Featured Author: Lynn Steigleder

Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Western
Publisher: Soul Fire Press
Publication Date: April 18, 2016
Pages: 358
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About the Book

Aon, a solid core planet made from the priceless and most dense element in the galaxy, caladium, is under silent attack. Plans are made by off-worlders to dissolve the unbreakable core using crude oil obtained from 19th century earth. Once the oil is refined, the byproduct, gasoline, will soften the caladium, allowing it to be collected. It is soon discovered the core is made from living beings created from caladium itself. The off-worlders employ a band of corrupt inhabitants to carry on this work. They find themselves in a constant struggle with a small coalition of Aonians bent on saving their home world. Both factions clash with the indestructible core creatures. With horrendous beasts one step behind and deadly pitfalls ahead, the coalition struggles to finish its journey, hoping to insure their races’ survival.

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Interview

L: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
LS: Born in Richmond, Virginia, I spent most of my adult life as a supervisor in the field of construction and fabrication. When my department was outsourced within two months of my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, I realized the need to transition onto a new path due to energy and mobility challenges. My son suggested I consider writing as a career; having enjoyed my short stories. I agreed to the challenge and my first novel, “Rising Tide”, was accepted for publication, released in 2009 then re-released in 2015 with additional content. "Rising Tide" has become a series with two follow up novels "Eden’s Wake" and "Deadly Reign," with a fourth in the works. I have also published "Terminal Core," a stand-alone science fiction novel. I write mainly science fiction, fantasy, dystopian and hybrids of all three genres, including action adventures, all with a Christian premise.

L: Who or what inspired you to be an author?
LS: There were suggestions and support, but no real inspiration until I began to write. The action of writing itself inspires me to continue, especially when I learn I have brought pleasure to a stranger, hundreds or even thousands of miles away.

L: Who or what inspired your novel?
LS: When I write, I sit before my virtual sheet of paper moiling thoughts through my brain until an idea clicks. As soon as I begin to pen the manuscript it takes on a life of its own and writes itself. Fortunately, it pulls me along for the ride, and I can be sure of what a wild ride it will be.

L: What would you say is the genre of your novel?
LS: Science Fiction / Fantasy, Hybrid . . . more on the sci-fi side.

L: Why did you pick this/these genre(s)?
LS: Sci-fi and Fantasy have been my favorites since I was a kid. When it comes to Fantasy, I don't do Kings, Queens, Knights, Fairies and never Unicorns. The only exception to this rule is J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis.

L: How did you develop your plot and characters?
LS: If you'll give them a chance and not press, I find they develop more completely when left to their own devices. Of course I'll keep one hand on the steering wheel.

L: Who or what inspired your protagonist?
LS: Once again, no inspiration. My novels will begin with a protagonist or one will make themselves known as the book progresses. It's possible the protagonist may die and bring about the need for another.

L: Who or what inspired your antagonist?
LS: Same as above; however, there may be multiple antagonists that have to be dealt with until the ultimate evil one is exposed.

L: What was the most difficult part to write in the book?
LS: The majority of the book was extremely difficult.There were as many as six different groups, some from the planet Aon and others from 19th Century earth. In some cases, groups were mixed with both. Certain characters would travel from earth to Aon and visa versa. Add with these a number of off-worlders, dimensional travel and the core of a world made from living beings ready to attack and I had a challenge that kept me on my toes and then some.

L: What was your favourite part of your book to write?
LS: There were numerous parts that were exciting to write, but the ending held a special meaning for me and was very unpredictable.

L: Are you a full time or a part time writer? If part time, what do you do besides write?
LS: Full Time

L: What are you currently reading?
LS: Stephen King's Dark Tower Series

L: What are some of your favourite books or authors?
LS: Stephen King, Robert Heinlein, Ernest Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea"

L: What are your future projects, if any?
LS: I have two novels in the works: The fourth in The "Rising Tide" series and a stand alone, sci-fi fantasy, hybrid.

L: What is your preferred method for readers to get in touch with you and your books?
LS:
Email: lynnsteigleder1@gmail.com
www.lynnsteigleder.com

L: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
LS: Don't let rejection get you down, it's a large part of the business. Don't take yourself too seriously. And above all have fun. Ben Fountain said it best, "If you want to write, then write."