Space Academy by Hannah Hopkins #Author interview
Today I am delighted to welcome author Hannah Hopkins to the blog today to talk about her latest Middle Grade/Young Adult Science Fiction novel, Space Academy. Before we meet Hannah, here's a little about the book:
It's the year 2100. Earth is dying. A young woman, Elsie,
has risked everything to get her newborn son, Will, aboard 'The Mayflower' - a
spaceship that will transport a select number of people to a new planet they
can call home. Elsie’s luck takes a turn when she discovers the captain of 'The
Mayflower' is an old friend. He allows her to board with her son, giving them a
place on the luxurious Floor One, where they live amongst the most honoured of
'The Mayflower’s' passengers.
Thirteen years later, and Will is ready to start school at
Space Academy, an institute specialising in subjects such as Alien Studies,
Technology, and Rocket Control. While a pupil there, Will starts to uncover
secrets about his father's death, becoming wrapped in a mystery that he and his
friends must solve if they are to have any hope of saving humanity from the
threat that lies in wait.
Lose yourself in this brilliantly addictive novel as it
takes you on a journey through the stars. But be warned - you might be
surprised by what you find.
Welcome to Cat and Mouse Reading Hannah!
What comes first, the plot or characters?
I feel like this is
similar to the chicken and the egg question! I think some characters come
first, and some bits of plot come first, and then both develop as I write, with
new additions cropping up and growing. I find the plot often changes while I’m
writing the book. The story seems to take on a life of its own!
When you’re writing an emotionally draining scene, how do
you get in the mood?
I find music is a
great thing to draw from! The right song can change my mood instantly and evoke
the emotions I need to write a certain scene. If it’s really emotional,
sometimes I have to let it sit for a few days and build up inside me before I
can take it to the page.
How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start
writing?
So far, the books
I’ve written have all involved a huge amount of world building. They are either
set in the future in fantastical scenarios, or in an alternate universe. I
really enjoy world building, and my favourite books are set in either different
worlds or different times, but I think it does add another layer of complexity
to the writing process. I would like to attempt to write a book set in the real
world at some point, so I can compare the two settings and see how the process
differs!
Can you share with us something about Space Academy that
isn’t in the blurb?
When Will, Lois,
Emily and Finley encounter a terrifying creature at their school, they are
brought together in a way they never imagined. They begin to investigate the
truth, leading them back to Earth where uncover some frightening secrets. Will
discovers he is more connected to the mystery than he could have bargained for
and is left questioning his identity after a series of revelations rock the
foundations of all he has ever known.
What do you hope your readers take away from this book?
I hope readers find
escape and solace in my book, the thought of humanity living on after Earth a
comforting antidote from the news cycles we are subjected to in real life.
Ultimately, it is a story of hope, love and friendship- the best parts of
humanity, and the parts we sometimes forget about in all the furore around us.
What is the future for the characters? Will there be a
sequel?
I have five
instalments planned and an early draft of a sequel! I would love to continue
the series, but right now I am focussing on getting Space Academy out there to
readers.
Are you working on a book right now? What can you share
about it?
I have just finished
an alternate history book with a feminist twist. The book is set in a different
universe where women are the dominant sex but focusses on the equivalent of the
early renaissance period in history. I absolutely loved writing it!
I can't wait to see your next book! Thanks for dropping by Hannah and good luck with your writing.
About the Author
In 2017, Hannah
Hopkins released a self-published novel entitled 'The Split'; the story of four
teenagers navigating life after Earth as they journey through space to a new
planet. Two years later, the book was picked up by 'The Conrad Press' and
re-vamped as 'Space Academy,' with a new cover, new title and new additions to
the story. 'Space Academy' was released in 2020, kickstarting Hannah's career
as a writer.
Hannah is currently
busy writing a historical fiction novel with a feminist twist. She spends the
rest of her time working at a University and caring for her two young children
in the UK.
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Thanks to Hannah Hopkins and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for the author interview and a place on the tour.
Check out the rest of the tour!
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