Interview with Clayton Graham, Author of Those Alien Skies

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Those Alien Skies?

The inspiration behind this novel came from my trilogy, Milijun, and the new worlds and extraordinary characters that inhabit its pages. The three standalone novellas that make up Those Alien Skies follow the incredible— and perhaps a little frightening— events of the Milijun series. Although each story takes place in a different corner of our universe, they are bound together by the principal characters who bring them to life, many of whom first appeared in the Milijun Trilogy. I wanted to offer readers three complete yet interconnected tales of mystery, discovery, and universal wonder—woven together into one cohesive novel.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Those Alien Skies, what would they be?

‘My Way’ by Frank Sinatra. Perhaps adding ‘with no holds barred’!

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

Almost. I love reading the more thoughtful Science Fiction tales eg: Arthur C Clarke, Peter Cawdron, but I also love mystery and psychological thrillers. Anything that challenges the mind to think beyond the trappings of our daily lives and invites us to ponder what universal existence really means for the human spirit.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

‘Never Flinch’ by Stephen King, and ‘Vanish’ by Shelley Burr.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

That’s a difficult one for an author to answer without giving too much away. I’ll keep it simple, but if I may, I would actually pick two. The first would be when Laura Sinclair, at her new home on Ventur,e is stunned by the attitude of the Type-3 Civilization Krinduti visitors to the human children. Secondly, the haunting moment when Stella Browning inscribes the memorial to Orx, her deceased robotic companion, and the subsequent intervention by the alien Rbuzen.

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

Not really. I do most of my writing in the afternoon [I am not quite awake in the mornings!!]. Then I will edit by hand in a comfortable spot, rework, and then go through again. Only then will I approach a professional editor. I am utterly obsessed with that approach!

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

Never give up. Consider yourself as part of the greater cosmos and act that way. As food for thought, here’s a quote concerning humans from an alien Rbuzen in ‘Milijun’: ‘You have your beliefs and your creeds, but you do not know much of it,” Rkapth said. “Truly, you only see what you are able to see and weave your theories accordingly.’

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

After finishing this book, I hope readers remember the intimate reflections on survival and belonging. Hopefully, those observations will linger long after the final page. Humans are unique and wonderful creatures—but likely not the zenith of creation. We should remain open to sharing our life journeys and unafraid of what may seem paranormal or beyond our understanding.

Clayton Graham is the author of the new book Those Alien Skies

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