The following is an interview with Scott Stephens regarding the release of the action/adventure novel, Blast Force – Genesis. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Stephens about his creative experience in bringing the world and characters to life on the page, what he hopes that readers may take away from the story, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the release of Blast Force – Genesis! For those who may be unfamiliar, how would you describe the book’s premise, and what inspired you to tell this story?
Scott Stephens: The book is a story of how a group of students gained super powers and the direction they decided to take once they realized their powers. When I was young I was an only child and I lived out in the boonies with my parents. My dad was a truck driver so I spent most of my time with my mother. She bought comic books that kept me occupied when she needed to do things around the house. The superheroes fascinated me, and soon I began to create comics of my own with superheroes I created. I taped my comics to the wall outside our classroom at school so the other students could enjoy them. As I got older I stopped reading and creating comics and moved on to other things. Apparently, the stories were still in my head. Years later I was having a conversation with my son about all the ideas I’ve had over the years that I really never tried to do anything with. That night I had a dream about my superheroes coming to life. When I woke up I decided I wanted to write a novel about my heroes and finally finish a project. Once I decided to write the book, my head became flooded with ideas. I began writing with my wife cheering me on. It took some time, but finally the novel was complete and I’m looking forward to writing the sequel. My wife has helped by giving me someone to bounce ideas off of, as well as designing the cover for the book.
BD: The novel deftly combines the twists and turns of an action/adventure story and the larger-than-life characters of a great superhero tale. What can you share with us about your creative process in weaving these narratives together, and what have been some of your creative influences?
SS: I would say my main influence would be the superhero comics I read when I was young. I always enjoyed reading and the superhero comics were my favorite. When I decided to write the book, the ideas just started coming to me and I began typing. My wife, son, and step brother all read my story and gave me some thoughts and ideas (along with a ton of encouragement!). I didn’t want to have stories about people dying and coming back to life all the time, and I didn’t want to have confusing timelines with multiple worlds. When I read comics, it was about the good guys fighting the bad guys. That’s what my book is about.
BD: At Fanbase Press this year, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that this story will connect with and impact readers, and why do you feel that this story was important for you to bring to life?
SS: One thing I’ve been told is my book has inspired others to begin writing stories of their own. I tried to make my book the kind of story that anyone can read. It’s not overly complicated and will hopefully make the reader enjoy the story and be excited to get to know the different characters and their powers. Another note related to my story. My mother passed away when I was 12. In my book, she is alive and well and making me fresh-cut French fries now and then to make me happy.
BD: Do you foresee expanding the novel into subsequent books or even into other entertainment mediums, if given the opportunity?
SS: I do have plans for additional books in the series. The stories are basically ready for books 2 and 3, I just need to get them typed up and buttoned down. It would be exciting if my story could be turned into a movie, comic, or graphic novel. I would welcome that opportunity. The way my mind has taken off with ideas. I’m sure I could expand into more books if needed.
BD: Are there any upcoming projects on which you are currently working that you would like to share with our readers?
SS: The upcoming project is working on the sequel, Blast Force – Vengeance. It’s the story of how the baddies from the end of Blast Force – Genesis try and get back at the heroes. I also love how the surprise ending of Blast Force – Vengeance sets up the action for book 3. (I haven’t finalized the title for that one yet!)
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Blast Force – Genesis and your other work?
SS: I’m in the process of creating content for a website that will be used to give bios and pictures of my different characters. I plan on having the artist draw some battle scenes as well that I will include. The ideas I have seem to be non-stop, and I plan on doing as much as I can with it.
