*Author Interview*: Stephen Zimmer, on behalf of “Chronicles of Ave Blog Book Tour!”

of Stephen Zimmer,
author who created “Ave”

The world by which I am entranced to learn more about! And, of an author I decided to direct my interview into the personal sphere of getting to know a bit more about the writer who pours his passion for history and research into the narratives he captures about the life and beings who inhabit “Ave!”

By which the interview commenced,
between Jorie and Mr. Zimmer!

I am quite esteemed to announce that the author of Ave is dropping by my blog today! I have elected to ask him questions that may or may not be familiar to those of whom have been following his career thus far! If you are a reader like me, who has not expanded her horizons into speculative realms, you might enjoy getting this inside glimpse into one of Seventh Star Presses shining examples of how a writer can change his stars and purport his own future!

At what age did you decide in your mind’s eye to become a writer and what was your first story?

Zimmer responds: I would say that I was approximately around 19 or 20 when I finally began to get truly serious about writing, in terms of looking toward writing as a career.In my early twenties, this outlook solidified, and my years in Abilene, Texas at Hardin-Simmons University were very conducive to both motivation and focus. It was during and immediately after this period that the seeds of the Rising Dawn Saga and Fires in Eden Series took root. In regard to my first story, I honestly can’t remember!

I would bet my mother would, and if she were still with us I would ask her right now, as I’m curious myself! It was likely some kind of fun and not-so-well-written little tale during my grade school years, maybe even in relation to something at school at that time.

I really dived into the deep end of the pool in terms of writing books, as in my formative period I wrote what became three volumes of an epic-scale cross-genre series.  I still think the ideas are really interesting in it, but these works were definitely my training ground! LOL

I began writing fervently a bit ahead of you, whilst at the age of 14 I drew out inspiration for the science fiction world where science fact merged into the threads of the story-lines. I have always been curiously passionate about the sciences, especially those that involve the cosmos and/or the quantum realms. I, too, can relate to having your rhythm in your writing life achieved at a younger age, as I found my true niche before I turnt 18 years old, but fell into a bit of a writer’s block in the pursuing years since until 2008! Oh, mothers are the best, are they not!? They not only remember the finite details that the dust of our experiences have erased, but they have this knack for keeping things that would mean something to us lateron! My Mum saved samplings of my early writings, to where I look back now and see the seeds of where I was headed as a teen and as a thirty-something! It’s Mums like ours that are blessed to have supporting us! And, yes, I can even relate to ‘jump diving’ head-on into your writing, as I also created novels-in-progress, but the only difference is I am still going to finish them for publication. Maybe bits of yours could be salvaged and re-structured into a new story!? Or, even a series of shorts!?

What stories can you share regarding your time spent with your father as he researched cancer? Did he make any breakthroughs that you can share?

Zimmer responds: I spent many, many hours in laboratories, but I most vividly recall simple things, like walking down to visit dad in his office during the day to see how he was doing or to talk a little football, or going with him to the cafeteria to get lunch. It has always been the straightforward things that I enjoy the most, and my memories turn smoothly toward seeing him shine with excitement about science as he spoke with one of the multitude of students he taught over his career, witnessing him talking about new projects, planning for upcoming meetings, and everything else in the world of a research professor.He was a man who was incredibly passionate about his work, and he was also a dedicated teacher and mentor.

Going with dad to the lab was something present all throughout my life, when he was here. In fact, when I was in grade school, he’d take me into the lab with him on the weekend in the early morning and then take me over to watch the UK football team play in Commonwealth Stadium! The memories are too numerous to count.

Among the many memories I have was taking a trip with him to Maryland, where he was serving on a committee of scientists reviewing grant proposals for the Department of Defense in research areas. We had a great time together, from visiting a civil war battlefield, to sampling some regional/local beers, and just talking history, politics, or whatever came to mind. It was a true father/son trip that I have always thought back upon.

In regard to his work, my dad was one of the pioneers in his area of research, which concerned translational control. His work involved several types of cancers, including breast, cervical, and ovarian, in addition to consulting regarding brain cancers and many other types.

