Question/Answer
1. What inspired you to become a writer?
I don’t remember being “inspired.” Writing was just something I always wanted to do. It seemed like a natural or obvious thing to do. But I remember being frustrated that, even when I was being paid to write, the work was not really satisfying. It was necessary, useful. But it wasn’t fun, like storytelling. Only when I finally carved out time to start working on novels did writing begin to inspire me.
2. When did you write your first story?
I was eight years old and in third grade. The story was about my dog, Lassie, and it was definitely not a great story—not well-written, not exciting or memorable. Just a kid talking about her dog. But it was the first time I can remember having a story to tell and actually writing it down.
3. What inspired the Sam and Jade's Alien Adventures series?
Sam and Jade have been in my mind for so long, I can’t really remember their origins! I’ve always been fascinated by outer space and especially what, or who, might be out there. It’s hard to believe, given the vastness of the universe, that we humans are all alone. So, I began to consider what it would be like for an ordinary person to meet aliens for the first time. How would that person’s life be affected? And the series idea grew from there. I’m not sure why Sam and Jade turned out to be teenagers or why Sam became the main character instead of Jade. They really did just appear in my mind!
4. How did your background in science influence your fiction writing?
Science always creeps into my writing because my scientific training causes me to approach everything from a rational or scientific viewpoint. And because I’m most fluent in the science of ecology and very concerned about environmental problems, those tend to appear in every book. But I’m almost equally drawn to worlds outside science, particularly the paranormal. It has always annoyed me that most scientists just dismiss these topics. They don’t study them and find them wanting; instead, they refuse to consider them at all. Likewise, many in the paranormal world refuse to consider using a scientific approach to validate (or invalidate) their beliefs. I’ve never quite fit into either camp. In fiction, I can consider both. I can approach telepathy or alien abductions from a scientific viewpoint. And I can allow scientists in my books to seriously consider topics that real-world scientists dismiss as impossible. Or I can simply make up stuff!
5. What do you enjoy most about writing science fiction?
I don’t necessarily feel like I’m writing science fiction; it’s more about the characters and what’s happening to them. What happens in the story may be related to a science concept (for example, global warming) or it may involve a science-fiction-based concept such as telepathy. But usually, I don’t go deeply into explaining those aspects (that is, I don’t write “hard” science fiction). But I like having that background to use as a basis. It feels natural to me. Also, writing science fiction allows me to look into the future, to think about what might happen. And it removes limits; I can write about anything, without having to worry about accuracy in the past or present.
6. Which of your books would you recommend new readers start with, and why?
Sam and Jade’s Alien Adventures is a series, so I would prefer new readers to start with Book 1 (The Night People), followed by Book 2, Song of Earth and then Book 3, It Is Your Planet. They are written so the reader can start anywhere and not get lost, but you’ll miss a lot by starting in the middle. Sam and Jade are growing up, and their relationship deepens with each book. Their adventures with the aliens and with their families and friends develop, and the aliens’ agenda slowly becomes clearer. (The series conclusion, The New Human Family, will be coming later, and will hopefully answer the most important questions.) So, for the best experience, start with The Night People.
7. Who are Sam and Jade, and how did you create these characters?
Sam and Jade came out of my imagination, as all characters do, but I can’t really say how I created them. It’s like they’ve always been there, like they’re real people in my life. But as I write, I keep learning more about each one. I knew Sam was a troubled loner being visited by aliens. But I asked myself questions. Why didn’t his parents help him? Perhaps they were neglectful or abusive? How would he get along at school if other kids knew about the aliens? He would likely be a target for bullies. I knew Sam needed a “partner in crime” and I wanted his new friend to be a girl. Jade became what Sam needed: someone more outgoing, who accepted him and chose to be his friend despite his shyness and loner instincts. When I write and wonder how Sam (or Jade) should react, I always ask not only what they would do in this situation, but why they would do it.
8. What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from your stories?
I try to write about real characters who feel and react as any person would. Regarding personal interactions, I concentrate on friendship, love, trust, family, identity, and belonging. My characters face prejudice, abuse, bullying, even kidnapping and near-death experiences. They suffer from fear, anger, depression, and PTSD. But through it all, they love and support each other, they seek the truth, and they never quit, no matter how afraid they are. They are optimistic and gravitate toward hope and joy. I hope my readers are inspired to do the same. (And the theme of environmental responsibility always shows up somewhere.)
9. Do you have a favourite character you've created?
Sam and Jade are favorites, of course, but also, I would have to say Gregory Macklin (Greg or Mack, depending on his time of life). Sam needed a teacher to take his part. I remember thinking, “His name is Gregory Macklin” (no idea where his name came from; it was just there), but I didn’t know much else about him, except he taught biology. When I wrote the scene where Mack discovered Sam and Jade’s trouble with an army officer, he just naturally said, “I was in the army. I might be able to help you.” His background and personality grew from there. Soon, it made sense for him to be a Ranger and an officer. In previous years, he liked and felt protective of Sam. When Sam and Jade became his biology students and their troubles began, he was drawn deeper into their lives. And then it became clear he had his own demons. On the outside, he was a strong leader who always knew what to do, but he had buried much of his past, and inside he was struggling. Mack is a wonderful, complicated person, and I hope to write more about him in the future.
10. How do you balance writing fiction and nonfiction?
My nonfiction writing is contract writing, assigned and done on a schedule. I decide when I want to take on a nonfiction project, and I write as needed to meet the deadline. Lately, as I’ve transitioned into writing fiction, I accept fewer nonfiction projects and spend as much time as possible on fiction writing. I find fiction much more fun and satisfying.
11. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
If you want to write, do it now! Don’t put it off. Write early in the morning, or evenings and weekends, if you must, but write. Keep a journal. Jot down ideas for stories, characters, settings, conversations: whatever can become part of your next story. Read books on writing and take courses. Learn the basics (and yes, that includes spelling, grammar, and punctuation). Join a writing group, either in person or online. Maybe you’ll need a 9-to-5 job now, but if you want to write full-time, plan for it and keep at it!