Interview with Kevin Hincker, Author of A Debt to the Stars

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write A Debt to the Stars?

When I set out to write A Debt to the Stars I had two questions I wanted to answer: 1 – Why aren’t there more badass older female protagonists in science fiction today? And, 2 – How many f* bombs are too many f* bombs for a character who’s a purple, broccoli-shaped alien CPA?

And Writing the book helped me answer both questions: 1 – People are afraid of older female badasses because they are so powerful. Not me though. I love them. And 2 – There appears to be no limit to the number of f* bombs a lion-hearted broccoli can drop in 290 pages of rip-roaring sci-fi. Though more research may be needed.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Speculative fiction of all kinds.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Babel, Dead Country, and Lords of Uncreation.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There’s a scene toward the middle of the book where Diana, the MC, meets her alien companion’s yet-to-be-born seedlings. Those seedlings always make me happy because they are so happy.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I wear padded biking gloves when I type to protect my palms from the edge of my laptop. It also helps me pretend I’m doing something physically challenging and slightly heroic.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

The one motto I believe all writers should heed: Don’t Be Boring.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

However deep in financial debt you fall, you may always, as a last resort, declare bankruptcy. But the emotional debt we take on persists until it is repaid, sometimes becoming a lifelong burden. However, there is hope. All you need is an alien CPA broccoli.