Sci-fi author Jeff Somers comes to Kean University
By Wynter Aiken | Published by Nov. 26, 2018
Jeff Somers. Photos by Wynter Aiken.
Readers respond to powerful stories, to inventive stories…to Jeff Somers stories. Born and raised in Jersey City, N.J, Jeff Somers has been able to connect to sci-fi enthusiasts worldwide. The power and pace he brings to the pages of his novels marks him well as an inspiring author of the science fiction genre. Somers recently visited Professor Lisa Sisler’s English 2010 Creative Writing course and shared with the class his knowledge of sci-fi writing and publishing.
Professor Sisler picked up Somers’ book in the bookstore this past summer and decided to use it in class.
“I saw that Jeff was from Jersey City and lives in Hoboken. I emailed him to see if he’d be interested in coming to class and he said yes,” said Sisler.
Somers connected to the students with stories about his own college hardships, the many nights he stayed up late just to complete the following day’s assignment while also trying to formulate an outline for his first novel “Lifers,” followed by hit series “Avery Cates,” a gripping tale of a man who kills just to prove his real identity. “Avery Cates” and “Lifers” were both published by Orbit Productions in 2001 and 2009 respectively.
Somers explained that the road to becoming an author can be hard, especially if you have no nancial support.
“Money was the main goal,” said Somers. “I started with no money, just college debt. Bright ideas, ambition, and talent isn’t going to get your book millions of dollars in sales. Reality will set in fast.”
Speaking to Professor Sisler’s Creative Writing class. Photos by Wynter Aiken.
Trying to write a novel while being in college can be tiring and draining, but with the right motivation, it can be done. Writing in the sci-fi genre is just as competitive as romance or horror, not everyone is going to be the next Stephen King or Mary Shelley. When writing a novel, any writer strives to make their book gain spotlight and be unique compared to other novels that came before it.
One student asked Somers how students can make their novels become and remain unique when in competition with more experienced writers.
“When I write, I write for myself. It is a sure strategy for any writer especially if you want to be published no matter [what] experience,” said Somers. “Reading is just as fundamental to writing, your inspiration comes from reading, your characters come from that inspiration. It’s all about making connections from what you read to what you write.”
He advised students who are starting to write novels to gain inspiration from previous stories that they’ve read, whether it be from “Twilight,” a vampy romance story or a witchy tale based off of “The Secret Circle”. Even if the inspiration is simply wanting to make millions in sales, outside influence can have an impact. Life’s obligations can make it di cult to continue but if you are willing to put in the time and effort, your book will be worth those obstacles.
“Whatever is stopping you from writing–life obligations, school or simply ‘writer’s block,’ it’s important to remember why you started and what path you plan on taking this book,” said Somers. “Remember that you as the writer is your biggest critic and if you believe in your writing, everyone else will. You write for you.”
If you wish to know more about Jeff Somers, visit his official website at jeffreysomers.com.
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