Although my Da didn’t work in the research sciences, he did work in a very high octane job for each year I’ve been alive, and I can attest to how exhausting that kind of pace can make you! Therefore, we always focused on the small things that bubbled over and turnt into the some of the most brilliant of memories lateron! Grabbing bites to eat, visiting nurseries for plants or statuary gardens, and even, riding along with him whilst he did his errands for his business was loads of fun! Of course, you had to have a solid sense of humour, as my Da’s field of choice was the complete opposite of your father’s! Interesting that we each have memories of being with our fathers’ at work and/or during the in-between moments where they could spare a special moment just to be inside our worlds for a glimmer of pause out of the day! I had not realised how tenacious your Dad was in fighting cancer nor how accomplished he was in the field! You must feel a great weight of pride and honour in knowing what he was able to achieve whilst he was here! I cannot imagine how difficult it is to have lost both your parents at such a young age! It’s a testament to their love for their children, how you’ve been able to soldier on and carry-on with your dreams!

What led your family relocation to Lexington, KY from Denver, CO?

Zimmer responds: My mom and dad met at Colorado State University, but his path to getting his first job as a professor took a short step through St. Louis first, and then, finally Lexington. From what I gathered, dad thought Lexington would be a really nice place to raise a family, which was very influential in his decision to take the job at the University of Kentucky.

I can relate to this, as in the regards of knowing where to relocate from a ‘home’ state into a new state, one of the considerations my own family has been making is not only which state holds the most for each of us to find long-term happiness, but which is the best fit for a family who wants to be with like-minded souls! It’s quite a difficult decision process, as your always weighing your options, considering everything that you hold important, and in the end, have to take a bit of a leap of faith as to go where your being led to be, without knowing how it will pan out until your there! I always find this is an interesting springboard for families to seek out an unexpected move that could give them the most in return! How lovely that your parents met whilst at University, mine met whilst they were at church, although neither of them realised that the other was there for only a short period of time prior to meeting! I believe my Da used to go more frequently, but he was in another city for work, and had only recently moved back! Whereas my Mum had only just relocated from outside Chicago! I always find it curious how couples meet, and what becomes the impetus for them to knit their life together!

How difficult was the adjustment from a mountainous state to Kentucky?

Zimmer responds: I was so young in Denver that there was no trouble at all with relocation! LOLI have traveled quite a bit, though, and would have to say that while Kentucky does not have anything like the Rockies, there are some beautiful ranges of hills and even mountains, and we are not so far from the great Smoky Mountain Range.I’m sure if I had moved later in life I would not have had any troubles.

Alas! I knew it was going to happen, I asked a completely irreverent question! Laughs. I honestly didn’t know how long you were in Colorado, which is why I asked about how you guys had shifted East! My Mum has been out West into the Rockies and beyond, whereas my Da and I have hugged more to the East Coast and Mid-West. I’d love to get out into Wyoming one day, as Mum has tickled our imaginations for the countryside we’d see if we were able to get there! I felt for Denver, especially for Boulder recently whilst they experienced all the flooding and mud deluge! Their weather patterns have changed so radically and severely over the years, that perhaps, your better off in the Bluegrass State! :) Ah, the Smokies are my favourite mountain range! I always felt I left a piece of my heart up on that winding road that leads further into them as you follow the creek?

Yes, I have heard of that, and actually, I did get to see a slice of the Bluegrass’s charms, as whilst enroute back from Fargo, back when Mum & I were traveling on the road, we winded our way through Kentucky, but for the life of us, we cannot sort out how we managed to see signs for “Elizabethtown” (delighted me to no end, mind you, as I love that film!), yet we didn’t pass through any of the townes you need to drive into in order to have those signs!? Yet. We ended up south through Nashville, heading back to Birmingham!? Cannot sort that out! Hmm, forgot to address what you said about the scenery! Kentucky has this calm atmosphere about it, where even heavy rains make the state feel welcoming to travel wary souls! I think people overlook the benefits of hills! I live in a state flatter than a rock, and dearly below sea level! Hills would liven the place up a bit! Smiles.

What challenges did you have as a child that made you the man you are today?

Zimmer responds: Without a doubt the cranial fracture I received at around two years old, as a result of an abusive/violent day care worker (which was determined later). I had to endure years of wearing protective headgear, first hockey helmets, and then baseball caps with plates in the back. It really made you stand out in any group of kids, and I dealt with a lot at that time and I think a fierce streak of independence took hold as often I had to stand on my own. There is no question that this singular event had a tremendous impact on me, on many levels.

I was touched that you shared such a personal memory, and one that is such a pivotal part of your childhood and growing years! I had my own unique injuries, but they were never caused by the hand of someone with malicious intent, unless you count the horrid little boy who kicked me in the wound where I had stitches! :( I know full well how horrid children can be, and I had my own fair share of being bullied. Whether it’s medical or learning issues, childhood can only be survived by the brave of heart! We’re both equally blessed not to have any residual effects!

