The following is an interview with writer V.K. Pen on his recently released novel, False Vacuum. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Pen about the inspiration behind the book, his plans for the entire Tristan Janssen Series, his hopes for readers’ experiences with the story, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: The Fanbase Press Staff and I are very excited about the recent release of your book, False Vacuum. What inspired you to write this novel?
V.K. Pen: The concept had been percolating in my mind for a while, but I never thought I was going to write a book about it. One random day I began writing, and then I just kept on going. Five years later, unbelievably, I had a finished product. Looking back I feel a bit like Forest Gump who just kept on running for years because he felt like running. I suppose that’s why I kept on writing because I felt like writing.
BD: False Vacuum pairs hard science fiction with Indian mythology for a unique and fascinating perspective. What do you hope that readers will take away from the story and the varied genres in which it is based?
VKP: I think every reader is different, so they each would probably have a different take away. The book, I suppose, has a bit for everyone and that makes it open to several different interpretations. My hope is that False Vacuum stays with my readers for a long time.
BD: Has science fiction always been a genre of particular interest for you, and are there any creators whom you have been inspired by or look to as leaders in the industry?
VKP: I like a wide variety of genres, so it is hard to pick one particular creator. I also find visual content (videos, movies, paintings.) quite inspiring. I suppose False Vacuum is a product of everything I’ve read and experienced.
BD: Given that False Vacuum is Book 1 of the Tristan Janssen Series, how many books do you have planned for the future?
VKP: At the end of book 1, the background plot is going to jump out to the readers. At the moment, I think it will take me two more books to finish Tristan’s particular journey. But who knows what the future holds.
BD: Are there any upcoming projects on which you are currently working that you are able to share with our readers?
VKP: I write part-time. I work full-time as a software engineer. All my spare time is focused on the writing Book 2 of the Tristan Janssen Series.
BD: What is the best way for our readers to learn more about False Vacuum?
VKP: I would say by giving the book a read. I love to interact with my readers via my Facebook page. It feels great when a reader asks questions or even challenges the concepts in the book. If you’re someone who is interested in the physics of it, I recommend going to my website.
www.amazon.com/dp/1521955328/
www.vkpen.com
www.facebook.com/vkpenauthor
www.twitter.com/authorvkpen
