My goal with these posts is to talk about things that make me hopeful as well as spotlighting people in our writing community that bring me hope. What better way to kick off author spotlights but with our fearless leader? J. Scott Coatsworth has brought so many of you wonderful people into my life. Let’s see how he brings some hope into yours.
What does hope mean to you and how is it reflected in your books?
Oooh big question. Hope is the idea that all is not lost to us. I write a lot of spec fic, especially sci fi, and while you could make the case that destroying the Earth is NOT hopeful, my characters always have hope for a better world in the future. In the end, the human race will go on, and hopefully (there’s that word LOL) find a way to do things better the next time. Our history has been a series of steps forward and steps back, but as MLK said, “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” I just try to make it bend a little faster. 😛
What gives you hope?
The youth of today. I grew up in the 80’s – the “me” decade” – and was always a little puzzled and sad that we didn’t have big social movements for justice like they did in the 60’s. I see it now – from Greta Thunberg pushing us to fight climate change to the kids of many of my fellow writers who look at us and wonder why we are so hung up on orientation and race and gender.
How do you refill your “hope well”?
My community. Every day on Facebook, I do a Daily Check-In question. Often these are either offering hope and seeking it, and my friends never disappoint. We support each other, and find ways to keep moving forward.
What are some of your favorite hope-filled songs, movies, TV shows, books?
Ah good. one. “All is Not Lost” by The Brilliance plays on my ear buds on a loop when I am depressed. But almost any music uplifts me. I am always listening to it when I write, and the right song can really drive my writing.
What do you “hope” for folks reading this post?
Um, read my books? LOL… but seriously, that they find a way to be hopeful in these dark times, when it seems like the whole world out there is falling apart, but when we peek out our front doors, everything feels normal.
Tell us about your most recent/upcoming release
Scott recently rereleased his Oberon Cycle books. Check out Skythane:
Jameson Havercamp, a psych from a conservative religious colony, has come to Oberon—unique among the Common Worlds—in search of a rare substance called pith. He’s guided through the wilds on his quest by Xander Kinnison, a handsome, cocky wing man with a troubled past.
Neither knows that Oberon is facing imminent destruction. Even as the world starts to fall apart around them, they have no idea what’s coming—or the bond that will develop between them as they race to avert a cataclysm.
Together, they will journey to uncover the secrets of this strange and singular world, even as it takes them beyond the bounds of reality itself to discover what truly binds them together.
You can find J. Scott Coatsworth at the following spots:
https://www.jscottcoatsworth.com
https://www.facebook.com/jscottcoatsworth
That’s it for this Hopeful Spotlight. Stay Tuned for more Hope, Love, and Queeromance…
R.L. Merrill writes inclusive romance with quirky, relatable characters full of love, hope, and rock ‘n’ roll. You can find her at https://www.rlmerrillauthor.com and on the socials as @rlmerrillauthor. You can also find her horror-infused music reviews at https://horroraddicts.wordpress.com/author/rowritesrocknromance/
