I’m so excited to be joining the Sanctuary blog tour with the Fantastic Flying Book Club! Today, I’m sharing a Q&A with the author, Caryn Lix!
Since joining the blogging world, I’ve definitely expanded my reading tastes. I never really read science fiction before blogging and now I really enjoy it! Sanctuary is an epic science fiction book that I think you’re all going to love.
Following this post there’s a link to a special Sanctuary giveaway, so be sure to enter!
Q&A with Caryn Lix
What was your inspiration for this novel?
I started writing Sanctuary to get out of a bit of a writing slump. I started with the image of Kenzie on a space prison, built up the prisoners, and went from there. But in a more realistic sense, Sanctuary is an homage to a lot of things I love. It’s heavily influenced by all the sci-fi I adore, from Sanctuary to Alien to the Expanse and by Marvel comics, and by survival horror video games, and then with a lot of my own personal fears and neuroses tacked on to make it even scarier … at least for me!
Why did you choose to write a young adult science fiction book?
I love science fiction, and I love writing for young adults. No one is as enthusiastic about the literature they love as a young adult audience. I work with middle school students and I love the way teens whole-heartedly embrace things that appeal to them. There was never a question about writing for young people! As for sci-fi, it’s most of what I read and watch, and most of what I love, so that was an easy choice too!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Fair warning: I get asked this question a lot and my answer changes based on my mood! Today the answer is flight. I really want to soar through the sky. But I also want some sort of shield or buffer. It gets really windy here, and I don’t want bugs in my teeth.
What are your favourite recommendations for young readers getting into the science fiction genre?
There is so much AMAZING young adult sci-fi out there. If you’re just discovering it then I’m so excited for you, because you have so much great reading to do. The Darkest Minds is a fantastic series. I really enjoyed Avalon and all of Marie Lu’s work is incredible.
Besides writing and reading, what are your hobbies?
I’m always super busy. Usually, I try to limit myself and give up activities but then I involve myself in something else! I do pottery a few times a month, and I like to draw and paint when I have time. Also, I spend a lot of time with my dogs! I knit and I also enjoy bellydance and Bollywood.
How long have you wanted to be a writer? Is it a lifelong dream? Or one you realized at a later time?
At 14, there was a specific “creative writing” class in school. At that time, I felt pretty lonely and isolated so writing gave me a way to create my own worlds, friends and dreams. That’s when I realized the power of the written word and I think I wanted to be a writer from that moment on.
Any advice for readers interested in writing their own book?
It’s not exactly original, but write. Read and write. Particularly read in the genre you want to write in, but read other things too. Everything you can get your hands on. Make friends with other writers and critique each other’s work – kindly, but not gently. You need someone you can trust to help you become your best. Also, don’t get discouraged. It took me twenty-five years to get published, but I kept writing because I loved every minute of it.
About the Author
Caryn Lix has been writing since she was a teenager and delved deep into science fiction, fantasy, and the uncanny while working on her Masters in English literature. Caryn writes novels for teens and anyone else who likes a bit of the bizarre to mess up their day. When not writing, Caryn spends her time obsessively consuming other people’s stories, plotting travel adventures, and exploring artistic endeavors. She lives with her husband and a horde of surly and entitled animals in southern Alberta.
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Follow Along on the Blog Tour!
The Sanctuary blog tour has so many amazing blog posts. After reading this post be sure to check out all the other stops on the tour!
Sanctuary Giveaway
For this giveaway, there is a copy of Sanctuary up for grabs! This giveaway is only open to residents of the United States. Giveaway ends on August 1st. Please read the rules in the Rafflecopter Giveaway before entering the contest.
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I really enjoyed reading this Q&A! I always love hearing an author’s advice for other writers. Great post 🙂
Thank you so much! That means a lot! It’s always hard coming up with questions to ask, but it’s nice knowing people enjoy reading it! And yes, I totally agree! It’s always helpful 😊