Ask the Author: Marcha A. Fox
Answered Questions (11)
Marcha A. Fox
Nothing inspires me more than scientific research, where I can always find various situations and plot angles for a story. When I was writing "The Terra Debacle: Prisoner's at Area 51" the more I learned about plants, more specifically oxalis, and Area 51, the more ideas I had. The History Channel shows like "Ancient Aliens" always provides a plethora of story ideas as well. I have more trouble finding time to pursue them all than coming up with ideas!
Marcha A. Fox
After years of searching, far and wide, you finally find your dream house, nestled in the woods overlooking a beautiful lake. Shortly after you move in, your dog unearths a corpse in the backyard, explaining why the house is apparently haunted and the spirits are not friendly.
Marcha A. Fox
I just finished the rough draft of "The Terra Debacle: Imprisoned at Area 51" which covers Thyron and Aggie's experience not covered in "A Dark of Endless Days." It's not quite as long as the other books, but a full-length novel nonetheless. I can't say yet when it will be released, but I'm hoping it will be before Christmas 2016. After that, I'll get to work on "Dark Circles" which is another spin-off from book 2.
Marcha A. Fox
I haven't read that one but will hunt it down. I totally adored his "Ender" series.
Marcha A. Fox
As a physicist I love science and think it's exciting and fascinating. Science is thus of high importance in my stories. Sometimes it's part of the problem and others it provides the answer they must discover. For example, "Beyond the Hidden Sky" has various situations that involve Einstein's theory of Special Relativity. The "hidden sky" refers to the world they've left behind, a planet shrouded in fog where the Brightstar family was exceptionally affluent and everything was under perfect control. They leave and everything falls apart, something most of them are not prepared to handle.
In addition, as a mother of six kids I'm rather familiar with family dynamics. My tetralogy is a family saga where everyone does not always get along. There's also the matter of irreversible decisions, where one hasty action on the part of one person has consequences that reverberate throughout the lives of every family member. This is apparent in "Beyond" and continues in "A Dark of Endless Days" when circumstances require Dirck to take care of the family under life-threatening environmental as well political circumstances. Their survival depends on building a heat exchanger to cool their primitive structure. There's a bit of a "prepper" theme as they struggle to survive as opposed to the comforts they previously took for granted.
I'm fascinated with quantum mechanics and its connection to consciousness. This comes out particularly in "A Psilent Place Below" and "Refractions of Frozen Time" where crystals that enhance psi effects such as telepathy, mind control and p-teleportation are discovered. (I recently posted two blogs on teleportation. You can find the one on p-teleportation here: https://marcha2014.wordpress.com/2016... ) The positive application of these technologies can save, them while the negative could mean their demise which demonstrates the ethical dilemma often present with technological advances.
Reviewers have compared these stories to classic, hard sci-fi, which is no surprise since that's my favorite genre, especially where people's lives are enmeshed in the development of advanced technology.
In addition, as a mother of six kids I'm rather familiar with family dynamics. My tetralogy is a family saga where everyone does not always get along. There's also the matter of irreversible decisions, where one hasty action on the part of one person has consequences that reverberate throughout the lives of every family member. This is apparent in "Beyond" and continues in "A Dark of Endless Days" when circumstances require Dirck to take care of the family under life-threatening environmental as well political circumstances. Their survival depends on building a heat exchanger to cool their primitive structure. There's a bit of a "prepper" theme as they struggle to survive as opposed to the comforts they previously took for granted.
I'm fascinated with quantum mechanics and its connection to consciousness. This comes out particularly in "A Psilent Place Below" and "Refractions of Frozen Time" where crystals that enhance psi effects such as telepathy, mind control and p-teleportation are discovered. (I recently posted two blogs on teleportation. You can find the one on p-teleportation here: https://marcha2014.wordpress.com/2016... ) The positive application of these technologies can save, them while the negative could mean their demise which demonstrates the ethical dilemma often present with technological advances.
Reviewers have compared these stories to classic, hard sci-fi, which is no surprise since that's my favorite genre, especially where people's lives are enmeshed in the development of advanced technology.
Marcha A. Fox
You're very welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed them. Would you like to share any specific parts that you liked most?
Marcha A. Fox
Thank you for asking, Pattimari! I would love to write a screenplay someday because I find writing action and dialog particularly easy and fun while making sure all the sensory and emotional details are present takes a bit more purposeful concentration. Of course with a screenplay a producer and director would be the ones to provides those elements, making it pure fun for me.
I would love to see my science fiction series made into movies. I'm in the process currently of finishing it up so I'm still immersed in that particular story line and can't think of much else. If Star Trails were to become a movie(s) I would definitely want to be involved in writing the screenplay as well as participating with the casting and production. I enjoyed working with my cover artist tremendously so can't even imagine how much fun it would be to see my story come alive on the screen.
