Author Interview: Erica Sands and Allegra Pescatore
What appeals to you most about the sci-fi genre?
Sci fi allows us to imagine futures. Different worlds. Combining what some would consider magic into a fun scientific exploration. After all, magic is just science we don't understand yet! On my part (E. Sands), SFF has appealed to me since my 8th grade days when I discovered the DragonRiders of Pern, and the Ship That Sang. The Rowan Saga, with their amazing Telekinetics and the stories following a dynasty of powerful psionics who save the galaxy from alien invaders and befriend other aliens who were escaping those same invaders. The Ghatti's tale, where you believe it's a fantasy, but find out there is a SciFi twist. These are the things that have always caught, and maintained, my attention.
Tell us a little bit about your SPSFC entry and the challenges you’ve faced putting it all together?
NACL: Eye of the Storm was released September 13, 2020. We wrote it in a mad 6 week rush fueled by anger, salt, soda, and lack of sleep. It's about a crew of misfits in a world that is severely deficient in Salt, and all the problems that come with salt deficiency and a greedy corporation that rules everything because they control the salt distribution. We focus on the characters - and the story they have to tell. We focus on the 'living in this' situation - the sights, feels, sounds, and exhilarations of conquering a hostile world, a hostile corporation, and beating the odds.
Why should readers buy your book?
Readers who are comfortable with dark subjects, dark humor, and vulgar language will probably love this book. It's a high octane pirate heist, with AI and Arcane Punk elements that make it truly unique. Creating 'living' characters is our forte - pretty much everyone that reads our books states that it is one of the things they love most - just how 'real' these characters feel. This is a cast of folks who will take hold of your heartstrings, for better and for worse.
What type of characters do you like to write the most and how much of yourself do you put into them?
I like writing 'real' characters, for lack of a better word. Characters should have some strengths that we look up to, and flaws we relate to. They should be fallible. They should make you cheer them on, or root for their failure. Our villains should be villains, but also make us think 'there but by the grace of providence go I." As such, there are small pieces of our personalities invested into every single character - good guy, bad guy, and everything in between. The characters we write should be an example of who we were, are, and will be in any given situation. Sometimes that is heart-stirringly noble, and at other times, gut-wrenchingly horrifying.
For any wannabe writers out there what’s the most useful thing you’ve learned?
Write. Just Write. Even if it's a single sentence over and over again, it will help force your brain into providing cohesive words. They might not be great words - that's what editing is for - but get your ideas on paper! Don't worry about flowery prose, or making everything neat and tidy in a single go. Just get whatever you can think of out through your fingers. Cleanup comes later.
What writing tricks do you utilise to hit your deadlines and keep your stories on track?
I write what comes to mind - I don't try to plot every detail. I make sure to know my beginning, what I want my end to be, and maybe 2-3 big events in the middle. Design the characters first - then let *them* tell the story. Sure, we try to have an idea of how things will go - but Allegra and I embrace change and adapt as necessary when something really cool occurs in our story. We let our original plan guide us - yes - but we have been known a time or ten to get derailed and come up with something better.
Are you a plotter or a pantser (make it up as you go)?
I am a pantser, but Allegra is more of a plotter. Combined we make Captain Planet! Just kidding. We work really well together because of that. Allegra rules with spreadsheets and cards - I usually sit in a corner and go "ok, but wouldn't it be cool if..."
What plans do you have for the future? A new series or perhaps a dip into other genres?
We're working on the sequel, as well as fleshing out other stories in the same universe with a massive co-author project known as the AO (Ay-Oh) Collective. The Last Gift Series, the NACL stories, and the Mountain Fell are all part of one giant universe - and the meta of it all is known to the authors of this project. We are going to take people on an amazing ride.
What do want to get out of the SPSFC competition?
Honestly, I'm just hoping more people discover our little salt-ridden gem and enjoy it as much as we do. Maybe even more. NACL is a project that is near and dear to Allegra and I. We love our characters, and the story they have to tell.
What’s better, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings or Star Wars?
That is a question meant to divide and conquer. Honestly, it depends on the mood I'm in. Harry Potter is great fantasy, and I love the concept of 'if raised by normal and plopped into fantasy, what would it be like?'. Lord of the Rings is near and dear to my heart, and the first big fantasy book series I ever read. It helped shape my idea of what 'could' be in stories. And Star Wars? I'm a huge Star Wars nerd. I can rattle off facts about all 7 forms of lightsaber combat - 8 if you could Windu's form that he makes later. I'm willing to dive into the philosophies of Sith, Jedi, Grey Jedi and why they all have it wrong.
