Official Interview: John J. Blenkush

[kandscreeley]

Today's Chat with Sarah features John J. Blenkush author of Solstice Series.

To view the official review, click here.

To view the book on Amazon, click here.

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1. Is there a difference between a writer and author? If so, what is it?

In my mind, absolutely. I believe writers and authors have different motivators. As a writer, I write what I know, what stories interest me, without thought to: Is this timely and will this sell? Hence my penchant to write all genres, not exactly the proven formula to become a sought-after brand-name author. As an example, John Locke wrote nine books and sold over a million books on Amazon in five months. It took me eight years to write the Solstice Series, because, as a writer, I have to “live” the story. To flesh it out. Until it becomes real to me. Julissa and I are good friends, and, at times, it felt that she was guiding my words. I ached and cried for Stacy in Stacy's Story. I wanted revenge for Rue The Day in Reddition. I didn’t have these emotions with Cayce in The Dothorian Door, because my heart was set on becoming a published author, long before Amazon entered the scene. That’s not to say one cannot be a writer and an author, but sacrifices (value?) are often made. I have full respect for those who pull it off.

2. How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing since the seventies (see picture below), not necessarily novels, but short stories and lengthy letters home while serving in the military. In the nineties, I wrote The Dothorian Door, painstakingly written by pen. Eventually, I would slash over 500,000 words from this 600-thousand-word albatross. It was originally published in 1997 by iuniverse to little fanfare.

3. What are your favorite and least favorite parts of the writing process?

I love every aspect of the writing process: the creation of characters, scenes, and worlds, the research, the hunt for the perfect word, and even the editing, which, with the word processor has become much easier. But, yes, editing would be my least favorite. Any editors out there?

4. Let's discuss Solstice Series. Can you give us a brief synopsis for those that don't know?

Huge task given the volume of information, but in short: Despondent girl (Julissa Grant) meets otherworldly boy, (Aaron Delmon) becomes infatuated with his looks, aloofness, ability to manipulate life force energy, and his wisdom and knowledge. She’s drawn into his mission, which is to inject new DNA into a species (Lemurians) facing extinction, by courting and marrying a surface equal. Against all odds, Julissa manages to become a surface equal candidate, despite not being pure of heart, selfish, emotionally challenged, and thwarted every step of the way by the Lemurian’s nemesis, Nani Doris and her minions. With her life imploding, Julissa travels below to Telos, the Lemurian city, and, after completing Songline and Discovery, into the dystopian New World, where betrayal and powerful forces abound.

5. Why science fiction? More specifically, why the birth of a new world?

Science fiction gives the writer infinite latitude to stretch the imagination. A New World, based in morality, is something I feel is sorely needed in these challenging times, given, it appears, man’s inability to rule himself.

6. Would you consider the book dystopian?

Only at the end of Songline, where everything comes “tumbling down again” (Red City Review) and A New World is created, which is yet another huge turning point in the series.

7. The main characters are high school students. How did you center on that age and were they difficult to write realistically?

Having spent 24 years working for a high school and college and having grown up with six sisters gave me unique insight into the behavior of young adults and the workings of a school environment. Most (not all!) of the high school scenes and interactions are based on real events. One of my coworkers from that era read the books and said it felt like he (yes, HE) was stepping back in time, as he intimately recognized the interplay and descriptions. Further, I love the volatility of this age group, as they are open vessels searching for answers to purpose and their role in life, all a main theme and hurdles with Julissa. YAs—in my experience—are easily (mis)directed. Julissa’s volatility is deeply heightened by the loss of three loved ones in the space of a year. The vacuum the losses create sends her spiraling to her destiny.

8. The reviewer mentioned that this book made her think. What themes did you think it was important to include? Was there a central message you wanted to get across?

The main theme explores the essential human desire for sense of purpose, to fill the vacuum, no matter our shortcomings. Mark Twain said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” The choices we make, often under duress and handicapped by our perceived notions, in a world that is constantly changing and in motion, are consequential and rarely achieved without personal revolution and sacrifice. Julissa learns, in order to succeed in purpose, she must first transform before building a foundation, one—in her case—steeped in morality and altruism, which is the core of The Law of One, the Lemurians’ life-guiding principle.

9. What's next? Do you have another book in the works?

I’m currently writing a murder mystery, Sandman, which takes place on the island of Caye Caulker, off the coast of Belize. A son, thirty-some years after a tragedy, seeks to rescue his father—one he didn’t know he had—from self-imposed penance.

I like to end with fun questions.

10. What's your schedule like when you're writing?

My keyboard writing takes place in the morning, between six and twelve. But it doesn’t end there. I continue to write in my head and take notes (on my phone) throughout the day and night when some of my best ideas/phrases occur. I’m also a marathon runner (Completed Avenue of the Giants and Tahoe Blue this year) which—during my training runs—I tend to zone out, which spark eureka moments.

11. Considering your book includes supernatural powers, I think it's only fair to ask: Would you rather have telekinesis or telepathy?

I believe the Solstice Series exposes humanistic powers, those we haven’t yet fully explored and exploited. Lifeforce energy affects us daily, through our senses, whether that’s a mood change from another human or an uplifting from the beauty of nature. Telepathy happens between twins and cherished ones, something my wife and I experience as we often think the same thoughts simultaneously. But if I had to make a choice, it would be telepathy, but with a caveat: “Not all urges are meant to be acted on.” Principal Hertzog, Sacrifice.

12. What's your idea of the perfect day?

One spent with my family, whether it’s my wife, children, grandchildren, or all at once. They are the ones who gladden my heart and allow me to soar.