Read Time: 4 Minutes
If you’re looking for an easy science fiction tale that doesn’t take things too seriously, then Starlite by Jonathan Latt is for you. Set hundreds of years into humanity’s future, it has a charming kind of retro-futuristic vibe to it that I loved.
Having thoroughly enjoyed it (check out my review) and me being curious about the creative mind behind this delightful story, I fired off a few questions to Jonathan to learn more about his writing journey and the inspiration behind “Starlite.”
M: Jonathan, thank you for taking time to answer a few of my questions. I have an easy one to get us started; can you tell us a little about yourself and what got you into writing?
J: I was born and raised in Los Angeles and had a very typical (for the time) suburban upbringing in a fairly functioning and loving environment. So I don’t really have a good excuse for being as weird as I am, but things are what they are. As for how I got into writing, that’s actually a long boring story but I’ll attempt to keep it short(ish).
I was working as a producer in documentary television and film. My business partner suggested I give writing a try. I’d done a couple of writing seminars but had never really given it serious thought. But he kept encouraging me. So finally, I called a buddy of mine over at CBS and asked him to send me a couple of one hour drama scripts, just so I could see the format. This was before everything was online so these were very helpful. I studied the scripts and then wrote what we call a pilot and treatment/mini-bible for this idea I had for a one-hour drama.
Once I started writing quickly became hooked. I’d never really had that much fun in my professional life, ever. That sealed my fate and I’ve been writing ever since. Mostly as a script doctor in film, but also, I’ve had a number of television projects put into development over the years. Books are more recent and Starlite is only my second novel, but I do find it the most satisfying in terms of writing.
M: If you had to describe Starlite to someone in thirty seconds or less, what would you say to them?
J: There’s some crazy crap going down at the food court…IN SPAAAAACCCEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
M: I honestly have no follow up to that! Were there any specific influences or experiences that shaped or inspired you while writing Starlite?
J: My first novel The Geek was a pretty intense and super violent novel written in the pulp style for lack of a better term. I wanted to do something a bit more light-hearted and fun and really tapped into those wonderful memories I had growing up reading Robert Heinlein novels. I did and still do enjoy those and he’s definitely one of my top three favorite authors.
Starlite is meant to be some fun, lite sci-fi specifically meant to sort of just take you on an adventure and leave your worries behind for a little bit. And Robert Heinlein definitely influenced the world I created. There is even a specific Heinlein easter egg in the novel, though I don’t think anyone has spotted it yet.
M: One thing I think crosses most people’s mind at some point is “what if the book was adapted into another medium (such as film, TV series, graphic novel)?”. If the stars aligned and you had the opportunity, would there be dream adaption for you?
J: A series I believe would be incredibly satisfying simply because something that spans seasons (potentially) allows you to tell so many stories. However, I do love when a great video game allows the user to write their own story like in Fallout, Skyrim or even a No Man’s Sky. I like the idea of a really great Starlite video game if I had my ultimate wish.
M: It may not be a “great” idea, but the first thing that flashed into my head was this fitting something like an early Space Quest style game. So, until that happens and because the ending of Starlite certainly left me eager for more I must ask. Do you have anything else in the works for Starlite or anything else you’re working on?
J: I am really glad you enjoyed and very grateful to everyone who’s read it. And yes I am currently finishing up a short story collection called “Tales from the Starlite” that will focus on our main characters from this novel and some of the adventures they have with those visiting the station. I will also be doing a prequel of sorts down the road but that’s just in the planning stages right now.
M: Jonathan, thank you so much for you time!
For our readers, you can follow and find out more about what Jonathan is up to on his socials:
– X (twitter.com) @JonathanLatt
– Instagram @jonathan_latt
If Starlite sounds like your kind of thing, be sure to grab your own copy from Audible!