Hello everyone, today I’m bringing you an interview of an author near and dear to my heart: C.E. Stone! She will be my last featured review for the 2021 year and also my last review for awhile. So enjoy it while you can!
What inspired Starganauts?
Honestly, a lot of things! The idea for Starganauts first came to me as a child. I grew up watching (or playing) Star Wars, Star Trek, Starcraft, Lord of the Rings, and Titan A.E.. Those franchises inspired me to create sci-fi stories with Legos. Knights of the Old Republic, in particular, influenced the depth of my characters’ backstories. The Lord of the Rings inspired me to create an expansive history and universe. The video game Starcraft influenced my stories and peoples. Titan A.E. is where the premise comes from: the end of Earth was their beginning.
What are your favorite science fiction books?
Madeleine L’Engle’s Time series, Dream Thief by Stephen Lawhead, and Perelandra by C.S. Lewis. I’m a gal who prefers the classics, and I really enjoyed all of these. A Wrinkle in Time is my favorite out of L’Engle’s, though I also love A Swiftly-Tilting Planet, which deals with time travel. I find her books to be mind-bending and an epic blend of science and fantasy. Dream Thief made a big impact on me because it was the first Christian sci-fi I’d ever read. Perelandra made this list because Lewis absolutely blew my brain with his premise and insane imagination. It also inspired me to know my favorite fantasy writer (after Tolkien) also published sci-fi. 😊
What is your advice for writers?
Three simple things: just write, be realistic, and honor God with your words.
Just write. Oftentimes as writers, we can struggle to finish our first draft. We get distracted by marketing, shiny new ideas, or our personal expectations. Finishing the book is what matters. Simply write the story God’s put on your heart, and worry about the details later.
Be realistic. Have an accurate view of your book. Most people think an inaccurate view means a prideful one, yet it can work in the opposite direction. For 12 years, I believed I had no writing talent whatsoever. It took 6 years in a writing group, plus having an academic paper published, for me to develop a more balanced view of my writing. In other words, don’t think too little or too highly of your talents.
Honor God with your words. Pray about your story. Invite the Lord into your writing process. Some of my best scenes were inspired by the Holy Spirit. I literally did not write them on my own, and I hadn’t planned on taking the story in that direction. As believers, I think the Biblical passages about our words apply to those we write as well as those we speak.
I really loved Starganauts. How many books do you have planned for the series and can you give us any spoilers about what is next?
I’m so thrilled you do! I have 12 books planned for the series. Not ambitious at all, right? 😆 I do happen to have the first four written, which helps, so I figure I’ll keep writing and publishing as long as God provides inspiration and a budget.
Ooh, that’s a hard one! I like leaving my readers curious, but I’ll share a few things from the sequel, Vengeance of Sorrow. If you’ve read Book 1, you know the Starganauts end up on a world other than Sahara. Book 2 is going to introduce their new homeworld, as well as the storm about to engulf it. We’ll see the Starganauts suiting up again—which may not be to Kaity’s liking—and watch as Dudeman develops a crush on one particular member. Samantha has a very interesting arc in this story, which I really can’t talk about without spoiling major plot points! And we’ll continue seeing Sharko adjust to his new leadership role…which will be put to the ultimate test. All in all, Book 2 is one of my favorite Starganauts stories. I can’t wait to share it with you!!!
If you could have one of the orbs, which would you have and why?
I would totally go for Apotheka’s. I’ve always wanted the power to heal people, and I love how her Form is a blend of medic mixed with soldier. She both saves lives and takes them (to defend others). Her design is also closest to my original concept for the character, so she’s in a sense my oldest Form. I really like her gun, with all of its settings, and I’d also feel safer having her protective energy shield. Did I mention she’s a ranged combatant, too? I’m similar to Kaity in my revulsion for blood and gore, so I’d prefer having her gun over a melee weapon.
Thanks so much for interviewing me! You have really thought-provoking questions, and I’m excited to be featured on your blog. 😃
You’re welcome!
The end of Earth was their beginning.
Kaity Anderson was a new bride on her wedding day. Samantha Harris was an engineer who had given up all to follow God.
Kaity’s reception is ruined when an alien gunship incinerates the surface of Earth. Rescued from the apocalypse by a strange prophetess, Kaity, her husband, and five others are drawn across the galaxy. While the prophetess promises God has a plan, Kaity grows increasingly desperate as their chances of survival—and water supply—dwindle.
Samantha didn’t ask to be God’s prophetess. Yet once she answers the call, the Spirit leads her to an inhospitable world with Kaity and several of Earth’s survivors. Hounded by the master of the gunship, the Earthlings search for water as their alien pursuers and dehydration close in. Only God’s promise of a future in a distant city gives Samantha any hope of survival. But could the answer to all their problems lie in eight, mysterious orbs? The discovery of these crystals will change their lives—and the destiny of galaxies—forever.
Thus begins Starganauts, a clean, compelling Christian space opera adventure by C.E. Stone. Fans of Star Wars and Star Trek will enjoy this series that explores how God’s plan prevails, even against impossible odds.
Buy the Book: https://buy.bookfunnel.com/cfskgfxq1i
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