Interview with Kris Maze, Author of Parallel Lives

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Parallel Lives – The Paths Not Taken?

When I began writing this book, I imagined a lighthearted rom-com woven with technology. But my Sleepless in Seattlevision evolved into something closer to Sleepy Hollow, and I believe it’s a stronger story because of that shift.

Harriet Last steps into a large box at her mandatory insurance convention, hoping to dodge her boss, only to find herself reliving her own life through a hyperrealistic simulation. The wires in her Experience seem crossed as she becomes trapped in someone else’s memories—memories where a man from her past keeps appearing, offering a warning she can’t ignore.

At its core, the story follows a woman revisiting her accolade-driven, thespian roots and confronting her current middle-aged milieu. The unexpected figure from her past is someone who bloomed later in life and may hold the truth she needs to face her disillusionment. She must act before technology traps her in loops of nostalgia and regret.

Reflection often comes up when we talk about a well-lived life. My hope is that readers leave this story with a renewed appreciation for their own paths. Fans of Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library and Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life will find familiar, life-affirming echoes in Parallel Lives – The Paths Not Taken.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Parallel Lives – The Paths Not Taken, what would they be?

Great question! There are many references to music throughout the eras mentioned in this novel. A Spotify playlist is available if you want to listen to songs that are included in and have been an inspiration in building this novel.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6swb4WocBZwKh9Yy1cG4JD

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

I read across many genres to keep my reading mind challenged and to learn about other people’s experiences. In general, I like speculative fiction, suspense, and light romance — which is kind of what I write!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

• Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
• Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
• The Names by Florence Knapp
• The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There were many nostalgia-filled scenes that were fun to reimagine as Harriet works her way through her Experience, but one I especially enjoyed crafting was a limbo contest at Skate Town from her middle school days. The outfits, music, and tween drama were so satisfying to write. I hope readers feel completely immersed in that age.

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

I like to write outdoors, but I also prefer to have some kind of covering—like a porch or an overhang. It satisfies my need to be outside while keeping me sheltered from the elements. (Writing on a computer in the rain or sun is a bit problematic—just saying!)

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

Just get up and do it all again tomorrow. It reminds me to find comfort and joy in the simple, everyday moments—because it’s those unremarkable little things that make life meaningful in the end.

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

What would your best life look like? I dare you to find out!

Kris Maze is the author of the new book Parallel Lives – The Paths Not Taken

Connect with Kris Maze

Facebook

Twitter

Buy The Book