Monday YA Author Interview With S. Alex Martin

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Where are you from?

I go to college and do most of my writing in the beautiful city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My hometown is in New Freedom, Pennsylvania.

When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing on June 12, 2004, right after I finished sixth grade. I had just read Eragon, by Christopher Paolini, and he inspired me to begin writing. Ten years and four novels later, I'm on the verge of breaking into traditional publishing.

What books have most influenced your life most?

Harry Potter was absolutely my childhood. I hated it the first time I ever read it (in 1999), but thankfully I gave it a second chance. I wasn't big on reading before then. Other books that influenced me are Eragon, by Christopher Paolini -- for the reason stated above -- His Dark Materials Trilogy, by Philip Pullman, and the Chronicles of Narnia are big to me.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Even though I write soft science-fiction, I think I'd love to have John Green as a mentor. I feel like my latest novel was influenced by his style, and reading all of his books last summer (along with other contemporary YA novels) showed me how to convey a message without being too blatant.

Here's a fun fact: when John Green was in Pittsburgh to watch the Pirates playoff game (at the same time TFioS was being filmed), I went on a search for him after the game. I checked Twitter as I searched (he was posting live pictures and videos), and he was 100 feet away from me -- but I never found him in the crowd. I'll meet you one day, Mr. Green.

What book are you reading now?

At the moment -- nothing. The most recent book I read is The Perks of being a Wallflower, which was excellent. People have told me to read it for years.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

*Hangs head in shame* I'm still trying to get back to reading how I usually do. I make time to read, but it's always someone who's popular now. Once the excitement from publishing my latest books subsides, I'd like to branch out and discover new authors to read.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

J.K. Rowling will always be my #1. But after her, I'd say John Green or Jay Asher. I like John Green because I think he knows how to discreetly plant a message while telling an engaging story. Jay Asher makes you think -- a lot. His work has a lot of power behind it, and I like that.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Coming up with foods/drinks in a science-fiction world. I'm not even kidding. It's not something you think about until you have to do it yourself. Us muggles take Butterbeer and Liquorice Snaps and Bertie Botts Every-Flavor Beans for granted, but imagine how difficult it must have been for Rowling to create those. When I was writing Embassy, I'd change the name of a drink five...six...seven times, and still not like it. Creating fictional food is hard work.

Have you been an avid reader your entire life? (since you could read)

For most of my life, yes. Books are awesome, and I love writing them. It's a double-dose of awesome, because after you write it, you get to read it over and over and over and over and over and over.... (editing and revisions). Basically, you have to adore your book if you're going to edit it. That's where most writers finish their careers.
Thankfully, I adore Embassy.

 

What character in your books do you relate to most?

It's funny. I'm going to say Arman Lance (the main character) because I think the journey he goes on most resembles my own personal journey of the last few years.
However, recently I've noticed that nearly every character is one piece of me. Glacia Haverns keeps an optimistic attitude, but suppresses her problems. Ellin Mistin is quirky and enjoys what she does. Officer Larson Remmit can be a bit conceited. Lieutenant Victoria Hofhen likes what she does and is afraid of heavier responsibilities.
There are more, but those are just some examples.

What is your favorite sport to watch and or play?

Baseball, hands down. There's nothing like going to Camden Yards and cheering on the Baltimore Orioles on a warm summer's night. I'm also a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and despise the Baltimore Ravens.

Favorite Movie?

Gravity, with Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. It's my favorite movie of all time. The reason why is because there hasn't been a good realistic space movie. I'm a huge fan of realism in science-fiction, and Gravity was breath-taking.
Fast fact: I have seen The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King more than 200 times. Not even kidding. Several years ago, my sister and I would watch it in the car everywhere we went. To this day, both of us can quote every single line in the movie.

Beach or Mountains?

It depends. I love the mountains and used to go hiking at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, about three weeks at a time. However, I love going to Kiawah Island, South Carolina. It's beautiful there.
Fast fact: I'm the only member of my family who has never been overseas.

If you could be a color, what color would you be?

Blue. Blue stimulates creativity, and I'm a very creative person, so I'd be blue.

Favorite Dessert?

You can't beat a good old Hot Fudge Sundae.

If you could be a book character, what character would you be?

A side character in Harry Potter. I'd also love to experience the world in my book, because I love the thought of human exploration farther into the galaxy.

 

The Embassy

S. Alex Martin

 

When Arman Lance fell in love with Ladia Purnell, he made it his life's goal to find her after she left his planet. But amid tragedy and his obsession for Ladia, Arman struggles to fight the mental isolation he has built around him. He sees joining the galaxy's Embassy Program only as one step on his journey to Ladia, nothing more.

Now Arman explores the Embassy, flies a Molter, and competes in the fast-action Hologis tournament. At last, Arman embarks on the expedition that will take him across the stars to Ladia, but the journey might change him ways he would have never dared to imagine