The ocean holds many mysteries, and time and time again writers of science fiction, horror, and fantasy plumb its depths for inspiration. Perhaps it is because there is so much of the ocean that humankind hasn't yet explored. Perhaps it is because the ocean is so deep and dark that no one knows what lurks beneath the surface. Perhaps it is because the ocean is the domain of huge and titanic leviathans that humans may have never seen. We know of those creatures that inhabit the upper layers, such as whales. We acknowledge the existence of giant squid. We have only recently discovered older species of sharks from lower levels. What dwells beneath them at the very bottom in the deepest regions of the ocean? MEG: A Novel of Deep Terror offers a possible answer.
After many futile attempts and miscommunications, I finally got in touch with the author of MEG, Steve Alten, whose novel has recently appeared on supermarket shelves in paperback format. I had the good fortune to purchase a hardcover edition from the Science Fiction Book Club many months ago. MEG is my second review in the Tomes of Starhopping category. The review now awaits your perusal in my Archive, so go there or just click here to get to it.
There is more to Mr. Alten than what appears here, so follow the link at the end of the interview to visit a website that provides more information about him and his work.
The interview that follows comes from e-mail messages sent back and forth between myself and Mr. Alten. I've filtered the interview down somewhat, but all with his approval. Enjoy!--XS
Note: cover graphics used with author's permission
XS: Let's start at the beginning. Is "Steve Alten" your real name?
SA: Yes, it is.
XS: Have you ever thought about using a pen name?
SA: The only circumstance that would push me into using a pen name is the writing of a comedy screenplay, which I'm working on at night with a friend. My manager says that Hollywood associates my name with thrillers, not comedy.
XS: Now, what was your family life like as you were growing up?
SA: Fortunately, fairly normal. I have two loving parents and 3 yougner sisters. Most of my time, I was working out or playing basketball, and of course reading. I love to read.
XS: What sort of books did you read, and what do you read now?
SA: I read all of the Ian Fleming/James Bond novles twice, plus anything with action. I love Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles, Crichton and Clancy, and the scariest book I ever read was Dracula.
XS: It looks like your reading interests influenced your writing interests. Speaking of influences, who was the biggest influence on your life as you were growing up?
SA: My dad is a big nfluence. He's always treated people with the utmost respect, and, if more kids had dads like mine, this world would definitely be a nicer place to live in.
XS: That's really high praise. What is your family life like now?
SA: I'm happily married, with two step children and our own child, plus a German Shepherd named MEG.
XS: "MEG"?
SA: She likes to bite, so the name fits her.
XS: I see. Where is home for you, your family, and...ahem...MEG?
SA: We live in South Florida, but I'll always be a Philly boy. I enjoy living here, it's a great area.
XS: What effect does "family" have on your career?
SA: I tend to be a workaholic, so the only effect my family has is to force me to take a break from the computer.
XS: A good effect, then?
SA: You could say that.
XS: The biography at your page says you have a Ph.D. in sports administration. Would you describe your educational background and experiences?
SA: I went to Penn State and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education, teaching and coaching. My goal was to be a college coach. I played a little at Penn State, then went to the University of Delaware and earned a Master's in Sports Medicine while coaching the JV basketball team and working as an assistant to the varsity. I went on to earn a doctoral degree from Temple University because I wanted to work with Coach Jon Chaney. Chaney allowed me to watch him informally as a coach, and for 3 years I would be at his 5:00 a.m. practices, then teach courses between eight in the morning and two in the afternoon, then sleep in my office until five, then take courses until 11 at night. Not easy.
XS: I'll say! Well, what other occupations have you had besides writing?
SA: I've been a high school and college basketball coach (my first love), a sales manager, a door-to-door salesman, a camp counselor, athletic director, and I started up two businesses.
XS: What sort of businesses?
SA: Two water treatment companies (whole house systes) and a company that attempted to sell pre-fabricated hospitals overseas.
XS: That counts for a lot of experiences to draw on. Now let's talk more about writing. What drew you into it?
SA: I always believed I could be a writer. At the time I began MEG, my family was in a desparate financial situation, so money was a great motivator. Since I was working full-time, I had to write between 10:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.
XS: In addition to working? Wow! Then I guess you took some creative writing classes, too.
SA: No creative writing classes.
