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.

Book linksAmazon UK  |  Amazon US


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.

You can follow Hannah here:  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Website
                                              |  Twitter

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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