I am more likely to watch, rather than read, science fiction. I love watching Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, and Stargate SG-1. So, when I recommend a science fiction book, you know that it is really good. One of those recommended science fiction book series is Lauren H. Salisbury’s Legacy Chronicles. With the next book in the series, Discernment, coming out, I decided to join her blog tour and interview her for the book launch.
What are your favorite science fiction books/shows and why?
Many of my favourite television shows are science fiction. I grew up watching Star Trek, Stargate, Battlestar Gallactica—notice the trend there? 😉 As an adult, I love Firefly for the mashup of genres and the character dynamics. Terra Nova has phenomenal worldbuilding and a cool premise. And I wish I’d been able to catch the final seasons of Continuum. The lead character’s futuristic suit inspired the Esarelian bio-suits in my series.
I tend to read more fantasy than science fiction, but there are a few space-based novels that have inspired me over the years as well. Kathy Tyers’ Firebird trilogy blew my mind. It was the first Christian science fiction I’d read and made me want to write my own. Arena by Karen Hancock is also up there among my favourites for its unique take on a classic.
We have many shows in common! I knew there was another reason I liked your books 😉
What inspired your book series?
I’ve always loved the story of Moses’s early life. Placed in a basket and set adrift on a dangerous river with only his sister and God to watch over him. Raised in a palace so far from the rest of his people. It fascinated me as a young child.
As I got older, I was drawn more to the women in these stories—how they must have felt, what consequences they possibly endured, what happened to them outside the few mentions they warranted in the Exodus account. Most tales of heroism in the Bible involve major players and significant acts, but the bravery and strength of character displayed by these overlooked women inspired me to give them a voice.
I could have written the series in a historical setting, or even as a modern allegory, but my mother instilled in me a love of science fiction, a place where I could explore powerful emotions and events without the baggage of reality getting in the way. In the universe of The Legacy Chronicles, I can address issues faced by people millennia ago in a way that is relevant to a modern, technologically advanced society. It allows me to focus on commonalities while bringing to life these characters I admire so much.
I love that about fantasy too, how we can tell stories without the restraints of historical or modern accuracy and explore the characters in worlds of our own.
How many books do you have planned for the series?
The series started with two characters I wanted to explore—Jochabed and the Egyptian princess (Gilla and Reemah in my version). But the saga doesn’t end there, and I realised early on there would need to be several more instalments. Zipporah and Miriam both deserved their own stories, and I knew from day one how to include Rahab in my universe.
Altogether, there are five books planned in the main series, plus the Rahab sequel and one or two side novels for some of my favourite characters.
I’m starting on book 4 this summer, and I’m already excited about it. The next side story—about Velay from book 2—runs alongside, so I’m going to plan them together, and I can’t wait to find out what happens.
Five books sounds awesome! I can’t wait to read all of them.
Who is your favorite character from Discernment? Why?
This is such a difficult question, and not only because there’s something I enjoy about each of them. When I first started writing, Jiya was my favourite. I knew her better than the others, understood the way she thought and acted. I loved her inability to cook or keep her clothes clean and her penchant for finding trouble.
But then I got to know some of her sisters and cousins. There’s a soft spot in my heart for Zeb, for his loyalty to his family and his willingness to befriend a stranger. His constant need for food and carefree wit are also part of his charm.
I like how Jiya goes against many of the stereotypes of women and has her unique voice. I look forward to reading more about her and Zeb.
If you had one piece of writing advice, what would it be?
Tell the story you want to tell the way you want to tell it. That doesn’t mean ignore critiques—we can all improve our skills—but you need to be clear on your goal for writing and stick to that no matter what everyone else is doing. The alternative leads to comparisons and self-doubt, which is a difficult place to escape from.
Such wise words! Thank you for the interview, Lauren!
Blurb:
A misfit, a fugitive, and a sacred destiny. Everything changes when all three collide.
In Jiya’s world, the only choice a woman has is who she will marry. When she meets a mysterious off-worlder, she must decide how far she is willing to push the boundaries of Teraburan culture to gain her freedom, and whether that is truly what she wants.
Mahsan has never been accepted for who he is. The sole human raised on an Esarelian cruiser, his attempts to belong led only to disaster and him becoming a fugitive. When he is invited into the home of a Teraburan clan leader, he finds a place where he could finally put down roots. But his past haunts him, and he will need to make peace with it if he wants any kind of future in his new home.
Not everyone approves of Jiya and Mahsan’s friendship, and some will stop at nothing to keep them apart. As the unlikely pair discover their true calling, they will have to confront everything they thought they knew and learn to see themselves as they never have before.
Buy the Book: mybook.to/Discernment