Interview with C.J. Hawthorne

C.J.: Well, believe it or not, I got started through a combination of fan fiction and the encouragement of my middle school English teacher. In seventh grade, the class was assigned to write a story that followed all the classic steps of a hero’s journey. I had way too much fun writing that story (set in a galaxy far, far away), and ever since, I’ve been hooked. Now I live for speculative fiction and write primarily sci-fi with occasional fantasy elements. I really owe a lot to that English teacher. Without her, writing would never have become as big a part of my life as it is, but now I can’t imagine my life without it.

T.C.: That's awesome! It's funny how once you start the writing journey it just starts to incorporate itself into your everyday. You mentioned you primarily write sci-fi, what drew you to that particular genre?

C.J.: I could talk for hours on why I love sci-fi, but I’ll spare you the lengthy reasoning. Basically, my dad introduced me to Star Wars from a young age, and as I started to get more interested in writing, he continued to share all his favorites with me, both books and movies. I just love the spirit of sci-fi in general, the way it explores the possibilities of humanity’s future and engages the core human drive to explore. The universe is so huge, I have a hard time believing there can’t be something amazing out there.

A.G.: Oh wow, so I know you are currently working on having your first novel published; what themes of sci-fi did you use?

C.J.: Great question! My current work would be considered soft sci-fi, which means it deals less with serious predictions of technology or advancement and more with the relationships between characters in the story. That being said, the setting is definitely that of science fiction, and exploration and curiosity are major themes. This will be the first book in a trilogy, and as we get into books two and three, there will be more hints of speculation, what Earth might have become in this future setting. But for the most part, I deal in space-opera style adventures, just a classic adventure story which happens to be set in a far off part of the galaxy, with the benefit of aliens, some cool tech, and ancient celestial beings.

T.C.: Ah okay, very cool! So, the first book you are going to publish is part of a trilogy. Do you have any other writing goals?

C.J.: Definitely! Once I publish the trilogy, I’d love to keep writing as a side hustle, or a full career if it ever gets to the point where I could do that. I have several other ideas for series and a couple of standalone novels, and seeing as how writing has become such a big part of my life, I don’t see myself stopping any time soon.

A.G.: Since you’ve been writing for a while, do you have any writing tips or words of wisdom for other aspiring authors?

C.J.: Perseverance is key. Once you finish your first draft, you know nothing can stop you, but to get there takes dedication. Keep writing, and when you feel tempted to stop, remember what inspired you in the first place. If you set yourself to it, the sky’s the limit.

T.C.: Yes, I would completely agree! Before you go, would you like to give us some more information about your book currently underway?

C.J.: Of course! Exodus has been a pet project of mine for a while, and I think it really encompasses everything I grew up loving about sci-fi: exploration, the

banding together of a ragtag crew of characters, and the endless possibilities of what could lie up there beyond the stars.

A.G.: That sounds awesome! I can’t wait for the release! Speaking of the release, do you have an idea around when your book will be ready to publish?

C.J.: I hope to publish early this year. I’m currently aiming for March 12 (which also happens to be near my birthday, hehe). For updates on the process, you can check out my website and blog at https://www.cjhawthorne.com/.

T.C.: Thank you so much for joining us C.J.! It was great to learn more about Exodus and what you have in store for the future!

A.G.: Yes, it was wonderful to speak with you, C.J.! I can’t wait to see where your writing takes you.

C.J.: Thank you for having me! It was an honor, and I wish you the best with your continued writing endeavors. Fly safe, everybody!

Before we end the post, C.J. gave us the synopsis for Exodus so enjoy and have an awesome week Readers! See you on the author side!

For five years, the people of colonist ship New Exodus have lived peacefully on their new home planet of Promita. But for eighteen-year-old Cloelia Sterling, one planet has never been enough.

When her curiosity leads her to send a message into deep space, she discovers that life does indeed exist on other planets... and not all of it is friendly. With the help of a glamorous freighter captain, warriors on the run from their fallen homeworld, and ancient celestial spirits, Clo is launched on an interplanetary quest to save not just her people, but countless others across the solar system.