✨ Interview ✨
Congratulations on your new release. Please tell us a little bit about it. What’s your favorite aspect or part of the story? Do you have a favorite character? Who/Why?
Thank you! When I sat down to write this book, I had no idea where it was going. I had a “plan”, but as I was writing, the book kept changing and morphing into something else entirely. I wrote my first draft in two weeks, which was an insane two weeks. So much has changed since then. At first, I wanted to keep myself confined to the young adult genre, but it wasn’t until I let down this barrier that the story was able to blossom.
My favorite part of From the Universe to Me is the vulnerability of our characters, especially Tobias, our main character. I wrote this book in a style that would allow readers to be inside our MC’s mind. I know that many stories rely on description and dialogue, but I wanted to make the reader feel something by showing them what the struggle is really like for someone who is different from what society deems “normal”. You never know what someone is going through, and I feel like this story really captures this and runs with it.
Obviously, Tobias is my favorite character. There is so much of me in him, so I have to love him, but Matt is definitely a close second. He is the epitome of a loyal and caring friend. He brings jokes and heart to the story. In my eyes, he is the perfect best friend!
Did your story turn out as you’d originally planned, or did it veer off in another direction?
Not at all! The original story I created fit into the young adult mold. The content was not as dark and less sexy. I felt like I was stuck in a box with my writing. It wasn’t until I opened the box that the story you see today was really born. The characters also drove the narrative. There were times that I had planned for Tobias or another character to do or respond a specific way, but they just wouldn’t let it happen. As I was writing, I would hear a little voice in my head that would say “that’s not how Tobias would handle this situation” or “Matt would say this”. This was really the first story I wrote like this. In the past, I would never let myself veer off from the original plan, which was so constricting. When you write, you have to be adaptable sometimes.
How do you develop your characters? Fill out a character sketch/form before starting, or do they develop organically?
I develop my characters a little more organically. I have an idea in my head of what characters I want the main character to interact with, but when it comes to developing that character, I’m kind of along for the ride while writing. As I complete the first draft, I keep in mind that I’m just creating the bones of the story. As I revise, I’m paying more attention to how characters would react in situations throughout the book. This is when the characters really develop and talk to me.
What was the most difficult part of writing this book? Why?
It’s a little funny because my favorite part of the story, vulnerability, is also the most difficult part of writing the story. I put a lot of myself into this story. The book is 100% fiction, but I was inspired by my own life. I drew inspiration from the good and bad experiences throughout my life. I knew I had to do this because I wanted to make the story as authentic as possible. While writing, I had to revisit a ton of dark times I’ve experienced in my 35 years of life. I opened a lot of old wounds, but in a way, I was able to heal and learn through Tobias and the other characters.
Tell us a little bit about your work(s) in progress!
I’m still working on the first draft of my second novel. It will take place in the same universe and college as From the Universe to Me. You may see some familiar faces and/or hear some mentions to my first book, but it will be a standalone. I would like to write a horror and/or thriller some day!
What are your favorite genres when it comes to your own pleasure reading? Do you prefer to read ebooks or print?
I love horror and psychological thrillers!
I prefer audiobooks because I have more time to listen to books than I do to sit down and read; however, ebooks over print because you can carry around so many books in one.
Werewolves or vampires?
Vampires! However, I would choose witches over werewolves and vampires.
What’s your favorite TV show?
Hard question! Probably Doctor Who!
From the Universe to Me
by Scott E. Garrison
Publisher: NineStar Press
Cover Artist: Jaycee DeLorenzo
Release Date: April 11, 2023
Genres: Contemporary M/M Romance
Tropes: friends to lovers, coming of age
Themes: age gap, college, family drama, in the closet, mental illness, new adult, teaching
Length: Novel / 59,500 words / 220 pages
Heat Rating: 3 flames
From the Universe to Me is a standalone book and does not end on a cliffhanger.
Blurb
Eighteen-year-old Tobias Gavin is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality. For many years, the what-ifs of coming out have swirled around his head, so he has chosen to live a lie to keep from disrupting the “normal” life he has created with his family and friends.
That is until he meets Gareth David the day he enrolls for his first semester as a college student. He feels an immediate connection with Gareth…a connection that pushes Tobias to question the way he has been living his life. When Gareth coincidentally becomes Tobias’s History professor, Tobias is forced to confront his feelings and confront the universe.