I'm not yet sure what my next fiction project will be when I finish up Star Trails. I have a few ideas floating around in my head for spin-offs as well as something entirely different, i.e. an historical romance. Once I finish up "Refractions of Frozen Time" I'll see what suggestions my muse has and take it from there. As most writers know once your muse speaks you have little choice but to listen.
I would love to see my science fiction series made into movies. I'm in the process currently of finishing it up so I'm still immersed in that particular story line and can't think of much else. If Star Trails were to become a movie(s) I would definitely want to be involved in writing the screenplay as well as participating with the casting and production. I enjoyed working with my cover artist tremendously so can't even imagine how much fun it would be to see my story come alive on the screen.
I'm not yet sure what my next fiction project will be when I finish up Star Trails. I have a few ideas floating around in my head for spin-offs as well as something entirely different, i.e. an historical romance. Once I finish up "Refractions of Frozen Time" I'll see what suggestions my muse has and take it from there. As most writers know once your muse speaks you have little choice but to listen.
Marcha A. Fox
I love speculative science fiction and the more it challenges established theories the more I like it, provided it does so intelligently. There are certain laws of physics which are undeniable and if a speculative writer violates them or shows an obvious ignorance then I tend to discount it. If they back up their premise with some truth and logic then I’m with them all the way.
The best part of a good scifi story is watching the science unfold and its effect on the plot and characters. In the real world science is all around us but so many are oblivious to it. It’s not only important but can be fun and exciting. Bringing science into a story shows its relevance. I can remember when I was a teenager that anything that didn’t have relevance didn’t get my attention. My kids were the same way. Science fiction not only gives it meaning but shows it can be fun and interesting. It’s the ultimate What if? premise novelists thrive upon. I think that your book, "Rogue Genesis," is a perfect example of speculative science combined with the paranormal which then shows a potential bridge between them. That is why I was so enchanted by it and look forward quite eagerly to its sequel! That kind of thinking is exactly where my head is.
I’m a bit of an enigma or perhaps even a paradox myself being a physicist as well as a professional astrologer with clients worldwide. I believe in the unseen world of metaphysics and the paranormal. I also believe that as technology continues to advance that these effects will eventually be “proven” scientifically. Already scientists such as paranormal researcher Dean Radin are gaining mainstream respect by using the probabilistic approach to bring credibility to such things as psi phenomena.
This works for astrology as well. So often when I look at something astrologically using the horoscope of an event and see the placement of the planets I can’t help but declare, “What are the odds?” For example, the chart for the Boston Marathon bombing a few years ago had an asteroid named Marathon on a very prominent part of the chart. What are the odds when there are hundreds of thousands of asteroids? That, of course, was only one of numerous telling features but I thought it was the coup de gras. On my chart an asteroid named after the muse of writing, Kalliope, is on the point that defines your personality, i.e. the ascendant. I’ve been writing since I was old enough to hold a pencil. Again, what are the odds?
Currently the plans for my next book call for it to be nonfiction which will look at astrology, science and religion, provided Kalliope agrees and doesn’t send me off on something else. I don’t think there’s a conflict between those disciplines at all. Theories relative to multiple dimensions can certainly include paranormal effects. I’ve read some papers published in respected journals by theoretical physicists which are far more unbelievable than science fiction. My personal favorite is the idea of multiple dimensions which states that every decision plays out somewhere, placing us in several dimensions simultaneously. I honestly don’t know how they can seriously put such ideas out there and expect serious-minded people to believe them. On the other hand, I am a physics major and know what a creative, somewhat crazy bunch we are. We believe in having fun and I think sometimes a lot of it is tongue-in-cheek which reflects our collective sense of humor. After all, any group who enjoys playing with math must be a little on the weird side in the first place, right?
I’m more inclined to pick holes in the science of movies than books. It seems that authors are a bit more careful about getting their facts straight while Hollywood and film makers generally let their imagination determine the facts instead of vice versa. For example, the old Bruce Willis film, “Armageddon,” was so inaccurate on all fronts it was downright laughable. (See my blog about it here: http://marcha2014.wordpress.com/categ...) Steven Spielberg’s film, “Deep Impact,” which had a similar apocalyptic theme, was much more accurate. My gripe is that young people believe what they see and can get the wrong impression when the science is wrong. It’s not that difficult to do it correctly and teach something along the way. Lots of times being accurate increases the suspense or plot. For example, explosions in space send a shock wave but no sound. Silence can be spooky, too. Seeing something blow up from within a spacecraft or space station with no sound other than the shock wave’s effects could have a very chilling effect while maintaining an accurate view.
Speculative science fiction which is based on established science or respectable theories is what science fiction is all about. How many early science fiction works like those of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne were prophetic? I believe that science fiction writers today can inspire tomorrow’s scientists who may someday show that it was the science fiction writers who were correct, not scientists who refused to let go of old paradigms or got so carried away having fun with math that they lost all touch with reality.
