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.