Interview with E.F. Skarda, Author of The Splinter’s Siege

by grant

in Author Interviews, News, Science Fiction

18 Aug 2020

What can you tell us about your new release, The Splinter’s Siege?

I think most authors have a book that just seemed to melt onto the page. The words came easy, the plot flowed nicely, and it all came together without the typical handwringing. This book was like that for me. As the second volume of The Infinity Chronicles series, this book is pretty packed with action, some deception and intrigue, and LOTS of emotion. That’s probably what I’m most proud of, is the emotional tone. There are times that I look through it and even I get goosebumps.

What books are currently on your nightstand?

I just started The Atlantis Gene by AG Riddle. So far it’s been pretty good, so I’m guessing I’ll have the rest of the series by my bed soon.

What advice would you give your teenage self?

Don’t stay in your head too much. I have a tendency to draw out thoughts in my head for hours on end, especially at night. I wish I would have learned to be quiet more when I was younger, focus on the experience of the day rather that imagining what might happen next. Feels like I may have missed out on things that way.

If you had an extra hour each day, how would you spend it?

I’ll take the low-hanging fruit here and say that I’d spend it writing. My day job is as a physical therapist, so I don’t get as much time to write as I would like. Otherwise, I would probably spend it watching a movie with my son.

What makes your world go round? Why does it bring you joy?

My son is the obvious answer. It’s just so satisfying watching him grow up. Kids have this weird ability to drive you crazy for hours, and then spontaneously give you a hug for no reason, which seems to make the whole world make sense again. That’s the best feeling.

What scene in The Splinter’s Siege was your favorite to write?

That’s a tough question. Without giving away too much, there’s a scene in the book where the Infinity team is trying to rescue some civilians from a Dominion raid. It doesn’t go well. The main character, Kyle Griffin, encounters a very powerful enemy, and it pulls him away from the rest of the team. The rest of the team is forced to confront the army without him. It’s just a really strong example of how the team works, and how things can go sideways if Kyle isn’t at his best.