XS: And you produced a novel like MEG? Double wow! MEG seems so polished and precise! I am very envious of you. Hmph. Well, you've written a science fiction novel with MEG, though someone else might classify it in another genre. Are there other genres you'd like to work with?
SA: I like adventure stories, although, as I said, I am dabbling in comedy screenplays with a friend.
XS: Okay. Now, are there certain conditions--atmosphere, time, setting--that affect the quality or productivity of your writing?
SA: Writing is my job. I don't like exuses for NOT being able to work, so I can usually write at any time. The best time from a productive standpoint is when the kids are at school. I like it quiet.
XS: I can understand that. I know your novel must have required a great deal of research. Do you find the research process long and boring or are there benefits to working so long and hard?
SA: Research is the key to my writing. The storyline COMES from the research. And I love it.
XS: Having written your first novels, has it become easier?
SA: I'm becoming a better writer and learning a lot from my editors and manager.
XS: What are the easiest and hardest things about writing for you?
SA: The hardest thing is character romance. I'm better with action sequences.
XS: Now let's talk about the book itself. What prompted you to explore Carcharadon megalodon for a plot?
SA: Two of the most successful books have been Jaws and Jurassic Park [by Peter Benchely and Michael Crichton respectively--XS]. Megalodons were 60 foot, dinosaur-sized great whites. Frankly, I'm surprised MEG is the first commercially successful book regarding these monsters.
XS: Well, I've read one book that makes the megalodon black as night. Why make your Meg incandescent white? I'd think it would be a disadvantage in the pitch black.
SA: Life forms in the abyss tend to be translucent or white. It's nature's way of attracting food. Some creatures even have bulbs that glow from antennae. They position the bulb in front of their mouths and the fish come to them. MEG is an albino for the same reason. Prey are attracted to her glow.
XS: I see. Do you believe the megalodon could still exist as a species in this day and time?
SA: It's possible, though improbable. If they are still around, they'd be in the deeper waters.
XS: As I said, you must have done a lot of research for preparing for this novel. Precisely how much research went into it?
SA: Precisely? A year--who knows? Research is an on-going process.
XS: How did it feel to see your novel in print?
SA: Felt great. But my competitive nature wants to see it on the top of bestseller lists.
XS: A worthy ambition for anyone, I'd say. I don't know how well the hardcover did, but with the paperback release, I'm sure the sales will go up. Anyway, I already own the book and am not interested in buying another copy. I am, however, very interested in this fascinating rumor I've come across about a sequel. Do you have a sequel in the works, and if so, could you talk about it a little?
SA: TRENCH is the sequel to MEG. I just finished writing it a few weeks ago. It is now at the publisher's and we're hoping to close a deal soon. The writing is better than the first book, plenty of adventure, and lots of surprises.
XS: Surprises? What? Giant squid? Another lesser known but more fearsome species of prehistoric shark?
SA: I'm not telling.
XS: Fine, fine, I'll wait until it comes out. TRENCH is your second book?
SA: In a manner of speaking. After MEG I wrote FATHOM, which was to be my second release. Doubleday attempted to shape the novel into something it wasn't, and although I complied, they decided not to accept it.
XS: What happened then?
SA: I sued. We just completed a mediation agreement to settle. With the rights back, I am now in the process of rewriting the book the way I want it and will take it out to publishers next November. So TRENCH, while my third book, will be the second book released.
XS: That's a little confusing, but no matter. Are you where you want to be in life?
SA: I'm on the way, but I'll never be satisfied. It took a lot of work and belief to get here, but I have lots of plans.
XS: How important is success to you?
SA: I'm very goal oriented. Success means a lot, but not from an ego sense.
XS: Any concluding remarks?
SA: If you want to be successful, know the rules. Read Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. It may change your life. Last, my readers are very important to me. If they write, I always write back.
I hope you enjoyed learning more about this outstanding author. I know I did. Please visit his pages to Meet Steve Alten. You'll find out more about him there than I could introduce here, including other reviews of his novel.
Interested in buying this book? You can! Just follow the links for the hardcover or paperback editions.
Comments? Suggestions? Just click here to send me e-mail.
Also, if this interview prompted you to read MEG, then let me know. I appreciate knowing I made a difference in somebody's life.
Back Home Back to Starfire Reviews Back to Corridors of Communication
Get your own Free Home Page