Interview with Terrence King, Author of Critical Habitat
16 Jan 2024
What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Critical Habitat?
The story was gestating for five years and I finally started to write it the day after I met my wife. And then it took another six years after several editors–and a publisher picking it up before dropping it as they reorganized–to publish it. But I became more motivated and better through the process.
I love fantastical adventure stories and the best sci-fi offers — I wanted to bend some of the constructs of the genre but fulfill the genre’s expectations, so to be a worthy addition to the genre. It was challenging and rewarding, and Book 2 is in its sixth draft edit now.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Critical Habitat, what would they be?
It would absolutely be classical symphony, inspiring and dramatic, but not melodramatic. Let’s have a little fun.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Sci-Fi, Thrillers, and Horror – a mashup!
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Rabbits by Terry Miles and Robert Jackson Bennet’s Foundryside. Can’t wait, honestly.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
There’s a scene that fulfilled a very important part of Critical Habitat, demonstrating how ruthless General Speer was to the rebels. I had the epiphany during a Counting Crows concert, of all places, of this important scene that demonstrates what a monster he is beyond his troops. I got up in the night to write it.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I have to go back to the prior day’s work and review it before I can move forward. Ridiculous.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Make life happen or it happens to you.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Meaningfulness.
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