That program was great for me, because the teacher approached it like a professional writer’s workshop, even though we were only, like, nine. Apparently she loved it, because she approached my parents about enrolling me in an accelerated arts program that I got to go to when everyone else was doing D.O.L., haha. When I was in fourth grade, I wrote what basically amounted to a fanfiction for Island of the Blue Dolphins, which I shared with my teacher. What got you interested in your field? Have you always wanted to be an artist?

Whenever I feel stuck on one of my stories, looking at pictures from Hubble always seems to kick-start my imagination!

Outer space is kind of my favorite thing ever… I remember when I was little, I used to go out in the backyard at night and look at the sky and imagine I was a crewmember on the Starship Enterprise. So far I’ve only published short fiction–I’m currently editing an anthology (which is open for submissions through the end of January!) that’s coming out in June–but my first novel, tentatively titled Fourth World, is due out in September. I write science fiction, mostly young adult, but I have written a few adult pieces as well. My thanks to her for taking the time to participate in this interview.

Lyssa is an incredibly talented scifi writer who has had a few short stories published in magazines and upcoming anthologies. For our next interview, we’re joined by Lyssa Chiavari.

Different Worlds by Lyssa Chiavari