In Stasis-Ashley Peters
Q1. In Stasis follows Jessi, an “average woman” forced into extraordinary survival. What inspired you to write a protagonist who feels real, vulnerable, and deeply human, rather than traditionally heroic?
People are messy and flawed. I felt any other portrayal would be a miss and feel fake. I wanted other people (especially women) to be able to see parts of themselves in her and think that maybe they too could make it. Also I really hate it when survival, horror or action tv shows or movies have the MC suddenly be a bad ass even though they've only ever worked an office job or played video games. It takes me out of the whole story because it feels fake.
Q2. This story explores dual worlds, the wilderness she hides in and the authoritarian regime she escaped. How did you approach crafting these contrasting environments?
To me nature is pure and not manufactured. It's balanced, effortless and makes sense, even in it's most turbulent environments. Whereas many urban places people live are the exact opposite of that as we try to manipulate control over everything. The authoritarian regime ramps this up and creates an even wider contrast to the wilderness where there is a sense of freedom.
Q3. Jessi’s journey is both physical and emotional. What part of her evolution felt most important for you to portray?
That she began to take control of her own narrative beyond reactionary behavior and that she began to re-examine what it would mean to trust other humans after everything she had been through. Without giving anything away, let's just say she is stubbornly a rugged individual who will have to go through some very tough things to get there.
Q4. Survival narratives often lean on brute force, but In Stasis highlights inner strength, autonomy, intuition, and resilience. What drew you to that angle?
A few things. 1) I always believe in working smarter not harder. Brute force can get you somewhere but at what cost and did anything good actually come of it. To me brute force alone feels like a neanderthal-ish approach whereas more intentional, creative approaches feel evolved. 2) I feel like these are natural skills that exist in every human and should be championed. Even petite or non-athletic people hold these skills and by focusing on them hopefully people will think about how they too can do hard things. 3) These skills are often diminished and dismissed in many survival narratives, (typically written by men), so part of me wanted to show how wrong those brute force individuals could be.
Q5. The relationship between Jessi and her dog, Janus, acts as a subtle anchor throughout the story. How did the theme of companionship vs. individualism guide your storytelling?
I half jokingly say that Janus kept Jessi sane, but in all seriousness he did in many ways. Survival wasn't only about her since she was taking care of him. That companionship kept her mentally and emotionally grounded but also motivated to keep moving forward. As a "crazy dog mom" there isn't anything I wouldn't do for my dogs, so if I was out in the forest needing to survive for multiple years I know they would keep me going even on the worst days.
Q6. Found family is woven into the novel, even in the isolation of the forest. What does “found family” mean within the context of this world?
It refers to the idea of individuals who you can trust. Trust to not harm you but also to not betray you to The Nation (the authoritarian regime). Slowly over time that trust can grow but it's hard to wipe away the nagging voice of the possibility of betrayal (again). Creating a found family is already hard in our world, let alone when a tyrant is actively trying to oust opposition. This is something Jessi must navigate as she trades items and interacts with others selectively at a mountain town called the Trading Post.
Q7. The idea that “everyday living is an act of resistance” is powerful. What does resistance look like to you within dystopian fiction?
An authoritarian government in dystopian fiction, (like In Stasis), wants the people to behave a specific way, fit within a certain box, be content with censorship, oppression, and in some cases, people or communities fully being removed from existence. Living outside of those confines is defying the restrictions and oppression the dystopian governments intend to impose. Speaking out, even when you know it criticizes the powers that be. Enjoying a sunset when the government would rather you be locked up. Living when they'd rather you be erased. Willful disobedience is a joyful act of resistance and it can be acts both big and small.
Q8. You explore the importance of female autonomy in both subtle and bold ways. How did womanhood shape the emotional tone of In Stasis?
