The World Settlers follows a group of colonists aboard a starship headed for the center of the Milky Way who encounter challenges with passengers and the ship, both of which threaten not just their mission but their lives. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I was on board a cruise ship in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, dreaming of space travel, when the idea for The World Settlers hit me. I thought, “You know what would make a cool story? The Titanic, but in space.” I wrote the first chapter on that cruise and published the first part (Astraeus) a little over one year later. It was so well received that a sequel was basically demanded of me, and the rest is history.

Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?

Having multiple POVs was a difficult task for my first novel, but the benefits outweighed the risks. A cast of several characters means the reader will always relate to at least one of them, and more complex relationships can be formed between them all. Fortunately, I was able to weave the story successfully through each of their experiences. I’ve never been more attached to fictional characters than to this found-family crew of misfits.

Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?

I plotted and planned several chapters ahead as I went, while also allowing the characters to take me in the direction they needed. This allowed for imaginative world-building and a lot of consistency, but also created an organic experience. The one thing I didn’t expect was how the ending would turn out – but everyone says it’s mind-blowing!

What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it?

It’s top secret, but it’s a game-changer for the sci-fi genre. There is no date set for release, but I would expect within the next few years!

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