The best part of a good scifi story is watching the science unfold and its effect on the plot and characters. In the real world science is all around us but so many are oblivious to it. It’s not only important but can be fun and exciting. Bringing science into a story shows its relevance. I can remember when I was a teenager that anything that didn’t have relevance didn’t get my attention. My kids were the same way. Science fiction not only gives it meaning but shows it can be fun and interesting. It’s the ultimate What if? premise novelists thrive upon. I think that your book, "Rogue Genesis," is a perfect example of speculative science combined with the paranormal which then shows a potential bridge between them. That is why I was so enchanted by it and look forward quite eagerly to its sequel! That kind of thinking is exactly where my head is.
I’m a bit of an enigma or perhaps even a paradox myself being a physicist as well as a professional astrologer with clients worldwide. I believe in the unseen world of metaphysics and the paranormal. I also believe that as technology continues to advance that these effects will eventually be “proven” scientifically. Already scientists such as paranormal researcher Dean Radin are gaining mainstream respect by using the probabilistic approach to bring credibility to such things as psi phenomena.
This works for astrology as well. So often when I look at something astrologically using the horoscope of an event and see the placement of the planets I can’t help but declare, “What are the odds?” For example, the chart for the Boston Marathon bombing a few years ago had an asteroid named Marathon on a very prominent part of the chart. What are the odds when there are hundreds of thousands of asteroids? That, of course, was only one of numerous telling features but I thought it was the coup de gras. On my chart an asteroid named after the muse of writing, Kalliope, is on the point that defines your personality, i.e. the ascendant. I’ve been writing since I was old enough to hold a pencil. Again, what are the odds?
Currently the plans for my next book call for it to be nonfiction which will look at astrology, science and religion, provided Kalliope agrees and doesn’t send me off on something else. I don’t think there’s a conflict between those disciplines at all. Theories relative to multiple dimensions can certainly include paranormal effects. I’ve read some papers published in respected journals by theoretical physicists which are far more unbelievable than science fiction. My personal favorite is the idea of multiple dimensions which states that every decision plays out somewhere, placing us in several dimensions simultaneously. I honestly don’t know how they can seriously put such ideas out there and expect serious-minded people to believe them. On the other hand, I am a physics major and know what a creative, somewhat crazy bunch we are. We believe in having fun and I think sometimes a lot of it is tongue-in-cheek which reflects our collective sense of humor. After all, any group who enjoys playing with math must be a little on the weird side in the first place, right?
I’m more inclined to pick holes in the science of movies than books. It seems that authors are a bit more careful about getting their facts straight while Hollywood and film makers generally let their imagination determine the facts instead of vice versa. For example, the old Bruce Willis film, “Armageddon,” was so inaccurate on all fronts it was downright laughable. (See my blog about it here: http://marcha2014.wordpress.com/categ...) Steven Spielberg’s film, “Deep Impact,” which had a similar apocalyptic theme, was much more accurate. My gripe is that young people believe what they see and can get the wrong impression when the science is wrong. It’s not that difficult to do it correctly and teach something along the way. Lots of times being accurate increases the suspense or plot. For example, explosions in space send a shock wave but no sound. Silence can be spooky, too. Seeing something blow up from within a spacecraft or space station with no sound other than the shock wave’s effects could have a very chilling effect while maintaining an accurate view.
Speculative science fiction which is based on established science or respectable theories is what science fiction is all about. How many early science fiction works like those of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne were prophetic? I believe that science fiction writers today can inspire tomorrow’s scientists who may someday show that it was the science fiction writers who were correct, not scientists who refused to let go of old paradigms or got so carried away having fun with math that they lost all touch with reality.
Marcha A. Fox
I love it when one of my characters come to life. At that point I'm an observer, simply recording what they do. I seldom create a character, they usually just appear and I get to know them by what they say and do. It's tremendous fun and what constitutes nirvana for me as an author.
Marcha A. Fox
To be perfectly honest I have to say the movie "Star Wars." Every story starts with a premise based on "What if?" and as a young mother at the time with a half-dozen kids I could just imagine one of them getting fired off in an escape pod. Of course in most families the kids don't always get along, so it seemed logical that a quarrel would set one of them off who would want some time alone. The story took off from there and involved the entire family, not just Creena. Of course her horrified parents have to deal with the situation and every story needs a villain who exploits the situation to his own advantage. I didn't originally plan for it to turn into a series but my characters took off on me and decided otherwise.
Marcha A. Fox
I rarely get writer's block. I usually have more ideas than I have time to develop. When I do get stuck it's more likely to be a plot snafu or a misbehaving character who got him or herself into a bunch of trouble and I'm not sure how to get them out. In that case I find doing something mindless like weeding the garden, vacuuming, taking a walk or something like that puts me in an almost meditative state and the solution will come. I've also found that throwing the question out to the Universe before I go to sleep often brings the solution as soon as the next morning.
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