Interview with Sci-Fi Author Jaleta Clegg!

We have a special treat today! An interview with sci-fi author Jaleta Clegg, whose new book, Priestess of the Eggstone, is out today! Having read and LOVED her first book, Nexus Point, I was excited to interview Jaleta and get to know her better.


Tell us a little about yourself.

I wish I looked like Lucy Lawless as Xena, but I don't, so I pretend. I've always been jealous of Han Solo. I want his ship so bad. I've always been fascinated by space and science fiction, so it really isn't much of a surprise that I write it. The silly horror stories did catch me off guard. I didn't realize I had such a warped sense of humor until I found myself writing it.

The mundane stuff? I've been married to my husband for over 26 years, still going strong. We've got a horde of children, who keep getting older on me, and a houseful of pets of assorted species and sizes. I enjoy cooking, as long as I get to play with weird ingredients and names. I piece quilts sometimes when I have the urge to do something tactile. I refuse to wash windows or do much weeding. I adore pear tomatoes from my garden. And I'm a sucker for fresh raspberries.

You are amazing!

How long have you been writing?

Writing for publication? Just since 2009. Writing stories? My whole life. I can't stop myself from making up stories.

What first sparked your interest in science fiction/fantasy?

I've always loved space and the stars. I discovered Andre Norton's books when I was about ten and Carl Sagan's Cosmos about the same time. I've been a lost cause for science fiction and fantasy ever since.

Awesome. For me I had that moment with Orson Scott Card's books.

Who are your favorite sci-fi/fantasy authors?

Andre Norton, obviously. Elizabeth Moon and Julie Czerneda are close seconds, followed by many of the old classic authors: Isaac Asimov, David Eddings, Jack L. Chalker, R A Salvatore, Diana Wynn Jones, and many others. I love to read and I'll read just about anything.

Super list! I am a huge Julie Czerneda fan as well!

Do you have a favorite writing snack?

I need a beer hat with chocolate instead. That way my hands are still free to type while I suck chocolate through the straw. I love chocolate. It's my kryptonite. Speaking of which, excuse me a minute. *rummaging through cupboards, sounds of wrappers crinkling, wiping chocolate off face* Much better.

Mmmmm. Chocoloate...

Tell us about your new book!

Priestess of the Eggstone is the second book in my series, The Fall of the Altairan Empire. But don't let that scare you off. I promise each book tells a complete story. I just leave a few things dangling for the next book to play with.

Captain Dace is in trouble again, though she doesn't go looking for it. She's flying a courier ship for Belliff, which she finds out is a front for the Targon Crime Syndicate when she walks into the middle of a Patrol raid on their offices. Now the Patrol are after her for smuggling, Targon wants her for selling them out, but that isn't the worst of it. Her co-pilot, Jerimon, has the entire Sessimoniss race after him for stealing their god, the Eggstone.

The part that scares Dace the most, though, is Jerimon's aunt planning their wedding.

I am so excited to read this! I love Dace. =)

Best piece of writing advice?

Write, write, write, write, read, read, read, read. Pick things apart to find out how they work or what doesn't work. Never stop being curious and exploring new ideas and new things. Write what you love.

Oh, and don't listen to all those rules people keep spouting. Whatever you do, if you love it enough, it will show and people will respond. If you hate what you're writing, so will your audience.

Thanks so much for inviting me over to your blog!

That is great advice and you are very welcome. It's been a pleasure having you!

Priestess of the Eggstone blurb: Pursued by the Targon Crime Syndicate bent on revenge, the Patrol intent on recruitment, and the Sessimoniss who want their god back, the last thing Captain Dace needs is a handsome copilot with romance on his mind.

Purchase Priestess of the Eggstone here

Read an excerpt

Jaleta's Blog
Website
Altarian Empire Series website