Interview with S.M. Warlow, Author of Invidious

What’s the story behind the story? What impressed you to put in writing Invidious (Tales of the Phoenix Titan Volume 2)?

So, those that learn the primary entry into this collection (Heritage) will know that my writing accommodates political undertones. Naturally, I strive to not insert my very own politics into my work, as I really feel this incessantly occurs in a lot of immediately’s media. Instead, I attempt to current each side of the coin in a means that (I hope) makes the reader suppose and query the characters’ motives.

Where Heritage launched this concept of a really divided galaxy, Invidious seeks to construct upon that. First off, I wished to proceed the story of Nathan Carter and his crew, however on the identical time, I attempted to shift gears. I didn’t wish to inform the identical story twice, and because it stands immediately, I’ve acquired plans for a lot of extra books on this universe. Where Heritage leaned into the sci-fi journey model, I wished Invidious to really feel extra contained with some thriller components thrown into the combination. There are themes of conspiracy and political scheming operating all through, however the concept of media getting used as a weapon was an enormous driver creatively. In essence, it’s all about unearthing hidden forces influencing occasions from afar however reframed in a sci-fi setting.

If you needed to choose theme songs for the principle characters of Invidious (Tales of the Phoenix Titan Volume 2), what would they be?

I don’t know if there’s a track for a specific character, however for the collection as an entire, there’s a observe referred to as ‘Boldly into the Unknown’ by Epic Score. Something about it evokes a sense of grand-scale area battles and motion, all whereas sounding a little bit bit sinister.

What’s your favourite style to learn? Is it the identical as your favourite style to put in writing?

I’m sometimes drawn to Science Fiction, Fantasy and Thrillers. Regardless of style, I really like an imaginative idea, world or lore that retains me engaged. Character arcs are additionally actually essential to me. I really like a powerful character who learns, evolves and adjustments because the story progresses.

What books are in your TBR pile proper now?

Currently, I’m studying Alien 3: The Unproduced Screenplay by William Gibson and Pat Cadigan. It’s an insightful look right into a film that might’ve been that in the end didn’t see the sunshine of day.

As for my TBR, Descendent Machine by Gareth L Powell is up subsequent. As far as I do know, it’s a sequel to his earlier novel, Stars and Bones. Then there may be Chasing Shadows by a fellow self-published creator from my native space, Steven Smith. I’ve additionally acquired Liu Cixin’s, The Dark Forest which I’ve been laying aside means too lengthy. Then lastly, I’ve earmarked a date in July for the discharge of Neal Asher’s new one, War Bodies, which is his subsequent entry into the Polity Universe.

What scene in your e book was your favourite to put in writing?

Any of the Alastair Roth POV scenes had been fairly pleasant. I’ve all the time discovered writing the villain’s chapters/scenes is all the time a unique expertise from the heroes. You virtually must faucet into one thing totally different creatively. When writing Roth, each phrase appeared to freeflow. Don’t get me incorrect; he’s an evil dangerous man with deep flaws and a bit of a god-complex, however there’s one thing so electrifying about writing a wise and ruthless character like that.

Do you have got any quirky writing habits? (fortunate mugs, cats on laps, and many others.)

Coffee helps, however saying that, I don’t do the tortured author in a Starbucks factor fairly often. I choose to put in writing within the evenings with noise-cancelling headphones, taking part in one thing that captures the atmosphere of the scene I’m engaged on. During the summer time months, writing exterior is sort of useful.

Do you have got a motto, quote, or philosophy you reside by?

1. Feedback is a present. It’s the breakfast of champions.

2. The solely factor worse than a nasty film/e book/track is a nasty film/e book/track with delusions of grandeur. Stay humble. Stay grounded, and continue to learn.

3. Measure as soon as. Cut Twice.

If you may select one factor for readers to recollect after studying your e book, what wouldn’t it be?

When it involves Invidious, I’d hope individuals bear in mind the sting of your seat feeling as issues progress.