Get ready to learn more about the book Daughters of the Empire in this discussion with sapphic author Erik Lenhart.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Erik Lenhart about Daughters of the Empire, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Space category in the 2026 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write Daughters of the Empire?
I wanted to craft a story that blends Kennedy’s concept of the cyclical rise and decline of empires with a more human-centered narrative. I also felt that modern storytelling rarely gives us strong, complex female leads like Major Kira Nerys or Susan Ivanova. Too often, Hollywood substitutes depth for superficial “girl boss” tropes. My goal was to create flawed yet deeply relatable characters—Deanna, Valerica, Lucilla, and Miyu—whose choices you may not always agree with, but whose motivations you can understand.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
Cassandra Antigonid. She has a witty sense of humor. She’s similar to me in many ways. She’s well-disciplined and strategic. She thinks several steps ahead. She’s very loyal to those she loves. She wields violence as a scalpel, not as a hammer. I’m a diplomat; she’s a spy, so in both of our professions, timing and choosing the right allies are crucial.
What inspired the idea for Daughters of the Empire?
There were several sources of inspiration, but two stand out: The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers, by Paul Kennedy, and The Legend of the Galactic Heroes, by Yoshiki Tanaka.
What was the biggest challenge writing this book?
I struggled to figure out the ending.
What part of Daughters of the Empire was the most fun to write?
When Miyu was performing the chicken dance. Check chapter 3; it’s so funny!
How did you come up with the title for your book?
The main protagonists, Valerica and Deanna, are both related by lineage to the Palladian Star Empire, so the title Daughters of the Empire came naturally. I was thinking, what does it mean to be a daughter of the empire? Each of the protagonists came with their own take on it.
How much research did you need to do for Daughters of the Empire?
I did research for two years. Everything in the book is either realistic or in the scope of future possible science.
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
The sequel is already in works. The story takes place in the same universe, but the genre is diffrent. Daughters of the Empire is a space opera. The sequal is a space-noir spy triller.
What is your favorite line from your book?
Faith is a lifelong journey of searching for answers from within. It’s you, however, not the gods, who needs to give your life meaning.
What is your writing process like? Are you more of a plotter or a pantser?
I’d say I’m a hybrid. I often come up with ideas or change them on a fly. I let the characters grow naturally. I always ask, “What would a character do in that situation?” So the story is character-driven, but I have an idea of an overarching plot.
Where do you usually write, and what do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
In my study mostly. At work during lunch break. I need silence.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?
Only one? Okay, Andrzej Sapkowski! Why? I love his sense of humor. If you don’t know him, he is most famous for the Witcher series. The genre is dark fantasy. I personally prefer sci-fi, but his style of writing, especially his strong, female, layered, deeply flawed characters, strongly resonates with me.
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
My secret weapon is mint tea. It helps me focus. Alright, it’s a blend of spearmint, peppermint, hakka (Japanese mint), and lemongrass.
How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
By eating pizza and telling all friends about it.
Is there a particular genre you would love to write but only under a pseudonym?
A parody would be fun to write, but only under a pseudonym.
Do you have any odd writing quirks?
Sitting with my legs crossed in a meditation-like position. It helps me relax.
Do you have a pet who helps/hinders your typing?
Unfortunately, I don’t. I love cats; unfortunately, I can’t keep any at my apartment, so I visit cat cafés for inspiration.
What animal or object best represents you as an author or your writing style?
Night owl. I mostly write between 10 PM and 3 AM.
What are three words that describe your personality?
I am disciplined, eccentric, and romantic. I’m a Virgo and a martial artist, so discipline comes naturally. My eccentricism comes from my particular sense of musical preferences from classical to neo-classical to symphonic metal, from my sleeping habits to a very selective sense of diet. Romanticism comes from a Victorian sense of style and deep melancholy over things of beauty, real or imaginative, which never fades away.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing, and by whom?
Manuscript is for writer and the edited version is for reader. A fellow writer L. M. Weeks gave me that advice and he’s correct. Thanks Mark!
What has helped or hindered you most when writing a book?
The biggest help came from my editors and beta readers.
When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?
By listening to music. There is one deeply emotional scene for Valerica in chapter four. The songs from Warning—Breath and Black Holes helped a lot.
What do you do to get inside your character’s heads?
I know it sounds weird, but I talk to them. I know, I’m just talking to myself, but say it helps me.
If you could be mentored by a famous author (living or not), who would it be?
Michael Morcock.
What author in your genre do you most admire, and why?
I’d say in space opera it’s the freedom of worldbuilding. Frank Herbert, who literally designed his own universe, inspired me the most. I tried doing the same, but with my own style.
Have you ever cried when writing an emotional scene?
Yes, I did! Because it resonated with my own life. I give you a quote from my book: “I’m sorry. I never intended to hurt you.” Valerica reached out to Lana, brushing away her tears. “You’re right. I’m the one who has not been there enough for you all these years.” She gazed into Lana’s tear-filled eyes. “You have always been the stronger one. Thank you for being with me, my love.” I think you understand now why.
Do you feel bad putting your characters through the wringer?
No, pain is a process of personal and character growth.
Have you ever hated one of your characters?
I didn’t hate any of my characters. It’s true that some characters in my novel are the antagonists, and they serve rather as a cautionary tale of what can go wrong if power is abused.
Have you ever fallen in love with one of your characters?
Yes, I did. The character is modeled on my wife.
What type of books do you enjoy reading the most?
For fiction, I like space operas and dark fantasy. I like books with steep worldbuilding and with complex and smart characters. I like books, which serve as food for thought about angles I haven’t considered before.
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
Legend of the Galactic Heroes series. While Tanaka’s work is brilliant in exploring the merits of autocracy versus democracy, it often lacks the intimate human dimension. I wanted to take my own spin on it, merging epic storytelling with complex and layered characters.
What books did you grow up reading?
I read many non-fiction books, mostly on history and politics. In my teens I loved especially Cicero. His philippics are clear inspiration for me; human nature didn’t change over thousands of years much. I came to fiction later in my twenties. I like the idea from Frank Herbert that a sci-fi writer takes an existing thing and builds upon it. I did the same thing with transhumanism in this book.
What books have you read more than once in your life?
The Time of Contempt (from the Witcher series) and the God Emperor of Dune. The first one I love for the verbal fencing. Yen is my all-time favorite female character in the Witcher books, and in this one she shines the brightest. God Emperor of Dune is a masterpiece. “All rebels are closet aristocrats. That’s why I can convert them so easily.” Herbert’s understanding of human nature is phenomenal, especially of the political class.
What book do you wish you had written?
I would love to write a novel as a sapphic retelling of Babylon 5 from Susan Ivanova’s perspective. There is a scene on the TV series when Susan tells Delenn, “I think I loved Talia.” I always considered it a wasted opportunity. I’d like to see a fully realized Susan-Talia romance.
Describe your favorite reading spot.
My L-shped sofa.
Do you only read books in one genre or do you genre hop?
I do genre hop. I read both sci-fi books and dark fantasy. I don’t mind reading any interesting book. I’m looking forward to a book about fishing called Poontown!
Have you ever thought you’d hate a book, but ended up loving it?
The Fellowship of the Ring. The pacing is so awful in the first chapters, so I soldiered on. When finally Frodo left the Shire, the story finally kicked in.
