Beth Revis, author of Across the Universe & A Million Suns

1) I don’t want to spoil the fantastic mysteries in both ACROSS THE UNIVERSE and A MILLION SUNS for those who haven’t read them, but let’s just say there is never a shortage of jaw-dropping secrets and lies about the ship and its inhabitants. Did you plan from the beginning which shocking reveals would be made in these books, or did they come naturally as you wrote them?

Ha! No, not at all! I am NOT a planner, and I never know how the book will end until I type “THE END.”

What I try to do is add a lot of detail, and make my characters as logical and human-like as I can. Then, when I write the mystery, it naturally emerges who did what. For example, in my first draft of A MILLION SUNS, the bad guy was someone totally different. But that was me trying to plan and control the story–it made more sense for the bad guy to be the person who’s in the final draft. So I had to use the information and the clues that already existed, as well as human nature, to make the bad guy be someone totally different from my original plan.

2) What was your favorite scene to write in A MILLION SUNS?

I don’t want to give anything away, but it’s the black page. I wrote the whole book around the black page. (That said: don’t skip ahead! Be surprised!)

3) I love love LOVE the ending of A MILLION SUNS, but of course, now I’m bouncing off the walls to find out what happens next—can you give us a tiny clue about what we can expect in SHADES OF EARTH?

All I can say is that the title (which, like A MILLION SUNS, is taken from the lyrics of “Across the Universe” by the Beatles) is very apropos. It’s not Earth, but a shade, a likeness, of Earth.

4) I’ve been so obsessed with what the Godspeed will find on Centauri-Earth that it’s taken me awhile to wonder what’s going on with good ole Sol-Earth. Will we find out what the state is of our Earth in the next book?

You do actually learn a little bit more about Sol-Earth in the third book. One thing that a lot of people forget is that Sol-Earth is still there. The ship didn’t leave because Earth was dying or anything like that–Godspeed’s was an exploratory mission. I can’t say *what* exactly you find out, but I will say you will get some information about what’s been going on on Sol-Earth while Godspeed flew across the universe.

5) Will SHADES OF EARTH be the absolute final book in Amy and Elder’s story, or would you consider revisiting them in the future?

SHADES OF EARTH will definitely be the last book of Amy and Elder’s story. I might, however, write short stories involving them, and there’s an opening for a spin-off book, but this is it for Amy and Elder.

6) Do you think we might see a movie/TV show based on this series at some point? If so, would you prefer a movie, or a long-running TV series? Do you have any actors/actresses in mind for Elder and Amy?

I would LOVE it for there to be a movie or television show! I have a very cinematic imagination, and it would be so cool to see it really come to life. I don’t care how it’s presented, as long as whatever medium is used tells the emotional heart of the story in an honest way. I think it’s impossible for there to be a direct book-to-movie interpretation, but some movies (such as Peter Jackson’s LORD OF THE RINGS) are better done than others (such as, regretfully, the movie version of ELLA ENCHANTED, which seems by and far to ignore the source material).

As for actors and actresses: for Amy, I’ve always envisioned Molly Quinn, the daughter in the ABC show CASTLE. I’m not sure about Elder–it would need to be someone of color. Which is another reason why I’d love to see ACROSS THE UNIVERSE be made into a movie–every actor except for a handful would need to be people of color!

7) Your publishing journey is an amazing story—I was stunned to discover that ACROSS THE UNIVERSE was your eleventh manuscript to write. Have you been surprised with the overwhelming positive reaction to your stories? Do you have any plans to revisit those prior manuscripts for publication?

OMGYES. I had worked so long and failed so long that I was starting to doubt myself and question whether it was worth it to write one more story. I very nearly gave up–but then I got the idea for ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, and wanted to keep writing. And I’m really glad I did!

There are two manuscripts that I might go back to one day. They are very near to my heart, and while they need a lot of work yet, I might go back to them. The others? Nah. I’m done with those ideas–I know how those stories end, and they don’t interest me any more. I’d rather write something new.

8) When you’re writing, are there any rituals you have to keep the creativity flowing?

Nope! I’m sort of always writing–I’m always thinking of stories, or what to do to write them better. So all I need is a laptop and time, and I’m writing away! Of course, coffee helps.

9) Could you recommend an author or book for fans who love your books and would like to read someone who inspires you?

Personally, I’m inspired by CS Lewis, who taught me that books are more than words, and JK Rowling, who reminded me that stories can be entertaining and have depth when I’d forgotten it. But if you’re looking for more sci fi, then I suggest Orson Scott Card’s ENDER’S GAME, Julie Cross’s TEMPEST, and a whole slew of sci fi that’s coming out later this year. I think we’re entering a new golden age of YA sci fi, and I’m thrilled by it!

10) Are you working on a new series or standalone for publication after SHADES OF EARTH?

Yes! I can’t really say much about it except that it is a fantasy. I will go back to sci fi, but I need a bit of a fantasy break first

Wow a Beth Revis fantasy—I can not wait to read it! Thanks so much for stopping by Beth!!

• Related:
•  
• Author Interview
• Beth Revis

Author Interview & Giveaway: Miranda Kenneally on Things I Can’t Forget

Interview w/ Liz Coley, Author of Pretty Girl-13 + Giveaway

Fox Forever Blog Tour: Interview with Mary E. Pearson

Shades of Earth Blog Tour: “As They Slip Away” Part Five