A Str8Up / Gesso Magazine Introduction
by Paul Seibert
I have had the privilege of knowing Jason Randall Spriggs since his early days of community theatre in Downtown Belleville, Illinois. I was always impressed with his talent and enthusiasm, on stage and off. His visual artwork has always been such a pleasure. And then came his advent into novelizing.
Star Skimmer is a science-based adventure into outer space. It was written for the young (and not-so-young) reader. And is so well crafted as to be a true-to-life future adventure. Written for and with his own young son, it is a captivating science fiction novel – though I am prone to categorizing it as a science future novel.
I am reminded of my own science fiction youth as a passionate reader of the “Tom Swift” series of novels (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Swift). Those works inspired my imagination like no other works in my lifetime. And as a former educator, I can look back and acknowledge how those books forwarded my love of both reading and of science. For those same gifts alone, Star Skimmer is a breath of fresh air in an educational age that can use all the developmental encouragement we can get.
We plied Jason Randall Spriggs with questions about his process of authoring. We are pleased to present our introduction of the author to you:
1. What was the most unexpected challenge you encountered while writing this book?
Making myself do the work was probably the largest challenge that I faced. I had tried my hand at novel writing in the past, so it wasn’t unexpected, but it was definitely a hard pill to swallow.
2. What inspired you to write this book about space travel?
I was telling my youngest son an epic bedtime story, and halfway through the arc of the story, he turns to me and says- “Dad… we’re in book two.” It was at this point that I had to write it. I’ve always loved space adventures, so I would say- love of the story, my kids and supportive family and friends inspire me to write.
3. Can you share a moment from your personal life that inspired a scene or character in this book?
There are a lot of characters in the book that are inspired by real people. Some friends and some family.
4. How did you choose the title for your book, and what significance does it hold for you?
The title is the name of the spaceship that the main character captains in the book. My son and I built and designed the ship from LEGOs. The name comes from a time I remember skipping or skimming stones with my own father and reflects time I spent with my own kids. Those little nuggets of time that you always treasure.
5. From which authors did you draw inspiration?
Douglas Adams, Frank L. Baum, Dean Koontz, Michael Crichton, Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Frank Herbert, and Robert Asprin are some that come to mind.
6. Were there any themes or messages you consciously set out to explore in this book?
The book is a Wizard of Oz meets Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy kind of story. The overall theme being friendship, and integrity of character.
7. What research did you conduct for this book, and did you uncover anything surprising or fascinating?
A lot of research went into the science aspects of the story. One of the fascinating things I discovered in my research was that the most common type of stars in any galaxy don’t give off any visible light. Something that I incorporated into the book on a small but significant level.
8. How did you approach world-building in your writing, particularly in this genre of science / science fiction?
The book Cosmos by Carl Sagan had a huge influence in how world building for the worlds in Star Skimmer evolved. There’s a concerted effort to keep these worlds realistic with working ecosystems, language, how they keep track of time, the kinds of food they eat, units of measure, political and religious aspects. a lot of research, some speculation and HUGE dose of imagination.
9. Are there any characters in the book that you personally relate to?
The main character in the story is based on my youngest, so I’m pretty attached to that character, but the other two main characters in the trio are near and dear to my heart as well.
10. What was the most rewarding moment you experienced during the writing process?
I really enjoy the feedback from my alpha readers (these are the people that read each chapter as I finish them well in advance of the books release). When one or both of them shares with me a way that my book has touched their hearts and had a significant meaning to them- that is an extremely rewarding moment to me.
11. Are there any specific cultural influences that shaped the world or characters in your book
Not specifically, no. I created a number of cultures and characters for the story- but I didn’t specifically model any from any specific cultures from this planet. Arguably though, you could say that I collectively pulled from an eclectic understanding of all the cultures that I have read about or encountered through my own life’s journey.
12. How do you approach writing dialogue, and do you have any tips for crafting authentic conversations?
When it comes to dialogue, I try to keep it as authentic and organic as I can. Reading it out loud helps with this- but the best advice is to be mindful of your characters. I am constantly asking myself if my character would say this. It’s especially true when writing an alien character with no ties to the colloquial terms that one would encounter on earth. It’s led to some interesting phrasing when you want to communicate something like “The grass is always greener.” and have to change it up to be something more appropriate to the character like, “The stones are always warmer on the other side of the barrier.”
13. What was the most challenging scene for you to write, and how did you overcome it?
Action scenes are always hard for me to write. I’m always afraid that there won’t be enough description to communicate what is happening. Then you want to keep the pacing exciting as well. You have to just push through it and hope it sticks just right in the reader’s mind.
14. If you could offer one piece of advice to aspiring writers, what would it be?
Read! Understand what is required when it comes to the craft of writing. Know your genre. Read. Practice the craft as much as you can. Do your research, and read.
15. Can you share a behind-the-scenes anecdote or interesting fact about the creation of this book?
When I finished Star Skimmer, my wife knew I was looking to get it copyrighted. I had done the research, but she believed in me so much that she paid for the copyright as a Valentine’s gift. The single most romantic and loving gift I have ever received.
16. What do you hope readers will take away from reading your book?
My hope is that the reader will take away the same thing I always did growing up reading great adventure stories. An inflated sense of wonder, an escape from the mundane and an adventure story that excites and thrills them.
17. What projects are you currently working on, and can you offer any hints or teasers for your upcoming work?
This is a three-book series. The series is called The Pan-Galaxian Codex. Book Two (Void Treader) is complete with hopes of having it published soon. I am currently writing book three (Span Strider). I do have ideas to continue the series beyond these first three books should they become popular. I guess my teaser would be – ‘If you think they ran into trouble in the first book, just wait till you hear what happens in the next. Rogue planets, space pirates, even more strange places, aliens and creatures.’ That’s all I’m saying.
18. Where else in the universe can we find you?
www.skimmerverse.com
facebook.com/groups/297461962157205 (Star Skimmer)
19. And with all that being said, where can I get my own copy of Star Skimmer?
At Barnes & Noble online!
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/star-skimmer-jason-randall-spriggs/1146320278?ean=9781068613241
Star Skimmer by Jason Randall Spriggs, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)
In the United Kingdom: https://foreshorepublishing.com/product/star-skimmer/
Featured Image: Spriggs Original Star Skimmer Artwork
