1. When/why did you decide to become a writer?
Well, when I was younger, I kept coming up with all these ideas, but I had nothing to do with them. I couldn’t draw—I still can’t—or anything like that, so they just sat around, unused. Then, one day, I got an epic idea I couldn’t ignore. I felt I had to do something with it. So I turned to writing, figuring maybe I could turn my ideas into words. Looks like that worked out, huh?
2. What authors inspired you when you were younger? Whose books do you enjoy today?
When I was younger? Hm. Garth Nix, Harper Lee, Stephen King, and J.K. Rowling were favorites of mine. I still read King today. I’ve expanded my tastes though—I read a wealth of books, primarily sci-fi, mystery/thriller, and urban fantasy. I have more “favorite authors” on my list than I can name.
3. What was the inspiration behind your novel Echoes?
Interestingly, my failure to write another sci-fi novel. The structure was too complex for me to tackle at that time, so I wanted to write something simpler yet still challenging. The first idea that popped in my head was the premise of Echoes, so I went with that.
4. Why decide to set it in futuristic America?
No particular reason. The simplest answer is, “I know America.” Writing about another area would be interesting, sure, but it would also be more difficult. Since Echoes is my first book, I wanted to ground it in what I was familiar with. It made the process somewhat easier.
5. Are the "bod mods" your interpretation of society's obsession with the physical over the spiritual and its progression?
Not really. A running theme of Echoes is the search for identity. Echoes takes place in a relatively new, flourishing society built on the ashes of the collapse of human civilization earlier in the millennium. They don’t really know who they are, these people. The result is that they can’t “sit still.” They can’t simply select a way of life and stick with it.
6. Why a genius crime analyst? There are many directions you could've gone in for a lead.
Well, I don’t so much pick my protagonists as much as my protagonists “pick me.” Adem was the first character I thought of for this world, so I chose to follow his story.
7. What does Umbrella Girl represent in her enigmatic presence in the story?
Loaded question. Dynara isn’t one simple thing. In fact, her ambiguous nature plays into another running theme of the story: gray morality. Dynara’s actions aren’t black and white—ever. She always has an ulterior motive. Her plots often border on convoluted and cruel, but the motives behind them are wholly logical and work toward what she considers “justice.”
8. Do you foresee a sequel in the future?
Echoes is the first in a planned series of the same name. The second book is Epitaphs. It comes out in early 2015.
9. Though the book is HIGHLY fictional, are any of the colorful characters based on real people?
Nope. When it comes to characters, I don’t pull from real life. Why? No particular reason. It’s just one of my things.
10. Where do you see yourself and your career in the next ten years?
Hopefully ahead of where I am now. I will have many more books out—I’m hoping more sales follow.
11. Would you like to see Echoes made into a film or TV series?
Given the state of TV and movies now? No. I’d love to see a TV series for Echoes (definitely not a movie), but TV shows don’t get the kind of funding necessary for a good Echoes adaptation. Too many special effects needed. On principle, however, I’d love a TV show. I’m writing Echoes, after all, to read somewhat like a TV show, with episodic installments that each take place a few months apart.
12. Is there anything you'd particularly like readers to take from the story?
The many uses of sarcasm. Other than that, I’d like everyone to take whatever suits them best. Whatever they need to take.
13. Are you working on anything that you can share with KSR readers?
Sure. I’m writing a sci-fi thriller novella series, Arcadian Heights. I’m working on a contemporary speculative mystery/thriller series (I haven’t settled on the series name yet). And, of course, I’m planning Epitaphs, the sequel to Echoes.
14. What author (dead or alive) would you love to collaborate with?
Stephen King. His work ethic is impressive.
15. Thank you for participating in the interview! Can you please leave the readers with three things that may surprise them about you?
Um, let’s see. I eat pizza at least once a day, every day. I have a degree in finance and English. And I love cats. Cat lovers unite!
Find Therin Knite online via:
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