Interview with J. A. Collie, Author of Grays of Novart
04 May 2023
What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Grays of Novart?
Grays of Novart is the product of my fascination with the universe and years of experience in technology. While the blistering tech pace became the catalyst for Novart’s gadgets, I wanted the story to stir other questions. If intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe, would they be akin to human beings? Is human nature an intelligence trait? This book is the series opener, and I’m telling the story from the aliens’ point of view. Perhaps these gray-skinned beings are just like us, and Trinity Knight another modern-day heroin.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Grays of Novart, what would they be?
Survivor by Destiney’s Child (Trinity); Don’t Stop Believing by Journey (Dr. Hampton); I’m Still Standing by Elton John (Dr. Sharon).
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I read more romantic suspense than sci-fi, but I love watching sci-fi series and movies. I write in both genres, and that makes them my favorite at this point.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
A couple of my fellow Koehler Book authors top the list: HELL OF HOSANNA by Kip Langton; and THE DARK ATTIC by Tom Voychehovski. THE HOUSE AT THE END OF THE WORLD by Dean Koontz are among the notables.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
Contemplation (Chapter Twenty-four) is heartfelt. Trinity finds herself in dire straits and seeks solace in memories of her father and great Warriors who had made the ultimate sacrifice. A vulnerable young Warrior carries the weight of her world, and everything is riding on the mammoth task ahead. Trinity’s strengths and weaknesses are balanced to make us feel her pain and cheer her on while giving us hope that she will prevail.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
No quirky habits, but I won’t put words on paper (computer screen) until I’ve written the scene in my head. Then I go back and fill in the details.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Treat others the way you want to be treated. It works in all facets of life, and following it could bring you complete happiness and joy.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
People are complicated, and no one is all good or all bad. Before dismissing others, try and understand the reasons for their actions. And don’t blame yourself if, in the end, you have to walk away.
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