelling techniques to make the book just a little unique.

This first book in the series has a young adult feel, though the storyline in general should be compelling to a broad age range. The principal narrator and the main characters are teenagers at the time of the alien invasion. As the series progresses and the characters age, the young adult feel will shift a bit.

I made sure to incorporate plenty of action as the Shockwave world-building develops. Come, explore the worlds of Hammer Trollkin. 🙂

What or who inspired you to become an author?

The inspiration comes from my grandchildren and many years observing the general state of planet Earth.

As a child, it was easy to daydream, to become immersed in make-believe worlds of my own construct. Perceptive grownups no-doubt thought, that child has an overactive imagination. Alas, the dreams all faded away as the realities of life settled in. I’m sure something like that happens to most people. Responsibilities. But, no kidding, my grandchildren reignited the spark. All those imaginary worlds rattling around in my head had to find a way out. What better way than to become an author? There are so many worlds to explore, and what fun, my readers can come along if they want.

Then, there’s the state of the world around us. The world can be a wonderful place. It can also be lousy. We all face our share of heartache and trouble. It’s nice to catch glimpses of hope in the midst of hardships.

Somewhere along the line I felt a nudge to write a book series that would shine a little light at the darkness. We all want good to triumph over evil, right? Throughout the book series there is plenty of conflict, at every level. Just like in the real world. Conflict usually does have a way of resolution. And moving along through such an experience, even in a book, can bring actual encouragement. It can bring hope. I hope.

What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?

That’s a hard question. Only five? I’ll focus on works of fiction. The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. The Stormlight Archives by Brandon Sanderson has been good so far. Let’s include Ender’s Game; 1984; The Puppet Masters. Ughhh, it really is a hard question.

Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask

I’m probably not allowed to use a time machine? Then, let’s talk to Brandon Sanderson. I’d ask about his technique for world building.

Do you formulate your worlds ahead of time, in intricate detail?  Or, do the worlds form even as you are writing about them?

What's your favorite thing about writing?

Writing, for me, is fun, and it’s liberating. I suppose it’s cathartic. I can sit at the keyboard, and, just write. Most often a book scene will flow without the need for any sort of concentration. It just happens. I’m set free. That doesn’t necessarily mean what pours out from the keyboard is good writing. I hope it is, most of the time.

What is a typical day like for you?

These days, writing is my business as well as my hobby. I get up fairly early; have breakfast while going through emails and such. Then I write throughout the day. I do take breaks in order to stretch and take in some exercise. Our dog is kind enough to take my wife and I on a good long walk most days. I’ll usually have opportunity to write into the late afternoon. By that time my imagination supply is exhausted and it’s time for some chores; a bit of gardening perhaps. There are opportunities for some civic minded work too, such as being involved in our local youth center. It’s good to stay a little busy. I think I might have a type-A personality.

What scene from Battle for Earth: Journal One was your favorite to write?

The alien invaders have finally figured out there is one special operations team that is threatening their entire invasion plan. Shockwave. The High Queen of the Invasion orders a commando raid to take out the team. I had opportunity in the scene to focus on one team member in a desperate fight to save one of his friends. There is despair as the rest of the team returns to find their base of operations destroyed with no chance of anyone surviving. Not even Para could have survived that! Are they actually dead and gone? The scene also provides a focal point from which we learn that not all of the invaders are evil monsters. Some had actually tried to help us.

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

Yes, though it may be a little more try-to-live-by than always-live-by.

Do to others as you would have them do to you.

The Golden Rule. It’s remarkable in that it is so action oriented. Do to others. The philosophy of Jesus is like that. Action oriented love. Love one another…

Hammer Trollkin is the author of the new book Battle for Earth: Journal One.

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