Today I have the pleasure of tapping the brain of Jack Shilkaitis, indie science fiction writer from the state of Iowa and author of the Scions of Oth military space opera series. 

Okay, so you’ve got a rather extensive series to talk about today. Specifically, the military science fiction opera Scions of Oth. What should readers expect? 

Scions of Oth is a continuing series. Season One contains the first 9 books (I call them episodes), but I am currently in the middle of writing and releasing the episodes for Season Two. Chaturaji, the 13th book in the series and the 4th in Season Two, is currently available for preorder and set to release on September 29, 2024. There are lots of recurring characters, so if you’re in the know then you should kinda know what to expect. It’s space opera with plenty of action and character development. 

What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of this book? 

Battlestar Galactica. The reboot. Specifically the characters and interpersonal relationships, along with the more gritty style of space opera when compared to things like Star Trek. Something about the show just stuck with me and a whole story evolved from there.

Yeah, the Battlestar Galactica reboot really changed the flavor of science fiction at the time. Star Trek, Stargate, and the like were so… optimistic, I suppose is the word I’m looking for here. But BG really changed the storytelling, brought a more brutal vision of humanity’s future. Outside of that, what personal experiences have influenced the themes and characters in your stories? 

I’ve never been on a spaceship, but I have plenty of human experience to draw from and do so whenever possible. Becoming a parent was probably the biggest change and influence on my writing that I’ve seen.

Kids’ll do that to ya (change your life, I mean). Any other authors you’d mention as influences?

It all started with Isaac Asimov with Foundation. From there I was also inspired by Orson Scott Card, Kevin J Anderson, Frank Herbert, Glenn Cook, and just a pinch of H.P. Lovecraft.

Oh, some OG Science Fiction greats in there! You must have gained an interest in storytelling quite young, then. What inspired you to start writing? What makes your author’s voice unique? 

Yeah, I’ve always been telling stories since I was a kid. I used to draw picture books and dictate the story to family before I knew how to write. As I grew older, I discovered science fiction through books, tv, movies, and video games (like most millennials did). Video games in particular became a place where I could tell stories again, in the case of StarCraft and other similar customizable games.

As for my voice, I’m a bit of a chameleon. I pick up on the quirks of the authors I read, which means I have to be very careful about what I read. I try to convey the emotion of the character’s experience, regardless of the circumstance. For me, the plot is a vehicle for the characters, not the other way around.

Sounds like storytelling has been with you since the beginning. So, what is your writing process like? Do you follow a specific routine or ritual when working on a new project? 

When I write, I try to stick to a routine as best as I can. I have three young kids, so it’s not always easy. I actually have been pretty consistent at writing while on my phone on the treadmill. It’s kind of a two birds with one stone proposition, since I could stand to lose a few pounds, as well.

Consistency is key. I admire you writing on the treadmill–that’s something I’ve tried without much success. And you’re an indie author, I should have mentioned before. That’s by choice, from what I know about you. So why go indie? Does it offer some freedoms compared to more traditional publishing routes? 

Oh, too many to count. In my opinion, traditional publishing should be something you stumble into these days and shouldn’t be the first thing you aim at as an aspiring writer. Just write and publish. Focus on your readers and what they want. Build an audience. Take it into your own hands and make it your own. If you get a publishing deal someday, that’s great. You don’t need to languish in obscurity with unseen manuscripts cluttering your hard drive.

Yep. I am of the same ilk. My goal is to write stories and share them, with as few roadblocks as possible. And speaking of stories, you’re working on the next season of Scion of Oth, I assume? Where can readers stay updated with your latest news and releases? 

I am continuing to work on the Scions of Oth series. I have additional content in that same universe I’m working on, as well, spin-offs with different characters to expand the scope of the overall story. The best way to stay updated is by subscribing to my newsletter (link: https://scionsofoth.com/author).

What has been the most memorable piece of reader feedback you’ve received on the series (so far)? 

Probably the most memorable piece of feedback I’ve gotten was from a reader describing my series as ‘Star Trek on Steroids.’ It was entirely unprompted and made my day.

That is certainly high praise! How do you engage with your readers? 

I send my newsletter weekly and always try to have something to offer. Whether it is a new short story or some kind of bonus content, I do my best to provide more content for my readers, since I know that’s what they’re really after.

That’s a lot of creative product. How do you handle writer’s block or creative slumps? 

I’ve learned that writer’s block—for me, at least—comes on when I haven’t properly prepared for what I’m writing next. Spending time plotting and fleshing out events in the story is what I have to do to keep it at bay. Otherwise, it’s just about eating the frog. Motivation is doing the thing you want to do when you don’t want to do it, and that’s how I stay motivated to continue writing. I just do it.

Mmmm… frogs. Seriously, as a fellow plotter/planner, I know how much time this can consume. How do you balance writing with other aspects of your life, such as family, work, or hobbies? 

Balance? What’s balance? I have to keep myself on a tight schedule and make time for the people and things I care about. When I’m really in a groove and stay consistent, though, balancing it all doesn’t feel taxing or like a burden. It feels fulfilling.

So when you’re not writing, how do you enjoy spending your time? 

I’m a long time Magic the Gathering player and have also recently gotten into Warhammer 40k (the Emperor Protects). I also have a martial arts and fitness background, having studied multiple martial arts from an early age. I also like to lift heavy things.

Well, as much as you joke about “balance,” it seems you’ve applied the concept to your life rather well, sir.

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Check out Jack’s boxed set season of Scions of Oth, and visit his author website to learn more about him and his books, or to join his weekly newsletter.