Get ready to learn more about the book Jasyn and the Astronauts in this discussion with sapphic author Gwenhyver.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Gwenhyver about Jasyn and the Astronauts, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Saving the World category in the 2024 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write Jasyn and the Astronauts?
I wanted to write epic adventures with epic (sapphic) emotions. I loved the idea of taking my own reimagined sci-fi/fantasy scenic route through mythology and the stars. I also enjoy reading and writing stories that are queer normative, where the story isn’t about the queerness as other. In ‘Jasyn and the Astronauts,’ the drama and angst is for a whole host of other world and character specific reasons. There’s a friends-to-lovers romance and adventure with life and death peril along the way.
I chose to write this as a series because I feel like there are so many fun stories to tell: so many steps along the way with interesting world possibilities, and a whole crew of characters to get to know. All in all it’s about making a positive difference even if the journey to achieve that is going to be challenging.
And, of course, who doesn’t love sky sailing sword sapphics?!
Who is your favorite character in the book?
My favourite character is DOCTOR ORPHEUS. She’s so grumpy, gruff and swear-y! She’s also a talented ‘medician’ – which in the universe of Jasyn and the Astronauts is a mix of medic, magic and musician. She uses the music of her five stringed V-iolin to heal people. I don’t have that skill, but I wish I did! I’m nothing like Doctor Orpheus but it would be therapeutic to channel her personality for a day.
What part of Jasyn and the Astronauts was the most fun to write?
I had the most fun writing the scenes where Jasyn’s powers of ice and hold over the weather is accentuated by, or paralleling, her emotions. Sometimes she doesn’t have a choice over when her abilities are on show, and that was fun to play with. Imagine having an epic secret crush on your best friend and the weather might give you away. Imagine getting annoyed or worse and not being able to rein in the spreading ice. Imagine the skies electric with your emotions. Yeah, this aspect was absolutely my favourite to write because it gave me the chance to write feelings that literally affect the world around the characters.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
Given that the story is a reimagining of Jason and the Argonauts but with a female cast and in space, JASYN AND THE ASTRONAUTS seemed an intuitive title to me. I like that it’s a call back to the source material but with some important implied differences. As for the book 1 title – UNDER THE ICE SKIES – that’s a reference both to being on an ice world (and the main character’s ice powers) and the fact that the story starts not ‘in’ the skies, but beneath them. The result? A very long title!
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
Jasyn and the Astronauts – Book 2 – The Sea of Stars – is already out in the wild. In ‘The Sea of Stars,’ Jasyn and Atalanta are getting to grips with crew life as they sail through space. A detour sees them discovering a perfect world… The adventure continues in Book 3 – Two Faced Planet, which I’m working on.
I’m also currently working on an in universe, stand-alone adventure called ‘Theseus and the Sky Labyrinth.’ As you’ve probably guessed, it’s a reimagining of the myth of Theseus, Ariadne and the Minotaur. Once it’s ready, I’ll initially be sharing the Theseus e-book for free with readers on my mailing list, so if you like the sound of sapphics, swords & sorcery and space, feel free to join my mailing list via my website.
What is your favorite line from your book?
“Jasyn has climbed cliff faces and leapt across ravines, but nothing compares to this moment. This moment in which, against the backdrop of swirling blizzard and blazing lights, Atalanta grasps Jasyn’s cape, closing the space between them. When their mouths meet, the ice inside Jasyn melts and everything is warm and right.”
How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
I’m sure this isn’t the most well-balanced way to respond, but I usually celebrate by getting stuck into writing the next book! I might give myself some slack and go on some mini-adventures (cycling across the moors and just generally being outside in the green and fresh air) with my wife, but the final finishing of a book is a lot of detail orientated editing and not as freely creative as the start of the process, so by the time I’m at the end of one book I’m raring to get going on the next.
What animal or object best represents you as an author or your writing style?
I asked my wife this and she said ‘badger’ but when I asked why she gleefully refused to tell me. I’ll keep asking.
When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?
When I need to orientate myself to an emotional or difficult scene it really helps to listen to music. I’ve compiled my own spotify playlists for each of my characters, and listening to those really helps me get into the character’s mindset or the tone of the scene.
Do you feel bad putting your characters through the wringer?
Ooh, that’s a good question! Yes! I just want all my characters to be happy and live calm, fulfilled lives. HOWEVER I also know that it’s so satisfying to write and read stories where the characters get to use their abilities or learn new ones and triumph against whatever messed up chaos the evil-author throws at them. So… sorry-not-sorry? 🙂
What type of books do you enjoy reading the most?
Ooh, I wish I’d written Anna Burke’s ‘Compass Rose.’ Such a great dystopian pirate-ish adventure with excellent chemistry between the navigator and the captain. Excellent world-immersion – I felt like I was along for the ride. Highly recommended.
As for sapphic retelling, my ‘Theseus and the Sky Labyrinth’ that’s due out at the end of this year or early next is a reimagining of the myth of Theseus, Ariadne and the Minotaur, set around a labyrinth in space. In my ‘Jasyn and the Astronaut’ series I have various characters from mythology. Upcoming books will continue to reimagine Herakles and Orpheus through a sapphic, swords and sorcery in space lens.
Describe your favorite reading spot.
My favourite reading spot is in the corner of my living room in/on a giant beanbag. It’s so big it feels like you’re being hugged when you sit in it. Ultimate comfort!
Have you ever thought you’d hate a book, but ended up loving it?
This is less a ‘I thought I’d hate it’ and more a ‘I was sure I’d love it but I had trouble getting into it at first’. I read the first 100 pages of ‘Gideon the Ninth’ twice before I was able to push through, and I’m so glad I did. I’m not sure what it was about those opening pages but it took me a while to click with it. Once my brain was on board with the writing style, I absolutely loved every moment of it. Tamsyn Muir’s fight/sword-wielding scenes in particular had my jaw on the floor. Stunning!
