All These Worlds Are Yours: Ben Jeapes and Jonathan Oliver launch 'Phoenicia's Worlds'

One moment it was the perfect summer’s evening, sat in the courtyard of Mostly Books and enjoying a glass of wine. The next moment we were transported to another time, aboard a spacecraft re-entering the atmosphere of an unknown world, our short-term memory shot, struggling to understand what was going on...

In fact, we were celebrating the publication of ‘Phoenicia's Worlds’, the latest novel by Abingdon sci-fi writer, Ben Jeapes. Reading an extract from the book, he was then joined in discussion by his editor at publisher Solaris, Jonathan Oliver. Together they discussed Ben's writing, his influences - and over a glass of wine, discussed the question: ‘What makes good science fiction?’

‘Phoenicia's Worlds’ is about humankind's first attempt to colonise another world – an Earth-type planet caught in the grip of an Ice Age. Tragedy strikes the colony, and to save it from starvation and collapse Alex Mateo must reluctantly entrust himself to the only starship in existence to make the long, slower-than-light journey back to Earth.

Given the interest in recent discoveries of Earth-like planets that may be orbiting nearby stars, Ben's setting and theme seems to be extremely timely. Ben explained that the seeds of the book were actually sown many years before, with themes closer to home influenced by world events and Ben's sometimes pessimistic view of human nature... 

Ben has published science fiction for both children and adults, and has recently had a collection of his short stories published. He explained that one of the real pleasures of writing science fiction for him is the thinking up and describing of appropriate technology for the stories.

He explained that the idea for his first book - His Majesty's Starship - was driven in part by a desire to correct some of the problems in the way spaceflight was portrayed in the Star Trek universe. Being thrown off seats in a space battle? How about seat belts. And when one considers that a modern jetliner can take off from Heathrow and land in New York with little of no direct involvement from the pilot - the idea of sitting at consoles actively controlling the ship might be considered a little, well, antiquated.

Jonathan quizzed Ben as to his SF influences, and Ben cited Arthur C Clarke and Asimov, to Alastair Reynolds, Iain Banks and Stephen Baxter.

His book published for children ‘New World Order’ is a time travelling story that returns to the English Civil War, but for ‘Phoenicia's Worlds’ he has gone forward in time, and it is full of well-imagined detail of what it might be like in the future to actually travel on a spaceship between star systems.

Trying to get to the heart of what makes good science fiction, Jonathan said he liked Ben’s writing because it celebrates the strong traditions of the genre, while also looking to the future – and also that it has good characterisation and characters he cared about. Good SF was, he said, primarily good writing. A big idea is not enough.

Jon also explained a little about the process of publication at Solaris and Abaddon Books. Speaking about the differences between large and small publishers, he said: ‘The best thing about being an indie publisher is that you can move really quickly. You can trust your initiative and publish the books you love publishing and you don’t have to convince a whole load of people because they trust my taste (on the whole!)’

There were discussions on cover designs - Solaris have some very talented designers, even if there are some last-minute revisions to cover designs. We have to agree - Phoenicia's Worlds has a stunning - and subtly appropriate - cover.

Ben also talked about his experiences of writing as a ghostwriter on a number of projects - and the challenges and opportunities this affords in terms of (almost) being a full-time fiction writer.

It was our first science fiction event at Mostly Books, and also the first time we've had a discussion between editor and author. We'll definitely be doing both again.

A big thank you to both Jonathan and Ben for making it a lively summer’s evening event. Phoenicia's Worlds deserves to do extremely well - and of course we have signed copies at Mostly Books...

In Conversation: Ben Jeapes and Jonathan Oliver

To celebrate the launch of his book 'Phoenicia's Worlds', Abingdon science fiction author Ben Jeapes will be joined in conversation by Jonathan Oliver, editor-in-chief of indie SF, fantasy and horror publishers Solaris and Abaddon Books.

Thanks to the work of exoplanet hunters and the Kepler telescope, we are becoming used to hearing about other planets - possibly Earth-like worlds - being discovered around other stars.

The setting of Phoenicia's Worlds is therefore both timely and intriguing - set on mankind's sole colony outside of our solar system. La Nueva Temporada is an Earth-type planet - albeit one caught in the grip of a very Earth-type Ice Age.

Alex Mateo wants nothing more than to stay and contribute to the terraforming of his homeworld. But tragedy strikes the colony, and to save it from starvation and collapse, Alex must reluctantly entrust himself to the Phoenicia, the only starship in existence, to make the long slower-than-light journey back to Earth.

But it is his brother Quin, who loathes La Nueva Temporada and all the people on it, who must watch his world collapse around him and become its saviour…while everyone watches the skies for the return of the Phoenicia...

Born in Belfast in 1965, Ben Jeapes began writing science fiction at the age of 18, and has published five novels under his own name. He has also had a lot more published as a ghostwriter for hire in a variety of genres.

Jonathan Oliver is the editor-in-chief of Solaris and Abaddon Books and is also the author of 'Twilight of Kerberos: The Call of Kerberos'. He has an MA in science fiction, has worked in publishing for 10 years and also lives in Abingdon.

Ben and Jon will be discussing Phoenicia's Worlds, taking questions about his writing and asking the question: just what makes a good science fiction novel?

Science fiction has a long and proud history of extrapolating the present to predict the future, so come along and join in the discussion - whether you consider yourself a fan of science fiction or not. 

The event takes place at Mostly Books on Thurs 25 July at 7.30pm. Tickets are £3, redeemable against a purchase on the night, and includes a glass (or two) of wine courtesy of Solaris Books.