Since we’ve never actually been to Mars and back, I’ve often wondered “What if something bad happened there, and that’s why it’s a dead planet?” Do we want to bring anything back to Earth from such a place?
J. Dallas Brooks – 2 October 2020
The Back Flap
Surviving the end of the world is hard. It’s even harder if you’re on the menu.
When the first manned mission to Mars makes an unexpected return in 2037 with a dead crew, a terrible contaminant is unleashed that turns the skies purple and threatens humanity’s survival. It brings with it a frightening new apex predator that bumps the surviving humans down the food chain. In this new world, the unflappable sixteen-year-old, Zach Granger, rides his dirt bike across the scorching Arizona desert. With only a shotgun and his loyal beagle hound, Zach must find the robotics expert, Skylar Lucas—a man who may not even exist. His life hangs in the balance when the monsters catch his scent, and Zach must race to California in a quest to find where he belongs.
About the book
What is the book about?
It’s about a naïve but unflappable teenager in the year 2037 who only thinks he has big problems…until the first manned mission to Mars returns rather unexpectedly after having been thought crashed on the red planet’s surface several months before. Despite the A.I. navigational system’s best efforts, the ship brings with it a terrible contaminant that wipes out most of humanity. Zachary Granger, 16, and his loyal beagle hound, Blue, trek across the scorching Arizona desert in an effort to find Zach’s personal hero, Skylar Lucas, who inspired his favorite comic book character, Dr. Kai Rosebud. Unfortunately for him, the Martian mist not only turned the skies purple and killed off 99% of life on the planet, it also brought a terrible new apex predator that stalks the remaining survivors.
When did you start writing the book?
I originally had the idea for something like this several years ago. It rolled around in my head off and on until I decided it was time to make it a real novel earlier this year.
How long did it take you to write it?
It took about a month to write the first draft, and then I let it sit for a good six weeks. I probably edited it for another two months, including several revisions, input from beta readers, and friends.
Where did you get the idea from?
Ideas are weird. I’ve had them walking, just sitting in my office, or while writing other pieces. This one actually came to me when I was writing a short story, which will turn out to be the sequel to Martian Mist (under development). Since we’ve never actually been to Mars and back, I’ve often wondered “What if something bad happened there, and that’s why it’s a dead planet?” Do we want to bring anything back to Earth from such a place? It’s in our nature to be pioneers, so we’re going to go to Mars eventually. I’m 100% in favor, but there’s always that unknown thing that can change everything at the drop of a hat.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
The beginning. I like to take my reader on an adventure, and it can be a bumpy ride sometimes. If you just hold on, though, you’re going to be glad you did. At least, I hope so!
What came easily?
There are a few dream sequences that illustrate the terror in a neat way. I enjoyed writing those. My absolute favorite chapter has a terrifying sequence about halfway through the book that I think readers will get a kick out of.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
All the humans are fictitious, but I would have to say that Skylar Lucas is probably based on a combination of Elon Musk and Robert Downey, Jr. (not even Tony Stark, but the real person). Blue, the beagle hound, was my first dog. Grandpa Michael, the Generation X throwback in 2037, pays homage to my generation of 80s and 90s kids and teens.
Do you have a target reader for this book?
If you miss action-packed 1980s-style stories that take you for a wild ride with lots of monsters, explosions, and fight scenes, then I really think you’ll like most of my stuff. If Alien or Predator do it for you, then Martian Mist might be your cup of tea.
How was writing this book different from what you’d experienced writing previous books?
This is my first full novel. I’ve released a couple of collections of short stories and a novella, but Martian Mist is the real deal. Because of the length of it, about 350 pages in paperback form, I had to really focus hard on the editing.
What new things did you learn about writing, publishing, and/or yourself while writing and preparing this book for publication?
I learned that the hard work of editing is just as important as the fun parts of composing a first draft!
End of Interview:
For more from J. Dallas Brooks, visit his website.