Out of Order Interview #2: Christina Lea

Christina Lea is the author of “Starshadows in Sideways Time” in “The Book of Exodi,” and “As Always,” to be published in the upcoming “Out of Order” anthology.

With Tom Loney (hands pictured below), Christina is co-owner of Peryton Publishing, for which she works as author, editor, and publisher.

Eposic: So what made you decide to switch from psychology to publishing and writing?

Christina Lea: I’ve actually been writing with ambitions to publish since I was 14, and scribbling for the fun of it long before that. Psychology was just one of many interesting diversions along the way.

E: What kind of influences in your background have made an influence on your current publications?

CL: Trilobites.

E: Have you always been a big fan of sci-fi/fantasy/speculative fiction? What’s your biggest influence?

CL: Always. Even back when it was just, “how come my brother gets cool toys and I get domestic brainwashing implements?” leading to a collision of toy-worlds which bred some ungainly hybrids. Thinking back, I’m reminded of the re-imagined BattleStar Galactica series. My parents were fairly good about indulging my divergent interests, though, and my dad was a fan of sci-fi and fantasy himself. Sometimes he would even read Tolkien to us as one of those family time things.

My biggest sci-fantasy influence might be Bill Mantlo. He was a comic book writer who cranked out material at an unbelievable rate, mostly for Marvel in the 70′s and 80′s. Because he worked so fast and he was writing for comics, there were often big holes in his stories and some bits that were just silly, but he had a fantastic imagination and a surprising knack for tugging the heart-strings. And he wrote the most awesome mad scientists ever.

E: What style of writing are you most comfortable with? Which gives you the most challenge?

CL: I don’t know that I have a favorite. Writing in first person sometimes gives me trouble when the narrator’s voice cramps my style, but it’s not that hard to work around.

E: In regards to writing, do you have a goal? Any sort of message you’re trying to put out?

CL: I’m not a fan of didactic art. If you have a message that can be easily summed up, why not just come out and say it instead of going all Michael Crichton on an otherwise good story? I suppose if there’s an attitude that I would like to come through, though, it’s that progress and discovery are worth it. Sure, there are monsters and mad scientists, but things like that are only growing pains. If I hold any heroes up for admiration, they’re usually not defenders of tradition. They’re trying to move forward in some way.

E: Many people tend to find a niche, but your portfolio seems incredibly diverse. Was this something you decided to have early on?

CL: Heh. More like I never got around to deciding. I’ve always been interested in almost everything, so it’s not easy for me to “settle down” intellectually. Writing is one of my few constants, I guess because being a dabbler is actually an advantage there.

E: How did you find out about Eposic?

CL: I already knew Mike Eidson and had published some of his work in the Troll Tunnels anthology before he turned Eposic into a business. I had just recently started writing fiction again and was eager to get back into selling stories to publishers who weren’t me, and I knew he’d be a good person to write for.

E: I noticed a few books written by Tom Loney on your website, can you tell me a little more about him?

CL: It’s Tom’s fault that I’m publishing and editing and graphic designing instead of just writing. He invented TAG (Tom’s Adventure Gaming) and has taken it from goblin cutthroats to rocket men to pulpy private eyes and Old West gunslingers. He has blond hair. Okay, enough about Tom; let’s get back to Me!

E: What’s your favorite part about what you do?

CL: I have all these ideas rattling around in my head. I guess everybody does. What I love about what I do is that, when I sit down to actually put those ideas into a functional form, whether it’s a story or a role-playing supplement or the reanimated corpse of a 70′s variety entertainer, it’s like I’m exploring a whole new place. Sure, I (usually) have an outline by that point, but the shape it takes as it comes to life is almost as much a revelation to me as it is to someone on the outside.

E: Can you tell me about some upcoming projects you’re working on?

CL: I’m working on an expansion for Qalidar (the True20 setting which serves as the backdrop to “As Always”) with several related projects (including adaptations for Peryton RPG) in the “just a bill” stage. The one I’m working on now will be mostly creatures. We’re also starting a new line of Tunnels & Trolls adventures called “Elder Tunnels” and we’re working with Mike Larsen to finish his TAG-based 1950′s adventure game, “Rock’n Role-Playing.” And, of course, a number of less promising projects are floating around in my “maybe it’ll go away” sphere along with the tax forms and dentist appointments.

E: If you could say one thing to your many fans, what would it be?

CL: I have fans? Sweet! Tell them they can send donations via PayPal. The account is robinlea AT butterflavored DOT com. Give till it hurts! Then give some more!