Meet Jesse M. Harvey, author of Scythia Protostar (Book One of the Dark Stellar Legacy).
About Jesse M. Harvey
Jesse M. Harvey debut book is ‘Motherhood at the End of the World.’ She writes many types of fiction, including science fiction, space fantasy, supernatural, thriller and mystery. She graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor’s degree in history.
Jesse currently lives in Syracuse NY. She is married with three school age children. Her family comes from a military background, and her husband is a veteran.
Through all her work, Jesse includes underlining themes of hope, compassion, courage and determination. She believes that fiction shapes the future. Jesse wants to help inspire a more diverse and inclusive world.
So let’s talk a bit about Scythia Protostar.
First things first, tell us a little bit about Scythia Protostar:
It is a Science Fiction/Fantasy adventure. It’s the first in a series. Evil Galactic Empire, where a group of misfits are brought together. They are sent on their first mission together and it does not go as planned.
When did you start writing Scythia Protostar? What inspired you to write it?
I started writing it about five years ago. It started as a NaNoWriMo challenge. My husband and I were discussing working together on a book. We originally talked about writing a Romantic Comedy. Somehow, we went from, Bad guys need love too; to what if the henchmen fell in love. Then, too what if they were really bad at being bad guys, ending up with a group of morally grey characters inadvertently becoming heroes as they try to survive a very dangerous world. It was a wild ride honestly.
Who is your favorite character?
Djaem is my favorite. He is the sneaky, brilliant master mind, and manipulator. I love the super smart characters, like Sherlock Holmes, or Loki. But he is also the physically weakest of the group, so he must be very clever to not get hurt. It also means that when he does put himself in harm’s way it is even more of a sacrifice.
What was your favorite part to write?
I really enjoy writing the descriptive scenes. I feel that this book lets me get a little more poetic with some of the descriptors because it is in space. I also really like the funny parts. They still make me laugh.
What is the general message you hope readers pull from Scythia Protostar?
Scythia is written in a pulp style. So, it is supposed to be fast and fun. I hope they feel a little inspired, a little hopeful. The darker it is the, brighter our little light becomes.
Can you give us an out-of-context spoiler?
Uthraith is one of the smallest people from his tribe. He was sent from his tribe to the Inner Ring of the empire because he was the smartest and spoke the most languages. He only keeps and decorates the skulls of the enemies he finds worth.
What is ONE reason readers should pick up Scythia Protostar?
It is a wild ride, and it will make you smile.
Any other things you want us to know about Scythia Protostar?
We didn’t get rid of the Romantic idea. In fact, we decided to make the romance and unlaying theme. Each book is like an episode, each episode is a beat to the romance plot. Book one is boy meets girl. Book two will have book boy realizes he likes girl. Etc.
Scythia Protostar sounds like an amazing and fun book! I love that you enjoy writing descriptive scenes…I feel like a lot of writers don’t.
So speaking of writing…let’s dive a bit more into your writing life…
So tell me…why do you write?
I have been writing since I was 11. I joke that if I don’t write the people and worlds in my head will make my brain explode. It helps to tell their stories. It clears them out of my mind.
Ok so you must have more hobbies outside of writing. What are they? Do they influence your writing in any way? Oh I collect hobbies. I love puzzles, and games. I play roleplaying games, as well as video games. I also do cross stich, and pain by numbers. I love baking and stuff like that. I think it helps a lot with my writing. It helps give ideas, and keeps my calm, it also gives my brain a way of sorting through things while I do the hobby and relax.
What is your favorite word? Why?
I don’t think I have a favorite word because there are so many. But I do have a favorite curse word. I love the word Fuck. Because it is so diverse, and I can use it in so man different ways.
Ha! That’s great! It really is quite a diverse word…it can be used as a verb…adjective…noun…oops! I’m getting carried away.
Anyhow, who do you consider your biggest support when you are writing?
My Husband really is my biggest support. As I said I have been writing since I was a teen. But I didn’t think I would ever publish. I wasn’t even going to try. I was writing to get the stories out of my head, and to share with friends. He was the first person to keep pushing me to send out samples of my work. To finish a novel, to do the edits. He has always been the one to keep me working. He never lets me quite and always keeps me believing in myself.
I love that! It is so important to have support. But it is also important to meet our goals. So with that being said, how do you define success as an author? Is it the number of book sales? The number of reviews? The fact your story made someone smile? Or something else?
Success for me I guess it hard to really explain. I absolutely love when someone enjoys my books, or stories. And I get so excited when someone leaves a review. But I have a dream. It is to walk into a bookstore and see My books on the shelves. Or on a display. Like at Barnes and Nobles or the library. That is my dream.
I think that’s a common goal for all of us. So I’m sure you always need to remind yourself to keep pushing. So, with that in mind, if you could give one piece of advise to your past self, what would it be?
Write. Just keep writing. Different genres, different styles. Just write.
Thank you so much for answering these questions Jesse! I think it will help readers really get in touch with your writing. Do you have anything else you want to say before signing off?
Thank you, and I hope you enjoy my book. I have many more in the works.
E.S. Barrison 
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