Do you have a childhood playmate that is still your friend now that you’re adult?

Zimmer responds: I sure do, and I hope to hang out with him a lot more in the future! I was thrilled to reconnect with this person a few years back, who I grew up next door to (along with his brother) during the most magic time of my life. My roots and sprouts as a creative mind really thrived during this time of my childhood.

I know what you mean, as I connected with a friend I wasn’t expecting to locate after such a long absence since we last saw each other in high school! I have felt bad about the loss of time between us, as life continues to move forward for each of us, but we haven’t had the proper chance to stitch together our lives, as we had at our original reunion! I hope we both get the time and the pleasure of knowing our respective friends as well as we want to! Now, that I am thinking back on it, she is the only person I know who knew me when I decided to become a writer!

Are you and your sister best friends or acquaintances? Share some pivotal experiences growing up as a sibling?  Did having a sister prove beneficial in developing character traits in your books?

Zimmer responds: We have our ups and downs, and we are very different in our personalities, but no matter what we circle the wagons and come together in times of trouble. We are more than just friends or acquaintances, as I see it. We are family, and I take that to heart.

Pivotal experiences are hard to identify as our family always did things together, ate meals together, took trips together, and my parents really instilled the idea of supporting each other. We were always at each others events and activities. I do remember filling in as a substitute on some of my sister’s swim team relays when they needed someone desperately! (at least I got a chance to cool off on those hot summer days!).

Maybe the pivotal time is now, when it’s just the two of us left after our mother passed away in June of this year (we have no aunts or uncles, and our grandparents on both sides have passed, etc). We’ve stuck together pretty good so far, and my sister showed a lot of fortitude finishing out her path in getting her nursing license. I was extremely proud of her!

One thing that really meant a lot to me was when my sister was trying hard to help me with some music and video related work I was involved in during the mid-late nineties. She really put forth a huge effort to help me and I have never forgotten that. I really felt her support and dedication at that time and I really wish that period could have worked out better in terms of business and rewards. A lot of heartache and hard lessons, but I think I’m better for it now even if they were not financial successes. Now, she tends to maintain a little distance from my projects, and I’m pretty much solo during my events and such, but I guess I don’t blame her as difficult as this business is! (and as heavy as book boxes are!) LOL

Your relationship with your sister reminds me of my Mum and Aunt’s relationship, where they too, had their fair share of disconnects, but are always in each others’ back pocket! I think its a code for siblings who grow up in close-knit families, that despite differences, or temperaments, or even distance, you’ll always have each other when you need the other the most! And, your quite right, perhaps now is the time when you will both realise it is more important to stay hugged close together rather than in previous years, as you truly are each others’ ally & support! I lost my grandparents, Aunt, and Cousin already as well, so yes, I do know how quickly your personal life can become upturned when you do not realise it’s happening. No one is prepared for the future, the best we can each do is handle the present as it arrives. Maybe in time she will be encouraged to visit you whilst your touring at the conventions!? I’d imagine you miss the camaraderie!

Did any one particular person in your life become a character thread in your books?

Zimmer responds: My characters are never full carbon copies of anyone I know, but all writers infuse traits of people they know and have characters who are very inspired by those they are friends with. For me, a guy named Pete Spencer (the owner of the legendary Pete’s Wok in Lexington, Kentucky) was a huge inspiration for the character of Lee in the Fires of Eden series. Again, Lee is not exactly like Pete, but there are a lot of qualities about Lee that mirror the things that make Pete so great. The inspiration is definitely there!

That’s one example, and there are more! ;)

Yes, I do suppose this is true, as I was lamenting about how I could have answered this question, and I came to the same conclusion you did! We draw such a wide net of possible personality traits to include in any one character, that they all start to take on a composite of several rather than a chosen few! Forgive me, as I have never gone through Lexington, I have not heard of Pete’s Wok! I wonder what your favourite dish is there!? He must have been quite chuffed that you were inspired to create Lee from knowing him?!

Do time and space create difficulties as your time constraints are becoming more intense?

Zimmer responds: I do everything I can to keep a regular writing schedule. I’m shouldering an awful lot at the moment, and it is without a doubt my most difficult time ever, time and schedule-wise, but I’ve somehow managed to keep things on track.

I hadn’t quite realised how tight your time is until recently, and I give you a heap of credit for accomplishing everything that you do each week!! I hope you take time out to just be with your friends’ ever so often, and break the intensity of the work! A bit of fun can go a long way! Don’t forget to find the joy whilst you can still see it!

