An Interview with Science Fiction and Fantasy Author Nina Schluntz

Nina Schluntz is a creative, imaginative author who has made a name for herself in the world of science fiction and fantasy. In this interview, she shares her insight into her writing process and what inspires her stories. She discusses why she prefers to write in these genres, how she creates compelling characters, and the importance of research when creating fantastical worlds. She also talks about the challenges faced by authors in today’s market and offers advice for aspiring writers. From her experiences as an author, Nina provides readers with valuable lessons that can be applied to any genre or style of writing. Her enthusiasm for storytelling shines through every word! With so much knowledge to offer, this interview is sure to provide exciting inspiration for anyone looking to explore the realm of science fiction and fantasy.

Tell us about your book?

Slaves of an Alien Game is about an average Joe who gets abducted and thrown into a fantastical world on an alien planet. It’s an escape I think a lot of people will enjoy going on with Caden. Even if they may not want to be him. He has to fight to death in an arena.

What is the PRIMARY benefit, above all others, that your potential reader will gain from reading this book?

I found out a lot more people are open to being abducted by aliens and swept off to a new life and world. The idea of going out on an adventure is appealing to more people than I thought. Even people who have families and loved ones, they get excited when I talk of going to another planet comes up. I did not expect the fan base for “Slaves of an Alien Game” to be so vast.

If you had to compare this book to any other book out there, which book would it be?

I suppose any book that goes to an alien planet or discovers a new society of people can be related to the story. There’s also a bit of Hunger Games to it, since the people who enter the arena are competing for entertainment on a reality show.

Caden works at all night diner in a small town near the interstate. When a man comes in late at night, asking for access to the roof, Caden knows the man is a bit off. But his ruffian nature and a small bribe makes Caden decide to let him go up.
“It’s a scavenger hunt,” the man says. Caden thinks he’s being helpful when he finds the item, a black orb, but when he touches it, he unknowingly becomes a competitor in an intergalactic competition, that ends in a battle to the death. Manipulated and lied to, drugged by the alien Incubus, Raghib, whom he is now allied with, he must train his lizard battle creatures to fight for him on an unknown planet with rules he barely understands.

He has little chance to survive and although he wants to trust, Raghib, who will earn his freedom if Caden wins the battle, he worries he is simply being used. A bit of truth is revealed when one of the Game Wardens takes a liking to Caden, but his alien species is known to eat humans, so Caden isn’t sure if the desire is that of hunger or true romance.
Either way, Caden is nothing but a slave to their alien games.

*This novel was previously published as Season 1 on Kindle Vella under the same title*

Hundreds of thousands of books come out every year. Why should someone buy THIS book?

It’s original! I’m sure a lot of people say that, but if you read my reviews, it’s the most common statement people make. I can also promise you that if any part of the book is boring…it got deleted. When I’m doing my edits, if I get bored reading my story, even if it’s the twentieth read through and anyone would be sick of reading it, I will delete it. No exceptions. I’m currently on the third rewrite of a Dragon Mage series I’m working on because each time I read it, I think, nope, I can do better. It’ll be amazing when it’s finally done.

Who is your target audience?

Anyone who enjoys a romance novel will enjoy my stories, as long as you can handle the heat level. It’s definitely not for children!

Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage?

I grew up on a farm with no internet or cable. So… books were my entertainment. My head was always buried in a book, and before I could read, I was hounding my mom to read to me. You can’t become a good writer, if you haven’t done a lot of reading yourself.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?

When the little educational bits I scatter in books actually stick and I find out someone learned something!

Are your characters pure fiction, or did you draw from people you know?

Completely fictional. I tried to make each character have their own motivations and I like to think most people will relate to Caden, since everyone has that longing for adventure, and he gets it!

Are you more of a character artist or a plot-driven writer?

It’s a mix. I know the plot and how it needs to end. But I create characters with enough personality, that when I put them in a scene, they take the reins, and I hope it doesn’t go off course too much.

How can our readers get in touch with you?