The 2015 Spring Author Program has featured a lot of different genres. So far we've had romance, adventure, dystopia and fantasy. Today, we're taking a peek at the world that Tig Carson has created - the world of A SPACE STORY. Tig is the author A Space Story: The Story of a Bald Little Alien Named Dean Kilmer. If the title sounds a little strange to you, you're right. It sounded a little strange to me, too! But Tig Carson has a great sense of humor and his little adventure is now available online for readers to enjoy. The inspiration behind his novel - and why he started writing - is a story that all writers will be able to identify with.
Hi Tig! Let's start with A SPACE STORY. What is it about - and how did you come up with the idea of a "bald little alien named Dean Kilmer?"
A Space Story is about a bald little alien named Dean who heads out in search of Earth, but is shocked to discover he's not the only one looking for a way there. You get to follow Dean as he befriends the most feared creature in the galaxy, gets hunted by killer monsters, reveals ancient mysteries, and eats way too much fake bacon.
I got the idea for the story years ago, while working long hours as a projectionist at a local movie theater. I'd spend many hours sitting in the dark, coming up with stories. Many years later, I discovered all my old notes and ideas in a binder under my bed and decided to go through it all. The rest, as they say, is history.
I'm guessing this is a bit of comedic look at a science fiction tale. Have you always been interesting in sci-fi - and by extension, comedy?
I'm an 80's child, so I grew up a huge fan of The Goonies, Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, Star Wars, The Last Starfighter, The Dark Crystal, and the many other classic movies from that era - all of which did a great job mixing serious themes with levity. I tend to be the same, always one to find a bit of humor, or sarcasm, in everything. So, when I wrote A SPACE STORY, I set out to create something that both entertains, makes you think, and will put a smile on your face along the way.
I grew up wanting to be an astronaut, so Sci-Fi is definitely near and dear to my heart.
When did you start writing? I still have the very first story I remember writing. I was 6 years old. My grandmother recently discovered it while cleaning out a drawer and gave it back to me. It was about a snail that was being bullied by a bigger snail. It sits on my book shelf now.
What science fiction books and movies/TV shows inspire you?
Oh my, this list could go on and on, but I'll do my best to keep it short. On the movie end, Ice Pirates, Back to the Future, Star Wars, The Last Starfighter, Krull, The Dark Crystal, Blade Runner, Firefly, War Games, Battlestar Galactica, and Star-Trek come immediately to mind. (Now I'm all paranoid I left out something huge. I know I did. Grrrr!) Wait... The Fifth Element. Can't leave that out!
As far as books go: Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Callahan's Crosstime Saloon,
Rendezvous with Rama, The Time Machine to name a few.
Rendezvous with Rama, The Time Machine to name a few.
What is your writing process like? Mornings? Evenings? With coffee or without? ;)
I was always a night owl. Writing in the day seemed so strange to me for years. But as I got older, I realized staying up till 3am every night to write just wasn't cutting it. So now, I dabble in both. Though when it comes to writing, I still prefer a rainy night over a sunny day. My routine is probably quite typical. Coffee, stare at screen, write, surf web, write, stare at screen, pace around the house, surf web, repeat. Though I recently discovered a set of headphones and ambient music helps keep me on track.
Any upcoming projects? And where can readers connect with you online?
I've been working hard to get Volume 2 of A SPACE STORY done by early June. Once this series is done, I have a great idea for a coming of age story that takes place in the NJ Pine Barrens during the 1980's.
Connect with Tig Online:
great article! love your humor too! waiting patiently for the next book to hit the shelves :) who says you have to be a kid to love A Space Story? oh, wait! i'm still a kid at heart, that counts right?
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