Women are often dismissed in the realm of survival narratives and instead men, (even a side character), are credited especially if they are a romantic partner or potential romantic partner. I strategically removed that possibility from the storyline of In Stasis because Jessi deserved her credit. All women deserve their due. It's important because it provides a more complex and different view point from what we typically see in survival novels.
Q9. Many readers describe In Stasis as lyrical. How do you balance poetic prose with the raw grit of survival storytelling?
I love contrast and dichotomy. Survival is gritty and tough, but presenting it in a descriptive way full of metaphors, anthropomorphized elements, and fluidity will make someone's heart ache for the story beyond the hard events or plot points. I personally really enjoy this balance, but maybe it's just the Libra in me.
Q10. As a queer, female debut novelist, what has the publishing journey looked like for you, and how has your identity shaped your voice?
As an adult in my 30's I re-found my identity and personality that I had quieted down somewhere growing up. I fully embrace being the "weird" kid/adult, that doesn't subscribe to gender stereotypes, and is loud about social issues. Turns out there's a lot of other people out there like me! I'm fortunate to live in Austin TX, where there is a wonderful inclusive community that has been supportive along the writing and publishing journey. Who I am has shaped my voice and work with details interwoven so that queer people and feminists can see themselves represented in the characters.
Q11. What themes do you hope readers sit with long after finishing the book?
You are capable of doing hard things, don't underestimate yourself. A better tomorrow exists. Together we are stronger and can create change. Trust your gut!
Fun & Personal Questions
Q12. What’s something readers would be surprised to learn about you?
I lived in Yokosuka Japan for 2 years.
Q13. If Jessi could give readers one piece of no-nonsense survival advice, what would it be?
Learn how to make a fire with flint. Fire can boil water, cook food, keep you warm and dry you.
Q14. Which scene in In Stasis was the most intense or emotionally challenging for you to write?
Intense: There's a scene that involves calling on knowledge of dissection and breaking things down which was intense to write because I wanted it to be a bit uncomfortable but not garish. Emotionally challenging: There's a scene that feels like all hope is loss and all I could think about was my pups in this scene. ( Sorry, it's cryptic but no spoilers!)
Q15. If your writing style were a natural element (water, fire, wind, earth), which would it be and why?
Water because it is both fluid and impactful. It can be nourishing but also destructive. Also I'm always drawn to the complexities and mysteriousness of water.
Q16. What’s the strangest or most unexpected source of inspiration you’ve ever experienced?
It will strike so randomly. Once while getting a massage because I felt like my body was being reassembled. Sometimes I'll overhear a random conversation. Other times I will see a product or ad and be struck by how strange it is. I don't think I can pick a singular time but my text messages to myself are full of random inspiration strikes that I later write down in a notebook.
Q17. If you could drop one character from another book or movie into In Stasis, purely for chaos, who would you choose?
Hmm ok, I have 2 very different options. 1 ) Ramy from Babel because I love his no-nonsense personality who is fed up with the system. 2) Ken from The Barbie Movie (yes, teh Ryan Gosling version) because he would think he had it all under control and biff it a lot which could be funny and frustrating. Also not sure if he could be trusted.
Q18. What is your go-to comfort read or comfort show after writing something heavy or dystopian?
So I actually find dystopian to be comforting because as long as it's worse than real-world we're ok, right? But for lighter things I like comedies with witty writing (like Sex & the City ) or shows like Physical 100/Physical Asia because they're so motivational when I don't want to workout ha ha .
Q19. If Jessi had to survive 24 hours in a non-dystopian fictional world, where would she actually do well, and where would she absolutely struggle?
She would do well glamping with friends or on vacation somewhere that has nature but also has a hot tub. She would struggle in a corporate world where there may still be a lot of male egos and red tape.
Q20. If Janus, Jessi’s dog, could narrate one chapter, what would he complain about first?
Probably how much his mom worries. He's loving all the new smells and landscape and doesn't understand what she's stressing about on the trails.
Rapid-Fire Round
(Short, instinctive answers encouraged.)