Welcome back, Kerry. God has really been
moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?
Yes, I think that’s true. I’ve been grateful for the
positive support my books have gotten so far. At last count the first book of
the series (A Star Curiously Singing)
has forty-seven 5-star reviews on Amazon. The first two books have both been
finalist in numerous award contests, and last year ASCS was the Reader’s
Favorite Gold Medal Award winner in the Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy
category.
I can only see that as God’s blessings. Especially since I
never thought the first book would be published. Typically “Christian” and
“Science Fiction” are two circles that don’t intersect. A real hard sell to a
publishing house.
As for the future, I hope to keep writing stories that
people will enjoy. Stories from a Christian worldview that still have a little
“weird” in them. J
Thankfully, the advent of micro-publishers like my publisher, Marcher Lord
Press, means there is an outlet for those types of stories.
Tell us a little
about your family.
Sure. My wife’s name is Leah and we’ve been married for
nearly ten years. We have three children, ages six, five, and one. They keep us
busy. In addition, we have an ancient cat that we would forget we had if she
wasn’t so vocal at mealtimes.
Has your writing
changed your reading habits? If so, how?
My reading is more focused on speculative fiction now than
it ever was before. Some of that is because I like to study other stories and
storytellers. To both learn from what others have written, and to keep my own
writing fresh and unique.
Much of my genre focus too comes from publishers and authors
asking me to review their speculative titles. Sometimes that’s for the review
itself, and other times it’s because they want a cover recommendation. (I
consider both an honor.)
Probably the largest overall change in my reading habits is
that I try to review everything I read. I almost don’t feel like I’ve finished a
book until I’ve written about it. J Plus, I know how
important reviews are in today’s online book-buying world. I like helping other
writers succeed.
As you know, I do,
too. What are you working on right now?
I have a couple stories I’m bouncing around on. Both speculative.
Both science fiction. I’m not sure if the bouncing is a good sign or not. I
spent nearly four years of my life in the world of the DarkTrench Saga. I felt like
I knew the characters and situations intimately. Now I need to find another
story to grab my interests. At times it is a struggle.
What outside
interests do you have?
At this point family clearly takes a good share of my time. Our
kids are young enough that someone always has to be supervising. I relish that,
though. I was in my late thirties when our first child was born. So I was ready
to be a father. Plus, they’re delightful and interesting little people. A bit
trying at times, but also surprising and incredibly distinct. Like the best
books you’ve ever read.
I’m also a regular at the gym. In fact, last year I
participated in the Arnold
5K Pump and Run. It is this bench press and running competition. (An odd mix, I
know.) You bench a percentage of your body weight as many times as you can and
then you go out and run a 5K. Each rep on the bench takes 30 seconds off your
final running time. There were over 800 people signed up last year, and I
finished somewhere in the middle. Not bad considering I was never an athlete in
school.
Aside from that I’m a movie buff and a bit of a video game
player. Mostly Halo. I have dozens of friends on Xbox Live with names like
DaBest, MasterPhoenix and RockAndRoller. Ages unknown, but I suspect most are
younger than me.
How do you choose
your settings for each book?
I don’t give a lot of thought to setting. It just sort of
comes for free.
My stories start with images. For instance, A Star Curiously Singing came from a
series of images. One was of this future robot analyst/repairman sitting in a
room talking to a robot. Trying to verbally diagnose it.
Another image was of that same robot in pieces on a
spaceship floor. So then I realized this robot must’ve gotten damaged on a deep
space mission, and this analyst fellow must have put it back together and is
now trying to understand what went wrong. Next I realized this space ship was a
new design, and the place where the analysis was occurring was a space station.
So there I had two important settings: a special ship, and a
space station.
If you could spend an
evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?
For a Christian like me the obvious answer is Jesus, but
unlike other people from history, we can spend time with Him, not just for an
evening, but any old time of the day. That’s the beauty of our relationship.
Jesus is always available.
Given that, I guess I’d say George Washington. I think much
of what he was and did is lost to modern America . As are the lives and
sacrifices of all the founding fathers. It would be great to just sit with Washington and hear the
stories that were significant to him. To hear how his faith directed and
supported him.
That would be
awesome. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started
writing novels?
How important marketing is, and how much of the
responsibility for that marketing falls squarely on the author’s shoulders.
Most of us technology/science fiction guys aren’t, by nature, extroverts. (Ever
see the sitcom The Big Bang Theory?)
We’re more comfortable dealing with internal worlds—computers or fictional
worlds—than we are the world outside. So trying to become an expert marketer is
difficult.
