Adam Gaffen writes science fiction, fantasy, and more from the mountains of southern Colorado. A member of SWFA, he's regularly out at events, meeting new fans.
What genre do you write?
I consider myself to primarily be a science fiction author - specifically, Hopepunk. What? It looks at the future with a hint of optimism; it doesn’t say that everything will be perfect, but it urges everyone to work to improve things, and not just for themselves. The idea of sacrificing for the common good, or even for one other’s good, is a strong thread. That said, I have recently released a fantasy romance trilogy, and have realized that my SF and Fantasy universes are the same universe, which will make things interesting.
What got you into writing your own stories?
Every author begins as a reader. I believe that, wholeheartedly. At some point, though an author will separate themselves from readers by looking at a story they just read and asking, “Yes, but what if this character did that other thing instead?” and writing it down. My version of that was Robert Heinlein’s Future History. He created an elaborate timeline of events, running from the 1940s to about 2100, and then slotted his stories into them as he wrote them. This framework provided the worldbuilding. After I graduated high school, I took a shot at writing one of those myself, starting from fifty-odd years later and running into the 2200s. Fragments of that timeline form the basis of the world of my Cassidy Chronicles books.
Tell us about your WIP.
I’m currently writing a comic caper novel, styled after the Donald Westlake DORTMUNDER stories, which I will have out in 2024 (September 3 is the target). This has been a blast to write so far, as I’m explicitly placing it in the GODSFALL universe (the fantasy side) by including both of those MCs as supporting characters. A quick summary is, Dakota Chase is a planner. She’s the brains behind heists, setting it all up and then letting it roll. When her friend and sometimes co-conspirator, Kalili Keoka, comes to her with a huge payday, how can Dakota say no? But when she discovers the identity of their mark, she suddenly realizes she might be in over her head.
How would you describe your writing style?
Fast-paced, sparse, rollicking, inventive - all of these have been used to describe how I write. I'd say that I don't have a single style; I adapt to fit the story I'm into at the moment. The comic caper novel, as I said, is deliberately styled after Donald Westlake. The GODSFALL books are unique in my library in that I write from multiple first-person POVs as you go through the books. So where do I fit? Wherever the story takes me.
What comes more easily, plot or characters?
Characters come first, because I have to know who my people are before I start dropping them neck-deep into the sewer. Once I know them - and I really know them - then the story, the plot, more or less carries itself along. All I want is for them to end up where I planned for them to go. Doesn't always happen, but I keep trying!
What is your "writer's den" like?
I share my office with the dogs' crates, so I have a nice rolltop desk tucked into a corner, with art all around me on the walls, and the rest of the space filled by dogs and their beds. Since I can't see it, it doesn't bother me.
How do you get into the flow for writing? Do you have any rituals?
Mornings are for marketing and other non-writing writing tasks. Midday I'll start getting creative, maybe doing more book art, or graphics, and then I transition to editing. If I do any active writing, it's later in the afternoon.
What would be the greatest achievement for you to aim for as a writer if anything were possible?
I'd love for my books to be adapted for a visual medium. Don't get me wrong, I love my readers, and plan to give them plenty more! But some of my books would translate perfectly into the small screen, and since I write dialogue-heavy books? It seems natural.
Do you have a day job? What is it?
I have a day gig as a home inspector, which allows me to pick and choose my schedule.
Do you read the same genre you write? Why, or why not?
I do, as well as others. The best way to become a better writer is to write - but I think the second-best method is to read other authors' works. I certainly don't know everything about my genres, so I need to expose myself to others' knowledge. It also creates interesting rabbit holes, as one author leads me to another to another...
Do you read fellow indie authors' works? Why or why not?
Absolutely! The indie author community is vibrant and supportive, and I love being part of it. Besides that loyalty, the fact is that so many indies are hugely talented! I'd be foolish to not dive into that pool.
Is there an author who inspires you?
Any number of them, yes. Rachel Rener - her worlds are so imaginative and yet relatable, plus she's one of the hardest-working indies I know. Robert Heinlein - just about the creator of hard science fiction, and one of the most creative authors of the Golden Age. Rebecca Thorne - love her characters and stories, and she's an example of an indie who was found by trads. I could go on and on and on but I won't!
What's your favorite holiday? Why this one?
It's odd, being an author. There isn't much distinction between a holiday and a not-holiday, but any time that my wife and I can travel? That's the best.
What's your favorite season? Why this one?
Where we live, we enjoy all four seasons equally. The winters aren't terribly cold - not compared to Maine, where we used to live - or snowy. Spring and fall are lovely, with warm days and crisp nights. And summers? Despite getting warm - very warm, some days - the altitude keeps us dry and prevents it from being oppressive.
Do you have pets?
Oh, you bet! Right now, we have five dogs and five cats; whether this certifies us as crazy or just passionate is something I'll leave to the readers.
Connect with Adam Gaffen here.
Featured Book: Tracking Tantor
In "The Ghosts of Tantor," Colonel Chloe Resler and her starship crew embarked on a routine exploration mission. Their journey took a perilous turn when they encountered a rogue planet and a trail leading to an ancient alien species. What began as a straightforward assignment quickly transformed into a high-stakes race against time.
Now, in the exciting sequel, the stakes are even higher.
Why would you like to feature this book?
This book has been a long time coming! Normally, I put out a book every few months, but this one's been two years in the making. Of course, I wrote a full trilogy and another novel in that time, so I haven't been slacking, but this one's special.
Who was your favorite character to write?
This is an ensemble cast, and while Nicole Crozier was the focus of the first book in the duology, more characters had the opportunity to shine here. As I learned from Jim Butcher, I made sure to give them a Crowning Moment of Awesome.
What was the spark that started this book?
It's a sequel, and while I could have left the prior book as a standalone, it had diverged far enough from my original concept that I needed to bring it back around.
We keep going, Admiral, no matter the cost. We’ve never learned how to say, “This is enough.” And unless you’re going to pull me from my command—your prerogative, naturally—then I’m not stopping now. You gave me a mission and I intend to see it through. I’m a damn submariner, Admiral, even though you’ve given me the biggest carrier ever to fly.
What was your favorite scene to write and why?
It's a scene that got cut from the book, actually. A little backstory: most of my books have a romantic sub-plot, and the primary one in here leads to an impromptu proposal. The scene that got cut - which is available for download as a little gift to readers - is the frantic activity as they try to plan a wedding literally overnight.
What was the most interesting random fact you researched for this book?
I had to learn about the gaps between the arms of the galaxy. Why? Well, you'll just have to read the book, won't you?
What's the message you worked into this book?
Out here (deep space), there's only us. We all have to work together if we're going to succeed. It's a narrowing of the general message of hopepunk, where people make personal sacrifices for the good of all - or even the good of one other.
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