Stuart Jaffe and the Definition of Family

Stuart Jaffe is the madman behind The Max Porter Paranormal Mysteries, the Ridnight Mysteries, Nathan K thrillers, The Parallel Society, The Malja Chronicles, The Bluesman, Founders, Real Magic, and so much more. His unique brand of old pulp adventure mixed with a contemporary sensibility brings out the best in a variety of SF/F sub-genres. He trained in martial arts for over a decade until a knee injury ended that practice. Now, he plays lead guitar in a local blues band, The Bootleggers, and enjoys life on a small farm in rural North Carolina. And yes, the chickens are still not allowed in the house.

Tell us a bit about your most recent work.

I'm currently working on the sequel to Pioneers of the Pathway (Pathway Ring #1). It's a science fiction family saga following the Monclova family through the centuries surrounding the creation and use of the first ever stargate-type machine. Once used, those who go through get spit out somewhere in the universe, and if they want to return home, they've got to build the other side. So, we experience several generations of this family through the building of the machines, the family dramas, the political tensions, first contact, and much more. It's a huge canvas and a blast to write.

What are the themes and subjects you tend to revisit in your work?

The definition of family -- blood versus found family -- certainly comes up a lot.

What happened in your life that prompted you to become a writer? 

I've always loved stories. My undergrad degree is in directing theater, and while pursuing that, I started writing plays. That led to short stories which led to novels. 30 years later, here I am still telling stories.

What inspires you to write? 

Food. Paying the bills. Health care.

Also, I think art of any type is one of the fundamental aspects of being human that makes us unique. Art is about human beings expressing to other human beings what it means to be human. Making that connection with readers is the best, and always inspires me to write more.

What of your works has meant the most to you?

Choose a baby? Nah. They're all important to me for different reasons.

If you have any former project to do over to make it better, which one would it be, and what would you do?

I wouldn't. I don't. There are books from my early years that have flaws, of course. I'm a better writer now. But that was my best expression at the time, and I think rewriting any early books will only result in failure. I don't feel or think like I did 30 years ago. I grow and change. To rewrite a book from long ago, I'd have to become that older version of myself. What's the point in that when I could write a new book from my new vantage and maybe express something new?

What writers have influenced your style and technique?

Stephen King, Robert Heinlein, and John Steinbeck are the biggest influences. All three strive for a mostly invisible style that only shows itself at careful, curated moments. A bit of artistic flair to accentuate the story but never shine a light beyond that.

Where would you rank writing on the "Is it an art or is it a science continuum?" Why?

It's an art. But like all art forms, there is craft and technique involved. You can't be artistic if you don't know how to use the tools to create the art.

What is the most difficult part of your artistic process? 

Getting started. All pro authors I've ever known have no shortage of ideas. But wading through all those ideas to pick out the good ones, the exciting ones, the ones that make you have to write, that is the challenge.

How do your writer friends help you become a better writer? Or do they not? 

Writer friends are great for motivation. Going to conventions (where I get to hang with most of my writer friends), hearing their approach to similar problems, getting their recommendations for books to read, anything at all reminds me that I'm not the only one out there. Writing is generally a solitary endeavour, so any contact with fellow writers is a great benefit.

What does literary success look like to you? 

I live a life where I write books full-time and people read them. As long as that continues, it's all the success I need. 

Any other upcoming projects you would like to plug?  

There will be a new Max Porter book by the end of the year!

For more information, visit: 

www.stuartjaffe.com