What is it like for an author to write an out-of-this world book? Find out in today’s author interview with E.A. Hendryx, author of the double Realm Award-winning book Suspended in the Stars! E.A. (aka Emilie) discusses her inspiration for this sci-fi/fantasy clean young adult book, what it looks like when she creates the story, and much more! But first, let me introduce you to the author and her spectacular book.
About E.A. Hendryx
E. A. Hendryx is an award-winning author, graphic designer, photographer, and podcaster living in Indiana with her husband, two dogs, and a cat named Pages. She writes fiction in multiple genres and spends more time on Instagram than she probably should. She grew up on a steady diet of Star Trek and Nancy Drew and believes that every idea is better in space.
Suspended in the Stars
*** Winner of the Debut and Young Adult 2024 Realm Awards***
For fans of Skyward and The Lunar Chronicles, Suspended in the Stars is The Greatest Showman meets Star Wars in a fast-paced and swoony, no spice YA Science Fantasy space adventure.
A GIRL IN HIDING. A BOY ON THE RUN. THE FATE OF THE GALAXY BETWEEN THEM.
When Talie Zarna is forced to hide rogue soldier, Renner Cartha, her life isn’t the only thing threatened. Living as the famed Soaring Staress on the circus spaceship Midway masks her true identity, but Renner’s very presence threatens to draw unwanted attention.
As a former royal guard, Renner holds secrets of his own. Like evidence of a political assassination. Renner’s flirtatious confidence is at odds with the seriousness of his mission, but when his former guard captain, Jas Uli-Tai, discovers him hiding among the circus performers, Talie risks everything she’s come to cherish—going so far as to leave the safety of the Phenomena circus—to do what is right.
With Jas closing in at every turn, their only option for escape is a cocky smuggler who’s not quite what he seems and an underground resistance group called The Rising that’s fighting for change in the galaxy.
Faced with the weight of her true identity and the cost of embracing it, Talie must decide if she is willing to give up everything for the sake of saving the Galaxy, even if that means giving up the boy she loves.
Review
In a few words: very compelling. I kept telling myself I’d stop at the end of a chapter, but then start reading the next one and have to finish it, too. The premise goes far beyond a circus on a spaceship to a thrilling, well-paced adventure with secret identities and heroes on the run (with delightful, and clean, romance, of course). I really liked the characters (especially some of the supporting cast introduced later on), and the little quirks that made them seem real, like how Renner loves muffins. I also liked the sci-fi settings, which were easy to visualize, and the author used galaxy-appropriate similes that made sense even without me knowing exactly what the creature or thing referenced was and gave the book extra depth and flavor. The world overall was very sci-fi in aesthetic, but there were some fantasy-type elements involved, which doesn’t bother me in the least since I love fantasy. Overall, a well-written, delightful read that will have me coming back for more in the series!
Find it on Amazon (affiliate link)
Interview with E.A. Hendryx
Now that you know more about this intriguing author and book, read on to find out how this fascinating story came to be!
1.) What do you love about Suspended in the Stars that made you want to share this book with the world?
I think one of the biggest things I love about the book is that it is fun. It was so fun to write and (hopefully) fun to read with characters who face incredible odds and yet that only makes them stronger. I write to entertain. To me, that doesn’t cheapen my writing so much as give it focus. I want my books to be enjoyable and I think I did that with Suspended in the Stars.
2.) What inspired the story as a whole or elements within it?
I was walking through the Ohio woods one Sunday afternoon years ago when the idea first came to me. Originally it was going to be a prequel to a series but I started writing it and the characters took center stage (both figuratively and literally, ha!). I’ve also always loved the circus and acrobatics for no other reason than I think they are fascinating. I incorporated that and my love of Star Trek to get my “circus in space” and just had a blast with it.
3.) What fuels your passion to write?
First and foremost, I believe it’s something I’m gifted to do by God. It’s not so much that I have some great purpose within the story itself, but they act as an avenue to connect me to readers in ways I couldn’t have foreseen. Plus, I just enjoy writing! I love spending hours in the galaxies I’ve created and couldn’t imagine not writing.
4.) What do you find most rewarding about being an author?
It’s getting to hear from readers that they enjoy my books. There is nothing like that feeling! It’s also so humbling that people would spend time reading my words and money purchasing my books. I would write even if no one was reading, but the fact people have read my books and enjoy them is out of this world (pun intended).
5.) How do your personal beliefs/faith system shape your writing?
This is a great question especially because I feel like I’m in a unique position. I’m a Christian but my YA books are not Christian fiction. It was a decision I made years ago (at least for now) that my books would be geared more toward the general market while maintaining themes and content that I think is most appropriate for YA readers. You won’t find swearing (except made up words), gratuitous violence, or “spice” as they say in my books. It’s important to me that teens (and parents) can read my books without fear of them getting too adult. I also find that older readers enjoy the books too which is great! So, while my books don’t have Christian content, I can’t help but write from my worldview, which means that good will always win.
6.) What interview question do you wish someone would ask, and how would you answer it?
Maybe the question “what’s it like to write your books”. Totally weird question, which is why no one would ask me, but I think the answer is funny. To me, it’s like watching a movie play out in my mind when I write. If I can’t see it, I won’t be able to write it, so I have to wait to visualize the scenes. I’ve been told by readers that my characters voices are unique (which is a great compliment seeing as I write multiple POVs in first person) and to me that’s also a product of how I write. I “see” them, or is it “hear” them? I just know my characters so when I’m writing them it’s easy to make them unique because that’s how they sound to me.
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I love how Emilie shares my heart to share good, clean stories where good triumphs with young adult readers even outside the Christian book genre! I had the pleasure of meeting her in person at the Realm Makers conference in July 2024, and her smile is such a delight! If you’d like to get to know her, check out her website at eahcreative.com or follow her Instagram channels at @createexploreread and @emiliehaney_author.
What do you imagine it would be like to write a book? Share in the comments below!
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Author Interview Series:
Carrie Anne Noble, The Mermaid’s Sister
Tara Grayce, Lost in Averell
Ariel Avelar, Influent
H.L. Burke, Ashen
Constance Lopez, Of Stormlarks and Silence
E.J. Kitchens, Wrought of Silver and Ravens
Ashley Bustamante, Vivid
L.A. Thornhill, The Prophetess of Arden
Sharon Hinck, Hidden Current
Emily Golus, Escape to Vindor
Kyrie Wang, The Thief’s Keeper
E.A. Hendryx, Suspended in the Stars
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