Tobias must come to terms with his depression, anxiety, heartbreak, and his sexuality before he can even begin to heal his wounds. He believes that everything happens for a reason, but he learns that some experiences are meant to teach even if they cause heartbreak. Once he comes to terms with himself, he might find his knight in shining armor.
Tobias must learn to trust himself and those around him if he wants to find happiness.
Learning to accept himself is not the only lesson the universe has planned for him.
Excerpt
I glimpse Anna out of the corner of my eye and notice her entire personality has changed. She appears more alive and filled with energy. She twirls her hair between her pointer and middle fingers, flirting with the man, which goes unnoticed by him. He is standing there exchanging pleasantries with her. When he turns to look in my direction, my heart literally skips a beat.
He is beautiful.
Wow. Drop-dead gorgeous isn’t even the best phrase to describe the man standing before me. The stylish brown hair rising in waves from the top of his head looks natural and void of any hair products, like he rolls out of bed looking like McDreamy from Grey’s Anatomy on a daily basis. His light brown skin and dark brown eyes shimmer, reminding me of silky, smooth milk chocolate. Everything with me always goes back to chocolate, which is why I can’t stop looking at him as he stands next to the receptionist’s desk talking to Anna.
He isn’t ridiculously muscular, but his biceps look statuesque underneath his tight plaid button-down shirt. Dark Levi’s accentuate every muscle and curve his lower body has to offer. My mind immediately drifts to what his legs would look like if he set them free with short shorts or even his underwear. What is wrong with me?
Without even moving, he exudes confidence I only wish I could have. My mediocre body isn’t nearly as memorable as the physique standing before me. Anyone would want to talk to him, to be near his gorgeous face…touch his toned body. This man hit the gene-pool lottery when whatever higher being or the masters of the universe made him.
“Hello… Hey…. Is somebody in there?” he asks, waving his hand near my face.
My eyes adjust to his waving hand, and I realize I have been staring at him with an open mouth, looking like a brainless buffoon.
“Uuhhhh…what?!” I say like a blubbering fool.
“I asked if you are here to meet with me,” he responds with the sweetest expression, ignoring my inability to carry a conversation, which makes my cheeks burn red.
“Hahaha… I wish.” I freeze… What the fuck did I say? Oh my god, I could die. I should run out the door and lay down in the street, praying someone will take pity on me and end my suffering. I’m positive I have turned as red as the couches I’m sitting on.
He chuckles and gives me a bright and warm grin, revealing his perfectly whitened teeth. He towers over me, holding out his hand. “My name is Gareth David. I’m Dr. Richard’s teaching assistant. Who are you?”
Suddenly, an overwhelming urge to jump into his arms and put my hand through his radiantly manicured hair skips jauntily through my mind. That is perfectly acceptable for people to do, right?
I grab his hand, applying enough pressure to give an adequate handshake, so I look less like a dope.
When our hands meet, a rush of warmth spreads throughout my entire body. He glances at our hands and back into my eyes, giving me that perfect grin again. I can’t help but wonder if he observed the same jolt of energy when our hands met. The way he is looking at me makes me feel something I can’t put my finger on, but I don’t want the erotic energy to end.
After gaining my composure, I respond, “My name is Tobias Gavin. I’m here to meet with Dr. Richards about setting up my schedule for the fall semester.”
An Adonis-like smile spreads across his face, and I melt again. “Are you a freshman? I haven’t seen you around or in any of my classes.”
I look at him confused. “Didn’t you say you’re her assistant?”
He chuckles. “Teaching assistant. However, I teach my own classes and cover her classes when she is away. I know it seems weird, but Dr. Richards has taught me well. Besides, I’m almost finished with my graduate degree. I turned in my thesis a few weeks ago.”
His voice exhibits pure kindness that sends warmth through by body, helping me relax.
“May I have my hand back?” He laughs.
Shit. My body going tense again, I realize I’m still holding his hand. I hesitate for a millisecond—my body wanting our embrace to continue—before letting go of his hand.
“I’m so sorry. I was listening to you talk and forgot to let go.” Kill me. Someone, please hire a ninja assassin to come kill me now.
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About the Author
Scott E. Garrison is a debut author, who wants to share new, queer stories with the world. He currently lives in the Oklahoma City, OK area.
Alongside writing, he has a Masters in Library and Information Studies and works as a Librarian for an Oklahoma-based library system. He spends his free time reading, baking, watching movies and TV shows with his husband, and cuddling with his dogs, Jarvis and F.R.I.D.A.Y.
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