Interview with Emmanuel M Arriaga, author of Foundra

by grant

in Author Interviews, News, Science Fiction

29 Jul 2019

What can you tell us about your new release, Foundra?

Foundra is a sci-fi coming of age story following a young genius named Neven. Neven has a perfect life before he meets up with the immortal Lanrete. Overnight, he goes from a comfortable life in the lab to fighting to save the galaxy from annihilation by extra-dimensional beings. He’s forced to become a Secnic, or combat engineer, where he operates massive power armors on the front lines alongside an elite team of heroes from across the galaxy. Neven learns to kill and discovers that he’s remarkably good at it, but that reality weighs on him even as the galaxy is crumbling to pieces around him.

What books are currently on your night stand?

I’m currently reading through “Fall” by Neal Stephenson. I recently finished “The Mistborn Trilogy” and am patiently awaiting the final book of “The Expanse” series.

What advice would you give your teenage self?

Don’t let fear guide your decisions. Read up on the work of Carol Dweck and pick up the books “Mindset” and “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” as soon as they become available.

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

I’d spend more time working on my novels. My wife and I have an infant son who takes up a good chunk of my time nowadays. My writing time has been cut moderately which has delayed some of my novel plans.

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

My family and my faith. The relationships and community are a core part of who I am and have made me a better person and a better writer.

What scene in Foundra was your favorite to write?

There is an epic space battle that takes place later in the novel where Lanrete’s military forces are up against seemingly impossible odds to protect this planet filled with civilians. It’s this very tense moment where the characters realize they won’t be able to save everyone, but they go in with high hopes that they can turn the tide of the battle. It was a very emotional section for me to write and I think it may hit a few readers in the same way.