Interview with sci-fi author T. L. Ford

Today’s special guest is sci-fi author T. L. Ford and she’s chatting with me about her new novel, Maz, Origin.

During her virtual book tour, T. L. will be giving away $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for your chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too.

Bio:
T. L. Ford is a programmer, writer, and artist. She spent most of her professional career supporting the Patuxent River Naval Air Station in southern Maryland. Her science fiction novels imagine possibilities while focusing on society and personal relationships and decisions. Her fantasy novels are heavily influenced by Dungeons & Dragons and are light “weekend reads”.  She’s also created two art books, a thriller novella, and an interactive math iBook.  She enjoys sailing, hiking, and spending time with her family.

Welcome, T. L., please tell us a bit about your new release.
Entering the witness relocation program after lawfully escaping a massive walled-in prison, teenage Merrill tries to fit into our society. Her background and decisions may not let her.

Maz, Origin is a story of growth and love, guilt and innocence, and changing goals. What is morally right and what is legally right? What’s legal for humans may not be for aliens…

Excerpt from Maz, Origin:
“Play it again,” I said and James did.  I listened.  “They have vocal cords similar to ours, but I’ll bet we’re missing some of the pitches.  We’ll probably sound flat when we speak their language.  Have they sent anything in any of our languages?”

“No.”

“Any video?” Ron asked.

“No.”

“Maybe they’re waiting to see if there’s intelligent life on our planet?” I said.

“Not likely,” said James, putting his laptop away.  “The transmission came in on our own satellite frequency bands.  It was precise.  They can pick up our own signals.”

“Then they know more about us than we do about them,” Ron observed.

James nodded.  “If they’re hostile, it makes no sense to announce their knowledge.”

“Unless they’re trying to get inside our defenses,” Ron replied.

“You’re supposed to make me less paranoid, not more,” James said sourly.

What does your main character do that makes him/her special.
Merrill adapts to new situations and isn’t afraid of the challenges.  She’s very driven to achieve her goals.

Where do you get your best ideas?
My best ideas usually come from panels at gaming/sci-fi conventions.

What comes first, the plot or characters?
For me, the characters and then I throw things at them to see what they do.  The plot evolves.

What is the sweetest thing someone has done for you?
This is a hard one.  I have many friends and family who do sweet things for me often.  My friend Julie came over and washed our dishes because I had hand surgery and my husband cut his hand and we couldn’t get them wet.  She’s done a lot of things like that for me and my family over the years.  My father-in-law comes and feeds our furry beasts when we leave for a few days.  My friend Penny helps teach my watercolor classes and keeps me sane.  My sister-in-law replanted our patio garden.  The list is long.

How would you spend ten thousand bucks?
I think I would fix things around my house – doors, windows, that type of mundane thing.  If there were any money left, I would like a vacation somewhere out-of-state with family.

Links:
Book page | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon Author page | Amazon buy page

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