ℚ Precipice: The Backworlds [6] - M. Pax

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author M Pax to talk about Precipice (3 May 2015, 255 pages) a science fiction space opera, the sixth book in The Backworlds series:

In the far future, humanity settles the stars, bioengineering its descendants to survive in a harsh universe.

A murderous alien intent on overtaking the galaxy  breaks free, destroying a ship belonging to the Backworlds’ oldest enemy, the Fo’wo’s, who want another war.

The Backworlds’ need the Fo’wo’s as their allies, and Craze is recruited as he had first captured the alien.

A holocaust is looming unless he can stop it.  

You can find out about each of the six books in the Backworlds series, and how to grab yourselves the first two books for FREE by following the link below.

Synopsis | Teaser | The Series | Author Q&A | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

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Hello Mary and thank you for joining us on BooksChatter for a Q&A about your latest release "Precipice".

"We Can Be Heroes"

What was the inspiration for your latest book, Precipice?

"Sacrifice drives the stories in Precipice.  My heroes face war and have to choose between bad and worse to save themselves and their worlds.

The initial inspiration for the Backworlds series was Firefly.  I missed it so much, I pulled elements out of it to create a universe of my own."

I think we still all miss that series terribly...
How much of yourself is reflected in The Backworlds series, and how?

"I love to write about regular people facing challenges, which reflects me and everybody else.  I like hope, so always weave it into the tale.  Mostly, my stories fulfil my wish to explore other worlds and have some fun."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover.  Can you tell us about the cover for Precipice  - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"I wanted the cover to convey drama - the darkness of sacrifice and the light of hope.  Basically, I told my cover artist to put a guy in a spacesuit on the cover.  She did the rest and did a fantastic job.  My talented cover artist is Erin Dameron-Hill of edhgraphics."

I love Erin's work.  She also has a couple of very nice posts on her site showing us how she creates these beautiful covers.  She is truly talented.

Why should we read your book and what sets it apart from the rest?

"My characters are regular people who end up in positions where they might be able to prevent a major war.  They make tough choices and prove everybody can make a difference.  I love those kinds of stories."

Can you tell us something quirky about the story and its characters?

"Chocolate is the most valuable commodity in the galaxy.  To me, it makes sense something loved and taken for granted on Earth would become as cherished as gold in space.

The main character has living hair that takes care of itself.  I would love to have no more bad hair days."

I like those ideas and although I am not a great fan of chocolate, I do enjoy whole toasted cocoa beans.  Very rich!

Who would you recommend your series, The Backworlds, to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"Boing Boing gave The Backworlds five stars and compared me to Heinlein, which is extremely flattering.  My fans love the fast pace and the surprises.  If you love adventure, fun, and rooting for the underdog, the Backworlds is right up your alley.

There is some mild profanity.  Any adult pairings fade to black."

If you could / wish to turn their book/series into a movie, who would be your dream team (e.g. director, actors, locations, etc.).

"Director - Joss Whedon.  Lead actor: Manu Bennett.  Since it takes place in space, I’m not picky about location.  I would love to see the Backworlds as a series on the BBC."

Very nice choices.  I was not familiar with Manu Bennett (Azog in the Hobbit) but I can see why he would be perfect!  And you cannot go wrong with Joss Whedon - Firefly, Serenity, Buffy, Angel, Alien: Resurrection, Dollhouse, Cabin in the Woods, and most recently Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

What do you like to write and read about?  Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones? 

"I write about regular people dealt a bad hand in life and how they rise to meet their challenges. I like weird and bizarre so usually stick elements of it in my stories.  My novels aren’t all set in space.  The Rifters and  The Renaissance of Hetty Locklear are both set in present-day Oregon.

So far, I’ve stayed within the fantasy/science fiction genre, but have plans for a historical series and contemporary fiction."

What is your writing process?

"I do a quick outline then write a rather slow first draft.  I print out what I wrote for the day, edit it by hand, input the changes, then move on when I’m happy.  This speeds up my revision phase a lot and the editing phase (when the manuscript returns from my editor).  I write everyday and set a deadline with my editor when I’m past the halfway point.  Deadlines are my friend."

What is in store next?

"My next novel will be the third book in the Rifters series, which involves a misplaced New Yorker as the county librarian, an outlaw from 1888 in the present, monsters, rifts, and a secret organization that battles the monsters.

The Rifters is a blend of urban fantasy and contemporary science fiction with a little steampunk and time travel thrown in.

The seventh novel in the Backworlds series will come after.  The title is Free Fall.  It’ll pick up where book 6 leaves off."

Many thanks again for talking to us about the series and your future plans.  We certainly look forward to reading Precipice.

Salvation comes at a price.
Precipice - available NOW!

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