Welcome back to The Pop Quiz at the End of the Universe, a recurring series here on Tor.com featuring some of our favorite science fiction and fantasy authors, artists, and others!
Today we’re joined by Stephanie Diaz, who wrote her debut novel, Extraction, when she should’ve been making short films and listening to college lectures at San Diego State University. Its sequel, Rebellion, is available February 10th from St. Martin’s Press. When she isn’t lost in books, Stephanie can be found singing, marveling at the night sky, or fan-girling over TV shows.
Join us!
Describe your favorite place to read or write.
My favorite place to write/read is this old farmhouse my aunt owns in Vermont, especially when it’s raining and I can hear water smacking the tin roof. But as I don’t have every day access to that house, my favorite general place to write/read is in my bedroom, wearing my Gryffindor sweatpants and drinking tea.
If you could choose your own personal theme music to play every time you enter a room, what would you pick?
The main theme from Doctor Who.
Battle to the death, which weapon do you choose: A) Phaser, B) Lightsaber, or C) Wand?
A wand. I’m secretly a wizard, you know.
If you had to choose one band or artist to provide the official soundtrack to your new book, who would it be?
Hans Zimmer or James Newton Howard. Their sound scores have had a huge influence on my writing.
What’s the best Halloween costume you’ve ever worn?
This year I was the female version of Han Solo. And I rocked it.
What was your gateway to SF/Fantasy, as a child or young adult?
The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia, both of which I read in elementary school. Fantasy was my first love. I got into science fiction a bit more recently, with books like Ender’s Game.
Do you have a favorite phrase?
My favorite phrase is Ad astra per aspera, which is Latin for “To the stars through difficulty.”
What is your ideal pet (real or fictional)?
A dragon. I would train it to be my protector and general companion in life.
