Akira Angel writes fast-paced, science fiction fantasy featuring immersive magical worlds, morally complex heroes, emotionally resilient heroines, powerful villains, and epic battles that will determine the fate of the universe. When she isn’t writing, Akira can be found traveling, attending conventions, walking her two chihuahuas, or hanging out with her Australian husband.
Akira’s short story, “Escape from the Exteris,” will appear in the FF & P sci-fi anthology, Lure of the Hunt. The anthology will be published on October 22, 2024.
Summarize your story in 75 words or less.
In the shadowed confines of the Exteris space station’s engine room, Ava discovers Kovian—a cyborg grappling with his obsolete enhancements—just as disaster strikes. Bound by loss and a looming explosion, they face a critical choice: escape together into the unknown or part ways – perhaps forever. Amidst the chaos, their fleeting connection might become their beacon through the darkness.
What’s a favorite part of your story?
When Kovian fixes the robotic dog that Ava got from her father even though he’s in pain. It’s heartwarming and shows he cares about things that matter to her and wants her to be happy.
What/what was the inspiration for your story?
The flight to Australia is about 14 hours from my location. On one flight, I wondered what would happen if it were a space station, and what might happen if we found out the space station were going to explode. I wrote the first draft of this story on that flight.
Name three of your favorite sci-fi or fantasy authors.
CS Lewis, Frank Herbert, and Piers Anthony.
If you could meet anyone, imaginary or real, in sci-fi or fantasy, who would it be and why?
It would be Shawn Levy, hands down. I think he has his finger on the pulse of what audiences today want in a scifi/fantasy manuscript. From Stranger Things, Deadpool and Woverine, Shadow and Bone, and Free Guy, I can go back in time and see some of my favorite but perhaps less widely popular works like Kin, The Arrival, Love and Monsters, and The Watch and admire the depth and breadth of his work. It ranges from comedic to serious and appeals to different tastes across the science fiction and fantasy genres, and I really admire his ability to handle different narrative tones and styles.
You’re stranded on a desert island, and you can only have one book.
I think it would be Dune. If you’re stranded on a desert island, you’re going to go through some real pain. You want a book that will be dark and inspiring, with a hero who overcomes terrible odds, and philosophical underpinnings that will make you think about the context of your reality.
Tell us about your latest release(s) and what’s coming next for you.
I’m working on a new sci-fi fantasy series that will probably come out in 2025-2026.
How can readers find you online?
Website | Facebook | Instagram
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