Marketing is so important in today’s world, though. And I’m
learning. It would’ve been nice to know in advance what a large percentage of
time marketing takes, though. I might’ve taken a few classes. J
What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?
I recently read the book Radical
by David Platt. In it the author makes a strong case that American Christians—with
our large churches and constant striving for more and more stuff—have largely
missed the point of the Gospel. That we’ve surrendered the mission of the
Church to the altar of the “American Dream.”
It is difficult to read that book and not be convicted in
some way. So I guess I’m still digesting what I read and trying to figure out
what that means for me in this New Year. It’ll be interesting to see where the
Lord leads.
What are the three best things you can tell other authors to
do to be successful?
Write whether you feel like it or not. You’ll be surprised
how often even the “bad” days turn out good work.
Writing is a faith walk. So think of it that way. No, you
may not know how it is all going to end, or what situations will happen along
the way. But God does. So start walking, start writing, and eventually you’ll
get there.
Don’t let the negative reviews outweigh the good. And don’t
think everyone will love your work. You’re
not writing for everyone. You’re (hopefully) writing to please God. Remember, even
Jesus had critics. You will too.
Tell us about the
featured book.
Freeheads is the third and final book in the DarkTrench Saga,
which began with A Star Curiously Singing.
In the second book, a couple of the characters were in space, essentially
searching for the truth about God. This third book follows their return to
Earth, and what they do with what they’ve learned. Of course, some things have
changed since they left, and some things haven’t.
At some level, the DarkTrench Saga resembles the life of
Moses, wrapped in a cyberpunk meets sharia (Islamic) law veneer. I’ve taken many
of the standard sci-fi tropes—robots, extreme technology, a dystopian future,
space travel, alien intelligences, reluctant heroes—and tried to put my own
unique spin on them. I think it is lots of fun, but I hope it also has deep
meaning. That was my goal, anyway.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
2000 AH, Day 62, 9:23:42 a.m.
[DarkTrench
Nest]
In a digital mind
the simplest thing is a “bit.” It is the smallest divisible part, just like we
used to think the atom was in the physical world. Consequently, bits are
important. The machine revolves around them. Everything is measured in bits, or
in the thousands of them.
A single bit has a
value, and that value can be either one or zero. Or—to revert to the
electronics from which computers take their substance—either “on” or “off.”
Power is traveling through the bit, or it is not.
It wasn’t until
after the first computers were created that we realized that they—in at least
one way—approximated our own brains. In the human brain, the simplest thing is a
“neuron.” It is the smallest divisible part. That neuron has a value. It is
either firing or not firing. Reacting or not reacting.
The power is
either on or off…
DarkTrench lets
out a singular shriek on the stream, wrenching me from my reverie. Seated in
the ship’s nest, alone, I check the screen in front of me and then pan the rest
of the room’s screens. Looking for an answer. All show a spinning metallic
“DT”, DarkTrench’s approximation of sleep.
At the front of
the room, on both sides of the curved central screen, the diamond-shaped panels
are slid back. Beyond them I can see the light tunnel we travel in. It billows
as we carve through the light-years. Space is an afterthought to the ship, an
empty annoyance in our swirling pathway home.
“What is it, Trench?”
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
My website is www.kerrynietz.com, or www.nietz.com. I’m
also on a number of social networks. There is a graphical list of them at the
bottom of my website home page.
Thank you, Kerry, for giving us another peek into your world.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Freeheads - paperbackFreeheads (The Dark Trench Saga) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
Sounds like a wonderful sci-fi read. I'd love to read the whole series. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletecoolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE
Thanks, Robyn. And thanks for stopping by! I should mention that I'll gladly substitute the first or second book in the series as the giveaway book. And I'll autograph it any way you like.
ReplyDeleteHave ur 1st 2 books can't wait to read this new one.
ReplyDeleteJames
Midwest city, ok
Thanks, James. I think Freeheads ties everything up nicely. I had a lot of fun writing it. Lots of cool science and tech. Hope you enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteI'm still wrapping my brain around Christian Sci-fi (not sure why) but I would love the opportunity to win this book.
ReplyDeletehollymag(at)gmail(dot)com
from not so sunny SoCal (though it's suppose to be 80 by Wednesday!)
I've said it before and I'll say it again...I CANNOT WAIT to give this man a chance on my bookshelf. I've heard a lot of amazing things about this fella, and I know he won't disappoint me. Really looking forward to the first book, and then lining them up! Bring 'em all on! Looking forward to some good reading. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Holly and Wolfe!
