It is a truth universally acknowledged, that an aspiring author who interviews her writing heroes, must fangirl over said heroes.
You guys, deep breath here, because I just finished one of the best YA sci-fi novels I’ve read in a while. I couldn’t put it down or dismiss the characters (I’m looking at you, Renner).
To thank for this gripping story, we have the amazing E.A. Hendryx.
I first learned about her book, Suspended in the Stars, when it was still in the kickstarter stage. A fellow writer shared the campaign with me, and I immediately fell in love with the premise and exquisite cover illustration (which you can still get with the paperback). I should have pre-ordered my copy right then and there. Instead, I missed out on the pre-order goodies and the special edition hard cover. Note to future self: don’t wait.
Eventually, I ended up purchasing two copies, a hard cover because I’m a sucker for hardcovers, and a paperback because of the original cover art. My daughter claimed one of them, so it all evened out. Just look at them. Aren’t they magnificent?
When Talie Zarna is forced to hide rogue soldier, Renner Cartha, her life isn’t the only thing threatened. Living as the famed Soaring Staress on the circus spaceship Midway masks her true identity, but Renner’s very presence threatens to draw unwanted attention.
As a former royal guard, Renner holds secrets of his own. Like evidence of a political assassination he is on a mission to deliver to the Xerus Galaxy’s governing council. Renner’s flirtatious confidence is at odds with the seriousness of his mission, but when his former guard captain, Jas Uli-Tai, discovers him hiding among the circus performers, Talie risks everything she’s come to cherish—going so far as to leave the safety of the Phenomena circus—to do what is right.
With Jas closing in at every turn, Talie and Renner come close to finding the High Council only to discover corruption at its core. Their only option for escape is a cocky smuggler who’s not quite what he seems and an underground resistance group called The Rising that’s fighting for change in the galaxy.
Faced with the weight of her true identity and the cost of embracing it, Talie must decide if she is willing to give up everything for the sake of saving the Galaxy, even if that means giving up the boy she loves.
Suffice it to say that my daughter finished the book in two days, and only because she had school. Otherwise, it would have been one day. I have no doubt. I finished the book not as fast, because life, and motherhood, but I obsessed over it whenever I wasn’t reading it (I’m still look at you, Renner).
I was so happy when Emilie (AKA E.A. Hendryx) agreed to this spotlight. Check out her answers below:
Why do you write?
I have a passion for story. Whether that’s through books, movies, music, or shared between friends, story shapes how we view the world. It teaches and it often is able to show us things we couldn’t have seen or learned any other way. To me, storytelling is a gift and I write to use that gift. I often joke that, even if I weren’t published (or could never publish again) I’d still write. I love it that much.
What/who inspires you in life (not in your writing, but in general)?
My writing buddies (we call ourselves the Book Ballers) are my go-to for inspiration. And, on a daily basis, my friend and YA podcast co-host Christen Krumm is such an encouragement. We often share daily goals and support one another in our to-do lists. But, aside from friends, I’m also hugely inspired by the outdoors. When I’m stuck on a plot point or needing some inspiration I’ll often get outside and take a walk or a hike. God’s creation always gives me motivation to write.
What are some of your favorite things?
I love coffee (so so much!) and tea of all kinds, my pets (dogs: Georgia and Bounce, cat: Pages), the color green, soft fuzzy blankets when it’s cold, listening to podcasts (Crime Junkies is a fave), baking, and black licorice (I bet many of you just said *yuck* ha!).
What would your perfect day look like and how is it different from your actual everyday?
A perfect day (assuming I’m not vacationing somewhere awesome) would mean I started the night before by going to bed early enough to give me 8 solid hours of sleep (this does not always happen). Then, starting the day, I’d get up early while the house is still quiet and write – no distractions, no social media, no email. Then, mid way through the day, I’d take a break and get outside on a hike or run. Maybe I’d design something fun in the afternoon, and then in the evening I would spend time with The Mr, make homemade pizza, and watch a true crime show.
My “normal” days don’t look that far off from this but the major difference is distraction. I’m easily distracted by email and socials and the other “business things” I have to do.
If you could invite a group of writers (dead or alive) to a tea party, who would it be?
Oh my. Well, it would be an eclectic bunch for sure. Maybe an obvious choice but Tolkein and Lewis would be the first to the table followed by Pierce Brown, Brandon Sanderson, Martha Wells, and…wild card…Patrick Stewart. (I’m a huge Star Trek fan and loving his biography).
Doesn’t she sound lovely? I also think black licorice is the best. My kids don’t agree, but they don’t know what they’re talking about. I’m a big Treky fan, too. Just the other day I was pretending the snowflakes on my windshield were signs of my warp speed. Yep, I’m that nerdy.
I asked Emilie two bonus questions for my VIP Circle: What would your top advice be for young writers? And what is your number one marketing tactic? To read those, head on over to my VIP Circle page and sign up. Or just click here.
For this spotlight, Emilie and I are doing a really fun giveaway. The items include:
- Three exclusive Suspended in the Stars cred chips (3D printed)
- Ten Xerus Galaxy inspired stickers
- Two exclusive tickets to Circus Phenomena
- One signed bookplate
- One Suspended in the Stars bookmark
- One exclusive Circus Phenomena sticker
To enter this giveaway (and read E.A. Hendryx‘s bonus questions) click here.
The giveaway will run until January 27th 2024 and a winner will be randomly selected through my VIP Circle by January 29th. Open to U.S. residents only. Good luck!
Did you like this post? Then consider joining my VIP Circle and don’t miss out on all my additional content (monthly messages, inspirational quotes, bookish recommendations, giveaways, and much more!). Click HERE.
And if you want to collaborate with me don’t be shy. I love to work with fellow writers, spotlight authors, and host writing challenges. I’ve also been known to swap short critiques on occasion. Reach to me here.
Melissa Muhlenkamp 