The following is an interview with New York Times bestselling author Tracy Wolff and bestselling author Nina Croft regarding the upcoming release of their new adult sci-fi romance novel, Star Bringer, through Red Tower Books. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Wolff and Croft about their shared creative process of bringing the story and characters to life, what they hope that readers will take away from the story, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming release of Star Bringer! For those who may be unfamiliar, how would you describe the book’s premise, and what inspired you to tell this story?
Tracy Wolff and Nina Croft: Thank you!
We took a bunch of misfits, each with their own quirks and baggage, and threw them together on a stolen spaceship. Then, we put them through a rollercoaster of trouble, forcing them to confront their differences and discover the hidden bonds that connect them. It’s a story of unexpected connections, breaking stereotypes, and finding strength in unity.
Star Bringer draws inspiration from the thrilling space adventure of Firefly and the captivating character interactions of Breakfast Club. We wanted to capture that sense of camaraderie and unlikely friendships amidst a backdrop of cosmic chaos. And of course, we couldn’t resist adding a healthy dose of romance into the mix.
So, join us on this exhilarating journey as we navigate the cosmos, defying expectations and reminding readers that, in the face of adversity, even the most unlikely group of misfits can become the heroes the universe needs. Trust us, Star Bringer is going to take you on a wild ride you won’t want to miss.
BD: Can you tell us about your shared creative process in bringing this story and characters to life?
TW & NC: Star Bringer marks the beginning of our collaboration, and it’s been a thrilling and enlightening journey. With two creative minds at work, we’ve discovered our individual passions and preferences, finding a balance along the way.
Our process kicked off with a series of Zoom meetings, where we delved into brainstorming sessions to flesh out the storylines and characters. It was a fantastic opportunity to bounce ideas off each other and see what clicked. Once the foundations were set, we dove into creating a basic plot that we believed would drive the story forward.
With that framework in place, Nina crafted the first draft of the book. She laid the groundwork, setting the stage for our misfit crew to shine. Then, it was Tracy’s turn to add her own twists to the story, including injecting it with her signature snarky humor, adding those clever, laugh-out-loud moments that readers will surely enjoy, as well as fleshing out the characters and deepening the romances.
As we embark on discussions for the sequel, we anticipate that our creative process will evolve and adapt. Each project brings its own unique demands, and we’re excited to explore different approaches that will best serve the story we want to tell.
While we may not have a creative shorthand just yet, we’re constantly learning from one another and discovering new ways to enhance our collaboration. It’s a dynamic and evolving partnership that brings out the best in both of us.
So, stay tuned for more misadventures in the Star Bringer series as we continue to refine our creative process and deliver more snark, romance, and out-of-this-world escapades!
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that these seven strangers’ stories may connect with and impact readers?
TW & NC: These seven strangers in Star Bringer bring a tapestry of diverse perspectives and compelling stories that have the power to deeply resonate with readers. Each character carries their own set of secrets, struggles, and aspirations, allowing readers to find a connection on an emotional level.
Within the dynamics of this unlikely crew, we explore themes of love, redemption, forgiveness, and the profound impact of forging alliances with those we least expect. Their collective journey challenges societal norms and stereotypes, inviting readers to consider the complexity and depth of human nature.
Through their trials and triumphs, we hope to inspire readers to look beyond surface differences and recognize the shared humanity that unites us all. In a universe teetering on the edge of destruction, these seven strangers exemplify the strength that can emerge when individuals from different walks of life come together with a common purpose.
Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for personal growth that can arise from navigating challenging circumstances. We believe that readers will not only be entertained by the gripping adventures in Star Bringer but also find a deeper appreciation for the importance of empathy, understanding, and the transformative power of unity.
In the end, it is our hope that the stories of these seven strangers will leave a lasting impact on readers, encouraging them to embrace diversity, seek common ground, and recognize the extraordinary potential for connection that lies within us all.
BD: What makes Red Tower Books the perfect home for this story?
TW & NC: Red Tower Books is the absolute perfect fit for Star Bringer, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have found our home with them. Both of us have had the privilege of working with Entangled Publishing for many years, and when we heard about their new imprint, it was definitely something we wanted to be part of.
What sets Red Tower Books apart is their unwavering commitment to publishing captivating and genre-defying stories in the fantasy genre. Entangled has a reputation for pushing boundaries and embracing narratives from diverse voices—a value that resonates deeply with us as authors.
From the very beginning, Red Tower Books has shown tremendous support for our vision and has fostered a collaborative environment. They truly understand the essence of Star Bringer and its unique blend of adventure, romance, and complex character dynamics. Their dedication to bringing quality storytelling to readers is evident in every step of the publishing process.
With Red Tower Books by our side, we are confident that Star Bringer will reach the readers who are hungry for exciting and boundary-pushing stories. We couldn’t have asked for a better home for our book, and we can’t wait to embark on this incredible journey with them.
BD: Do you foresee expanding the novel into subsequent books or even into other entertainment mediums, if given the opportunity?
TW & NC: Absolutely!
The story of Star Bringer is far from over. In fact, we’re already knee-deep in discussions about the next book in the series, which we’re incredibly excited to bring to readers next year. The adventure continues, and there are plenty more twists, turns, and intergalactic adventures in store for our beloved misfit crew.
But our ambitions don’t stop there. We’re always open to exploring different mediums to expand the Star Bringer universe. Star Bringer is already available in audio format, bringing the story to life in a whole new way.
Given the opportunity, we would love to see Star Bringer adapted into other entertainment mediums as well; the possibilities are vast and exciting. We believe that the rich tapestry of our story and its captivating characters have the potential to resonate with audiences across different mediums, allowing them to experience the heart-pounding action, intricate relationships, and sweeping romance in fresh and immersive ways.
BD: Are there any upcoming projects on which you are currently working that you would like to share with our readers?
TW & NC: We’re both working on the next book in the Star Bringer series. And Nina is working on a new fantasy series, while Tracy writes the first Calder Academy book, which is a spinoff to her Crave vampire series.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Star Bringer and your other work?
TW & NC: Readers can check out our websites at:
Nina Croft – Romance Author
Tracy Wolff | NYT Bestselling Author (tracywolffauthor.com)
They can also find us on Instagram (@tracywolffbooks and @ninacroft_writer) and Facebook (Tracy Wolff and Nina.Croft.author).
Thanks so much for having us!!!!
