L.C. Hanson, author of The Gideon Protocol, joins Awake at Midnight for an interview about Science Fiction for kids, the writing process, and self-publishing!
Awake at Midnight:
There are not a lot of hard sci-fi books written for kids. Given the popularity of the Star Wars & Star Trek franchises, why do you think that is?
L.C. Hanson:
Great question. Kids have wonderful imaginations and love hard sci-fi be it mutants in Marvel Comics and X-Men or aliens in Star Wars, Star Trek, and Guardians of the Galaxy. However, the agents I’ve spoken with at writing conferences left me with the impression that due to changes in the publishing industry, publishing houses are reluctant to take a chance on something new, especially niche genres.
It’s becoming a copy-cat industry whereby most publishing houses only want what has been tried and tested. I think that’s why we’re getting so many franchise re-boots and superhero movies. There are of course exceptions like Unwind by Neil Shusterman and The 5th Wave by Rick Yancy but those are more YA. All the more reason to get kids to read Indie authors.
What books influenced your love of the speculative fiction genre?
I developed an appreciation and fondness for speculative fiction when I was studying English at the University of Rochester. Poetry classes introduced me to the power and limits of the written word. I enjoyed reading William Carlos Williams and Walt Whitman. Poetry led to the ability to better appreciate classics such as Moby Dick, Canterbury Tales, Tolkien, CS Lewis, and Poe. But I really enjoyed The Island of Dr. Moreau.
What authors have influenced you as a writer? Do you have a favorite YA or Middle-Grade author?
Many authors have influenced my writing—- Steven King, Poe, Whitman, Palo Bacigalupi, Rick Yancy, Jonathan Stroud, Joseph Delaney.
The YA authors I enjoy are Palo Bacigalupi, Rick Yancy, Jonathan Stroud, Joseph Delaney.
It’s hard to find that middle-grade voice, but I imagine especially so in a science fiction thriller. How did you navigate that?
I believe a writer of YA fiction must be part psychologist and part people watcher. I listen to what and how young people speak and interact. I also try to think like a young person and having two young daughters close to Gideon and Paige’s age is very helpful. Also, my wife has an undergraduate degree in psychology and worked with young people as a social worker. I often ask my family for guidance.
With rippers and berserkers and mad scientists, it would be easy to slip into a scene that is really frightening or bloody. Without an editor, how did you go about measuring the right level of intensity for a mid-grade novel?
While I didn’t have an editor, my writing coach was wonderful. She helped me strive for the right balance. To be honest, she encouraged me to be less cautious and to push the envelope a bit. There are some graphic scenes in The Gideon Protocol, but with the popularity of shows like Walking Dead and reaction from readers, I think we struck a nice balance.
The Gideon Protocol was self-published. What drove you towards that route? Had you considered an agent?
The Gideon Protocol is a debut novel and after reaching out to agents at writing conferences and webinars, it became clear to me that without an established brand or readership it’s very difficult to get agents to be receptive, especially for a new writer in niche fiction. Some agents told me that without a solid Twitter following and success at self-publishing a few novels, it would be difficult at best to get representation. One agent told me self-publishing is important because, “If you can’t sell your book, what makes you think I can?”
After I finished The Gideon Protocol, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to self-publish. Like most new writers I doubted the quality of the book. I chose self-publishing after receiving a great review from Kirkus Reviews. I submitted The Gideon Protocol for manuscript review because I wanted a fresh set of professional eyes to vet the book. My goal was to simply improve as a writer. However, the review was more than I could have hoped for and gave me the confidence to move forward with self-publishing.
What were your main concerns with using non-traditional publishing?
Self-publishing is rewarding but it requires one to be President, CEO, CIO, CFO, marketing guru, social media expert and of course writer. It’s a challenge to balance it all. There are some days where all you want to do is write and ignore the rest.
What type of critique groups and beta readers helped you during the writing process?
The Gideon Protocol is my third novel. I learned a lot from my earlier work and wanted to do things a bit differently for this book. While I believe writers thrive on feedback, I wanted to get away from writer’s groups. Instead, I wanted professional one-on-one instruction and feedback. I wanted a writing coach that was like a sparring partner; someone who would challenge me and make me a better writer.
After the book was completed, I formed a reader’s group (AKA, The Literary Focus Group). It was a group of brave folks ranging in age from late forty to early teens who read the manuscript and then answered questions posed in Survey Monkey. I was surprised at how many people liked Paige even though it’s Gideon’s story.
What kind of editing guidance did you get?
My writing coach helped me organize the book and take my writing to the next level. I now write faster and better.
The Literary Focus Group helped me to iron out some character flaws and to strengthen Paige’s role in the book.
Did you research e-book formatting and go it yourself, or hire a publishing company that assists authors in the production, marketing and distribution of their work? In the end, how much production & marketing did you do yourself?
Since I’m a bit IT-challenged, I had some cost-effective assistance with formatting the e-book and the bound copy. As for marketing, I’ve done my own research and continue to do so. I hope to have book signings in early fall and attend some book fairs as well.
What was your approach to marketing and finding those channels for reaching kids?
Internet research and of course listening to my writing coach and kids. It’s also helpful to follow what other successful authors are doing.
How did you handle the cover art? (Which is fantastic, by the way.)
I pitched my concept for the cover to Bio Blossom Creative. They took it and ran with it. They did a great job.
Will you go directly to self-publish your next book, or float it by some agents?
I’ll probably self-publish the sequel to The Gideon Protocol. But it’s always beneficial to talk to agents at writing conferences and other venues. Never miss an opportunity to learn from industry insiders.
What will you be working on next?
I’m about one hundred pages into The Gideon Serum. Hopefully out by summer 2017. Please stay tuned…