What does a perfect day look like for you?

Zimmer responds: Morning writing session, mid-day filled with a sojourn with friends, catching a movie, something of that nature, and then, not being too tired to have another writing session at night before going to bed. That’s one version of a perfect day that I view as attainable.

Any day traveling to having new, exciting experiences is a perfect day too!

I give you credit on this goal, as for me, I thrive better in my writings if I am co-balancing my time outside pursuing other artistic interests as well as being involved in community events. I am a people person, so being holed up in my study is something I can do when I’m in the rhythmic flow of creating, but otherwise, I have to strike a balance to where I can enjoy living my life but also, keeping true to my writing life. Plus, I like to eat and cook along with the seasons, and one of my favourite things to do is seeing what is ‘arriving’ at the farmer’s market! Traveling is a part of my internal clock of normalcy! I love seeing new things that excite me!

If you didn’t write or develop motion pictures, what avenue would you take next?

Zimmer responds: Probably something involving the music world. I used to (and want to again) play guitar, was in a band in high school, was around the music biz for several years in management and live show booking, so I’d have to say things likely would have tilted that way.

I long to find a teacher for electric guitar, as I have a guitar awaiting my fingers to know how to use it! Laughs. A classic example of ‘cart before horse’ as I thought for sure there were instructors around here! Sighs. I don’t have any firm goals, whereas you’ve already amassed the experience and chops to know what you can handle and what you want to pursue. Personally, if I could get my ear tuned to song-craft and start to compose my own lyrics to attach to the chords, I’d be delighted to no end! I always felt that some of the poems I write are meant for song!

What is your favorite fantastical creature and why? If not developed as yet, will this appear in a future book or developed into a motion picture?

Zimmer responds: I love my Trogens! Among classical monsters, the werewolf is a great favourite of mine, but I absolutely love writing scenes, threads, and characters involving the Trogens from the world of Ave. They are resilient, determined, have an honor code, and are so often misunderstood due to their more fearsome appearance and rougher lifestyle dwelling in the harsh wilderness regions to the northwest of the Kiruvans.

I drew this same conclusion myself earlier, as I realised that the main clan that I wanted to follow and pursue finding more stories about were the Trogens!! I must admit, their fierce exteriors and personages did not frighten me away, if anything, I felt encouraged by their resolute strength and their undying courage to tackle what others’ would not deem worth going after! They are an impressive group, that is for sure!

If you could change one aspect of your life, what would it be?

Zimmer responds: Be at the point where I can fully make a living from my writing. I’m not there just yet, and it is very hard to get to this stage, but it would be a tremendous relief and help me have a much more sane and manageable life.

And, I hope one day sooner rather than later, you will be able to see this come into fruition!

Thank you for this opportunity to visit and be interviewed, Jorie!

If anyone would like to find out more about my work or connect with me, you can use the following:

Zimmer on Facebook + Zimmer on Twitter + Personal Site

Thank you, Mr. Zimmer for dropping by Jorie Loves A Story today! I appreciated your candor and your honesty in answering my questions! I noted that this hasn’t been the easiest Summer for you & your sister, as I noticed the dedication in the opening pages of “Chronicles of Ave”. I could not help but be moved by your words and love you have for your mother. I hope in time your heart can heal as I too, have gone through similar losses to where your finding yourself lone reeds against the world! Her strength will trumpet on and inspire you forevermore! Please leave a note for the author if you have anything you’d like to say or ask!

Be sure to catch the second half of this showcase on JLAS:
Jorie reviews “Chronicles of Ave: Volume One“,
which includes a virtual road map of this tour!

Similar to blog tours, when I feature a showcase for an author via a Guest Post, Q&A, Interview, etc., I do not receive compensation for featuring supplemental content on my blog.

Be sure to scope out upcoming tours I will be hosting with:
on my Bookish Events Featured on JLAS!

{SOURCES: Cover art of “Chronicles of Ave: Volume One” by Matthew Perry; Stephen Zimmer’s photograph and biography, and the blog tour badge were all provided by Tomorrow Comes Media and used with permission. Post dividers were provided by Shabby Blogs, who give bloggers free resources to add personality to their blogs. Post dividers by Fun Stuff for Your Blog via Pure Imagination. Author Interview badge provided by Parajunkee to give book bloggers definition on their blogs. Jorie submitted her Questions to Mr. Zimmer, who provided his answers in response. She was grateful to have this opportunity to interview him.}

Copyright © Jorie Loves A Story, 2013.

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