Hey y’all ^_^
has kindly invited me back to do another Spotlight here for you guys, and lucky me, I got to learn about a new debut in one of my fave categories!Please enjoy this intro to the featured fiction author this week: M.L. Briggs!
M.L. Briggs was struck by inspiration for his first-ever book, “Starlight”, while preparing for his classes for the day. During downtime, he would outline and scribble notes down until the world of Starlight fell into place.
M.L. Briggs grew up in a small town in Maine, went to college, and graduated with a degree in biological science. He enjoyed his English classes while in school, and even had a strong affinity for poetry. Now, living in Japan with his new wife, he continues to piece together worlds, all while juggling being an English teacher, an American football coach, and studying Japanese.
M.L. Briggs found inspiration for "Starlight” while preparing for class, jotting notes during downtime until the world took shape. A Maine native with a Biology degree, he enjoyed English and poetry. Now in Japan, he teaches, coaches American football, studies Japanese, and writes.
“The world has long been abandoned, left to crumble beneath the weight of ignorance and selfishness. Many believed it was too far gone, so governments began seeding planets across the solar system. As Earth fell into chaos, political turmoil, climate disasters, and war consumed what remained. Those who could flee did, escaping to other worlds as hope on Earth faded. The Valen family stole power for themselves, erasing knowledge and crushing resistance.
Zerek and his friends have been fighting the Valens all their lives, dreaming of getting off this desolate, dying planet. While out scavenging for supplies and evading patrols, Zerek stumbles upon an old, crumbling building that hides a secret. A sliver of hope.
The secret is an ancient escape plan. Project Starlight. A chance for their dreams to come true. A chance at freedom.”
What is the writing process like for you?
It comes in waves. I can't force myself, or else I'll stare at a computer screen and get nothing accomplished.
When the inspiration comes, I jot it down and build upon that when the motivation returns.
I keep my work station stocked: water, pens/pencils, notepads, and my tablet (since I only have my laptop, if I want a second monitor).
“In the dead of New England's Winter, no snow falls; it hasn't in generations. Instead, caustic rains fall in a relentless drizzle, hissing as it hits the ground, eating away at the remaining concrete and burning any uncovered skin it touches."
How do you get inside your characters' heads?
I wrote each scene like I was seeing it in a movie. Character reactions, especially, came from me thinking "how would this person react?"
And then placing those reactions onto paper. I imagine how myself, my brother, my wife, my mother would react to the situation, and that's typically how I'd make my character react.
What drew you to your genres?
I've always loved sci-fi. I've never been a Star Wars fan, however.
I think the world of sci-fi is far less limited, imagination can really come out when you're not forcing yourself to stay in a box.
What does your relationship with "Writer's Block" look like?
You can't force yourself out of Writer's block.
Consistently taking notes is progress, even if you're not building your world or filling your pages. Taking notes is better than nothing.
Once the inspiration comes back, you have all these notes that you can refer back to.
When you're writing difficult or emotional scenes, how do you set the mood?
In “Starlight”, a very emotional scene takes place, greatly affecting the MC.
The buildup to that scene was stressful. It was bleak, it was dark. Although hope sparked occasionally, giving the reader a sense of optimism. It's a slow and deliberate growth of the emotional scene.
What was the most difficult part of getting a book published or self-published?
Since I went through Amazon KDP, designing the cover was the most difficult part for me.
I wanted to do everything myself, to tell myself that I could do it.
The final cover I went with was my 5th attempt.
I used GIMP to design it and showed my dad, wife, aunt, brother, and friends each new cover. Finally, I went with the cover “Starlight” now sports.
How do you process and handle receiving negative reviews or comments?
It definitely stings, but I try to see it as you can't please everyone.
I put the cover on Reddit to get feedback.
People aren't afraid to be honest on there, and it was kind of discouraging at some points. My wife had a harder time dealing with the negative comments than I did.
What is a piece of advice you've received that has helped propel your writing forward?
It wasn't so much advice as encouraging words.
My dad, wife, and aunt were incredibly supportive, which made me want to improve every aspect of “Starlight”.
I wanted them to he as proud of “Starlight” as me.
Without spoiling your books, is there a character you've written you relate to most?
I believe I relate most to Zerek, the main character, and Arden, Zerek's younger brother.
I often saw myself in both of them, but they're somewhat opposite. They would butt heads, but that's what brothers do. That's what my brother and I did.
It made me see both characters through my eyes, especially how I would react in this situation, in my current mood.
Is there anyone who's inspired you to write your books?
My biggest inspiration is the books written/commissioned by The Starset Society.
The Prox Transmissions and A Brief History of the Future.
Also, the music by my favorite band, Starset definitely helped me build the world of “Starlight”.
Connect with M.L. Briggs on Socials to stay in the loop on their next project!
Also onBlueSky: ⤵
@mlbriggs.bsky.social
I hope everyone enjoyed learning more about this Author’s process in sharing their debut with the world!
As always, I’m honored to put this together & make some fun new graphics (esp in one of my top fave themes - spaaaace!), and while I haven’t been publishing on my own Pub lately, there are irons in the fire if you’d like to join me over there while I’m getting everything prepped. ^_^
~ I do have slots open for freelancing: Canva designs/templates (as seen here), Guest Posting/Hosting/Blogging, and more!
Thanks again so much to
for the opportunity to Collab here - y’all be sure to show love to BookStack so they can continue to connect Readers with Indie Authors!