I sat down (virtually) with S. Usher Evans for a short interview. S. Usher Evans’s latest release is Conviction (Razia #3), a Space Opera.
Cynthia Sax: What is one thing that will really excite readers about Conviction?
S. Usher Evans: The Razia Series isn’t your typical space opera in that it’s less about space and wars of humanity and more about the war within one woman’s humanity. Lyssa, otherwise known as the space pirate bounty hunter Razia, is Daddy issues wrapped up in abandonment wrapped up in snark, and topped off with a bit of sass. What I love about writing her is that she is her own worst enemy most of the time, and now that we’re in the third book of the series, we see her begin to apply the lessons of how not to destroy every relationship she makes.
Cynthia Sax: How does Conviction start?
S. Usher Evans: I like to say that the prologue from Double Life sets the scene for the entire series. Lyssa is eleven years old, with her father at the center of a mysterious phenomenon—and religious icon—called Leveman’s Vortex. Her father is a scientist, intent on discovering what makes this place exist, and Lyssa’s just there to be yelled at and be told she’s worthless. Since she learned in temple that the Great Creator is just beyond an arch with a silvery veil, she decides to go ask the Man Himself. The world begins to disintegrate as she learns the truth—she is as bad as her father has been telling her.
That one experience dominates her actions and thought processes throughout the series. The bottom line is: Lyssa does not think she’s worthy of glory, and yet she still pursues it. It’s an interesting dichotomy that is so much fun to write.
Cynthia Sax: What creates problems between Lyssa and Sage?
S. Usher Evans: Double Life and Alliances are extraordinarily light on romance, but that’s mostly because Lyssa’s too squirmy to even get close to anyone. Her long-time best-friend-but-not is Sage Teon, who has known her since she was kidnapped by Tauron Ball, the pirate who eventually became her mentor. Sage’s main problem with Lyssa is that she gets herself into trouble because her ego gets in the way, and he feels an obligation to protect her. Lyssa’s main problem with Sage is that she doesn’t want his help ever.
Sage is an incredibly complex character, one who is fiercely loyal to those he considers his family. He takes a lot of Lyssa’s bull in the first three books, and even through the fourth book, coming in February. But he finally reaches his limit with her, and then Lyssa finally gets what is coming to her.
Cynthia Sax: What advice would you give new writers?
S. Usher Evans: Everyone has their own path, everyone has their own intentions. The trick to finding happiness is to know what will make you happy. What all that yoga mumbo jumbo means is that you have to decide what you want out of writing (to be published, to create stories, to have those stories read, to make money, etc.) and keep that in mind as you pursue your publication path (self/small press/traditional) and write books.
Cynthia Sax: Thank you for joining us today, S. Usher Evans!
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Clink.
Razia is in trouble. Captured by a fellow pirate, she now finds herself back on probation with a bounty worth zero credits. In the cold reality, she begins to question herself and everything she has been working towards all of her life–and what she’s willing to do to reclaim her glory.
Conviction is the third book in the Razia series.
Piracy is a game. What do you stand for?
Buy Now:
On Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/1j2PlCI
On Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/RaziaConvictionBN
On iBooks: http://bit.ly/RaziaConvictioniB
