Interview with Andy Southall, Author of Brightest Star

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Brightest Star?

In recent times we’ve lived through some turbulent leaders. I wondered how our current crop of politicians would fare in a Sci-Fi setting and in outer space. This book and the ones that follow are the results.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Brightest Star, what would they be?

Chadwick would be something about never giving up – I Will Survive. Frimp would be about revenge – Don’t Get Mad, Get Even. And Bee something lively and about traveling – Hit the Road Jack.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Science-Fiction is up there, so I also enjoy writing Science-Fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Pale Blue Dot by Carl Sagan, The Wandering Earth by Liu Cixin, and Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marion James.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I loved writing some of the Frimp scenes: his first speech in front of the Assumptors, his bike ride across Java, his adventures on Shield. Somehow – unintentionally – he finishes up with the best settings.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I write first drafts in longhand using a propelling pencil,

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

The more you read, the better you write. And a quote by Confucius: “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I can’t. Every reader will take something different away from a book, and my job as a writer is to leave enough space in a story for the reader to insert their own interpretation and thoughts.

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