Fantasy/science-fiction stories have been around almost as long as each genre, but every hybrid now lives in the shadow of 'Star Wars.'

Fans of my books have just been supremely nice.

I start with something that makes me angry or confused, and then I write about it. It's a form of self-help.

I realized that for fantasy and science fiction, especially from my youth, white was the default. Luke Skywalker was in the lead, or even if you were a hobbit, you're going to be white. That was an extremely old-fashioned, obviously really narrow-minded way to look at things.

Sure, this will probably end up being another in a long line of emotionally crippling misadventures...but let's try to have some fun along the way.

I grew up with a sister I was very close with and a mom who was a powerful influence on my life. I was always close with women.

Brubaker and Phillipss books have always been about eight years ahead of their time.