Interview with S.A. Asthana, Author of The Final Wars Rage

What can you tell us about your new release, The Final Wars Rage?

It’s a story about the fall of human civilization in the 23rd century. TFWR follows the domino effect triggered by Bastien Lyons, the central character, in book 1, The Final Wars Begin. Against this backdrop, TFWR explores many themes – can morality exist in a fractured, technologically-advanced world? Is redemption plausible when one’s hit rock bottom? What does it mean to be human in a world where transhumanism and synthetic construction of man is a possibility? There’s a lot to unpack against the premise of civilization’s collapse.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I was inspired by reading Herge’s Tintin comic series as a young boy. It wasn’t science fiction, but it was excellent storytelling, nonetheless. Each comic kept me entertained for hours. Then I’d create fan fiction of the intrepid reporter. That’s how the writing bug bit me.

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

Tough question – only five? Well, here goes (in no specific order)…

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

Michael Crichton. I’d ask him this exact question 🙂

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

I love to tell stories, and writing, for me, is the best medium for doing that.

What is a typical day like for you?

My day is bookended by writing – 5 to 6 am & 8 to 9 pm, at minimum. I’m busy with work (currently at Dell Technologies) and family (lucky to be married to a wonderful wife and have 2 beautiful kids) in the middle. So, it’s a full day, every day. But writing is my passion, and I feel unproductive if I haven’t put in at least 2 solid hours per day. It’s essential to write every single day if you wish to be a writer.

What scene in The Final Wars Rage was your favorite to write?

There’s a chapter where Bastien reunites with someone important in his life. It shows his vulnerability as a man on the path to redemption and allows him serious self-reflection. I don’t want to give away too much, so you’ll just have to read the book to find out more 🙂

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

As far as writing goes, it’s this:

“A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.”

― Richard Bach

S.A. Asthana is the author of the new book The Final Wars Rage.

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