ReplyDeleteSounds fun! I have A Star Curiously Singing in my to-read pile already. Looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteHope the draw's open to Canadians too... I'm in Atlantic Canada.
Thanks for commenting, Janet. I can ship to Canada. No problem.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, Kerry! I loved book 1 and have given it as gifts to a couple of people. Now I need to catch up.
ReplyDeleteGreat, Susan. Thanks for stopping by. Your name is in the hat!
ReplyDeleteI've had a number of people recommend this. Sounds like a good series. Now, do I need to get all the books, or just the first two? ;) (Guess I'll find out soon..)
ReplyDeleteAaron
Pompeii, MI, USA
Great interview, Kerry! I love your books and can't wait to read Freeheads. Please don't enter me in the contest, as I already bought my copy. And it is patiently waiting in my massive To Read pile. Soon, Freeheads. Soon we will journey back to earth.
ReplyDeleteAaron, I'd say ALL, but I'm biased. :) Start with the first, see what you think.
ReplyDeleteJill, thanks for stopping by. Glad Freeheads is on the pile, even if it is down a ways. Looking forward to your thoughts. Also looking forward to reading Replication. It is on my list!
Enter me it sounds like a very interesting story! Thanks and God bless.
ReplyDeleteSharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.
Consider yourself entered, Sharon. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi! I live in Manitoba, Canada. I love Christian Sci Fi. It's my favorite genre!
ReplyDeleteGreat, Celesta! You're entered.
ReplyDeleteI can't recommend Kerry Nietz too highly. The first of the Dark Trench Saga, A Star Curiously Singing, won me just from the title. If you haven't read his work, I suggest starting at the first. His characters and created "language" is fascinating.
ReplyDeleteKerry, as with Jill, you don't need to enter me. I just want to encourage others to discover you!
Thanks, Lois. I really appreciate your encouragement!
ReplyDeleteHi Kerry. I have seen you on one of the forums that you frequent. I would love to read one of your books, so please enter me into the contest. Keep on writing.
ReplyDeleteI have read A Star Curiously Singing and The Superlative Stream. Beware, these books are not ones that you will put down once you start reading them, so have plenty of free time before you begin...
ReplyDeleteKerry has captured the very essence of the insidious war we are waging this very day to remain a Christian nation. He has done so in a most enthralling plot with characters and languages that mesmerize the reader. I will read Freeheads as soon as my current project is finished - which cannot be soon enough. Great writing Kerry, thank you for many enjoyable hours. Dave Smith, PMP, CM
Just ordered A Star Curiously Singing. This is my first Christian Sci/fi. I would have never put the two words together until the last couple of years. It's great to see you putting it out there. The possibilities must be limitless.
ReplyDeleteIs gaming a prerequisite for Sci/fi? It sure seems to be the norm. lol. Can't wait to read your book.
Thanks for commenting, Kathy. You're entered!
ReplyDeleteDave, always good to hear from you. Thanks for your kind words and support throughout this adventure.
Ray, thanks for ordering ASCS. Hope you enjoy it. I'll gladly send you the second (or third) if you win here.
On videogames, it isn't a prerequisite, but it probably doesn't hurt either. If you like sci-fi, or more generally speculative "story", there's lots of that in both places. (I'm a big movie fan too.) In my case, I was reading and watching speculative fare long before video games existed. :)
I didn't realize that tere was a Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy category! Many fantasy stories have Christian elements, but I've never heard of sci fi with them. I'd LOVE to read your book and see what it's like!
ReplyDeleterrgreene62(at)gmail.com
Hi Rebecca! Yes, believe it or not my publisher Marcher Lord Press (www.marcherlordpress.com) specializes in speculative fiction from a Christian world view. I've read many of them (roughly 20 novels) and they are all quality. Check out the site!
ReplyDeleteAnd, Rebecca, Realms (Charisma Media) has a speculative/sci-fi section as well.
ReplyDeleteAha, yes, thanks Lena for mentioning Realms too! Great speculative stuff there. Also, another indie publisher to check out is Splashdown books (www.splashdownbooks.com). I have writer friends who write for Realms and Splashdown, and they produce great stuff.
ReplyDeleteThanks to Kerry and Lena for the publisher info. I might have found a new genre to love!
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this because I love SciFi. I live in S. CA. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, bakers! We'll get your name in the hat. (And I'll gladly send you the first one in the series instead, if you win.)
ReplyDelete