Interview with Stella Atrium, Author of The Matrix Opal (The Duchy Wars Book 1)

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Matrix Opal (The Duchy Wars Book 1)?

The Matrix Opal starts a new science fiction adventure related to characters in the previous award-winning 5-book series. This standalone novel presents diverse female protagonists with determination and questions about their place in the group, and a little magic. Within the dystopian genre, my mission was to show relatable female characters who have goals beyond romance and security, to break out of the princess-or-evil-queen mold. I wanted to show women in all roles, like street kids, ranchers, teachers, doctors, warriors, militia commanders, diplomats. How do they solve real-world problems using the tools that women have? Male characters are not neglected, of course. We meet warriors, silk merchants, underhanded businessmen, and a young leader who must grow into his role. My idea was that a woman is more interesting when an interesting man is interested in her.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I read science fiction for pleasure. I read biographies and history for research. I like to anchor story situations within what can really happen in our physical world, adding unusual creatures and some bits of magic for spice.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’m reading Victor Davis Hanson’s The End of Everything because the historical situations about the fall of Sparta or Constantinople, and the following genocides, are useful for imagining dystopian worlds.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

A young girl named Ariseng is gifted with making wards. She fills a request while visiting a warrior group on an exposed beach below basalt cliffs. How she brings the spectators along and has some fun for herself keeps me chuckling long after the story has moved on.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I have a bad shoulder from too much computer work. I have moved my writing station from the worktable to holding the laptop on my actual lap. There’s less pacing around the room this way. LOL.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Keep offering my stories to readers until my stories are what they mostly want.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

The stories include role models for young women of diverse backgrounds, maybe providing a reason to show courage in her own difficult situation, and take responsibility for her choices.