This month’s twitterview guest is Phoebe North, debut author of Starglass, which had its book birthday yesterday! She’s here to discuss her inspiration for the story, world-building, tired SF tropes, and more. You can read more about North and Starglass at her website, and enter to win a copy of the book at the end of the interview.
Pitch Starglass in 140 characters or fewer.
One girl’s coming-of-age on a spaceship where, to survive their 500 year journey, the inhabitants have lived dramatically constrained lives.
What inspired you to write the book?
It started as a grad school assignment, an SF retelling of James Joyce’s “Eveline.” Revisited it years later and it ballooned from there!
You describe the ship’s society as “casually Jewish” (vs. casually Christian). How much did your own background influence this decision?
Quite a bit! My mother (a Fineberg herself) was raised Orthodox Jewish. I am fascinated by the line between religion and culture in Judaism.
How would you describe Terra?
Terra Fineberg can’t get a break. Her mom’s dead, her dad’s a mess, and she’s terribly lonely. But she’s got a secret strength inside her.
The world the Asherah is traveling toward is called Zehava. What’s the meaning behind this name?
Hebrew for “gold.” It’s a Goldilocks planet: not too hot, not too cold. Just right for a human colony–or so they hope!
What about Asherah?
Semitic sky goddess who may have been the consort of god and the Queen of Heaven to the pre-exile Hebrew people.
What was the most fun part of writing the book?
Kissing scenes! And anything involving Mara Stone. I love that little grumpy botanist with all my heart.
Starglass is your debut novel. How long was its journey from idea to publication?
Long! I started the draft in 2010, but the first seed was in a short story written in 2008, and there were four failed novels between.
I loved reading the extra world-building info on your website. What other YA books would you recommend to teens for their world-building?
A Confusion of Princes by Garth Nix! SO GOOD. Also the Earthseed novels by Pamela Sargent and John Christopher’s Tripod books.
What about other books about generation ships?
Beth Revis, of course! But Amy Kathleen Ryan’s Skychaser books deserve a shout-out, too.
What draws you to writing SF?
I am a big, big nerd who loves robots and spaceships and aliens. Seriously, that is the long & short of it.
What is the most over-used trope in YA SF right now?
Aliens who look just like us (or have no physical bodies) and have no appreciable culture of their own. Also bland human cultures.
What would you like to see more of in YA SF?
Alien and human diversity! More weird, surprising stuff that really pushes philosophical boundaries. Scientists as heroes.
Who do you think is breaking ground in YA right now?
I’m kinda digging this sci-fi revival that’s going on!
What did you like to read as a teenager?
Mercedes Lackey (oh, the angst!) and Anne McCaffrey (oh, the dragons!). Their books are written on my heart.
Describe your writing process.
Write all the words (by any means necessary). Sort out the details when you revise.
What’s the best writing advice you ever received?
“Finish the book.”
What’s your best writing advice to give?
My process is not your process. Figure out what works for you. Finish the book!
Outside of writing, what do you do with your free time?
Read, walk, garden, snuggle with my cat. I really am a boring introvert, despite what my wacky hair and tattoos might suggest.
You’ve got the conclusion to the Starglass duology coming out next. What other writing projects are you working on?
Some various projects: space school, Cernunnos hunters, magical transhumanism, a girl and her robot. We’ll see what happens.
Is there anything more you can tell us about Zehava, or will we just need to wait until the sequel arrives?
One word: ALIENS.