GVN Talking Comics Interview: Writer Jason Starr for Hard Case Crime’s ‘The Next Time I Die’

Writer Jason Starr has managed to excel in just about every form of writing. Whether it be crime fiction, thrillers or for comic books including work for DC and Marvel. But his latest book for Hard Case Crime intertwines Science Fiction into the mix with The Next Time I Die.

This book tells the story of Steven Blitz, a New York Defense Attorney. Steven is stabbed attempting to break up a crime, and instead of dying, wakes to find himself in another reality. Far removed from what he has known. A world where Steven Blitz is not a good guy. Now he must learn how to cope. At least until the next time he dies.

Recently, we sat down with Jason to talk about what got him started in writing, his work in comics and this new book for Hard Case Crime. So, let’s welcome writer Jason Starr to GVN’s Talking Comics Interview.

Introductions

GVN: Thank you so much for a little of your time, Jason. As we usually do for our first time talking to a creator, I’d like to touch on some of your background. When did you take an interest in writing and who were the authors or comic book creators who inspired you in those early days?

JS: I knew I wanted to be a writer when I was 19, in college at Binghamton. From the get-go I loved writers who wrote sparely and directly. I got obsessed with Hemingway, then Raymond Carver, then Samuel Beckett, David Mamet and Harold Pinter. As I started writing crime fiction, I discovered Jim Thompson, James M. Cain, Patricia Highsmith among many others.

Balancing his Work

GVN: You have been a prolific writer of many different genres and styles including crime novels, film and television tie ins and comic books. Did you have a specific path in mind at first or did you allow your talent for diversity to expand your opportunities and not pigeonhole yourself into a certain writing style?

JS: It’s been a combination of loving to mix things up and challenge myself, and the reality of a writing career. Luckily, I’ve been able to balance writing my novels and creator-owned comics with fun licensed projects, like my Wolverine comics and the official Gotham novels. There are some licensed projects I’ve taken on that I might’ve done just for the pure joy of doing them. I mean when Marvel calls and asks you to do Wolverine Max, who in their right mind can say no?

Flexibility in Creator Owned

GVN: You’re right about that. No smart person I know would turn down such an opportunity. Speaking of Marvel and the “Big Two,” You have written comics for both of them as well as for Image, Boom and AWA/Upshot. When it comes to writing for different comic publishers, does your approach change and how does the artist you are working with affect your workflow?

JS: With original creative-owned comics I usually have a lot more flexibility. I recently did two original series for Upshot—Red Border and Casual Fling. In both cases I had great experiences with the artists Will Conrad and Dalibor Talajić. They both took the books to another level.

The Next Time I Die

GVN: Your newest book is your first science fiction novel for Hard Case Crime entitled The Next Time I Die. If you would, please tell our followers a bit about your new book and what you based the story on?

JS: “The Next Time I Die” is about a defense attorney who, when trying to stop a crime, winds up getting stabbed in the gut—he should’ve died, but instead he winds up in a new reality where everything is inside out. It’s definitely a new direction for me, a mind-bending sort of thriller, and I’m thrilled about the reaction the book has gotten so far. It’s had some of the best early reviews I’ve ever gotten.

Navigating through Realities

GVN: It is said that this story shows influences from Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone and author Philip K Dick. Which are some pretty good sources to pull from. As with most stories that flux from one reality to another, was it hard to keep it reigned in at times? With all the twists and turns, you had it all tight by the end, with still room for some discussion. Always a great way to end a story.

JS: Thank you! Yes, I’ve been a big Philip K. Dick fan for years, and love mind-bending Twilight Zone type stories, and I was definitely going for that sort of psychological suspense. I had a general idea of where it was going, but I wrote more drafts of this book than any other book I’ve written. It’s the sort of novel where there is a lot going on, but everything has to come together seamlessly in the end.

Hard Case Crime

GVN: I would call the final result a rousing success. You are working with the good folks at Hard Case Crime on The Next Time I Die. How has that collaboration come about and how have they been to work with?

JS: I’ve had a long relationship with Hard Case Crime. They previously published my crime novel Fake I.D., as well as the “Bust quartet,” four novels I co-wrote with Irish novelist Ken Bruen. Aside from Ray Bradbury, Michael Crichton and Stephen King, they rarely publish thrillers with sci-fi or fantasy elements, so I was especially excited that they were so enthusiastic about “The Next Time I Die.”

What’s Missing

GVN: Talk about some great company. I can understand the excitement. So, you have added Sci-Fi Thriller to your resume. Is there another genre you haven’t tackled yet that you would like to?

JS: Aside from the books I co-wrote with Ken, I’ve never had a true series character who goes from book to book. I almost did it with my novels The Pack and The Craving, but I’d still like to write a series of crime thrillers and have a few ideas that I’ve been kicking around. I’ll always still work with some form of thrillers or psychological thrillers, though. I think every book I’ve written so far fits into that overall category.

Future Endeavors

GVN: Well, we will look forward to what might be coming in the future. Thanks once again for your time, Jason. Before I let you go, I will give you an opportunity to promote any other projects you have in the hopper (and are allowed to speak about) and tell our readers where they can follow you on the web and on social media.

JS: I’ve been working on a few TV projects—stay tuned! The best way to connect with me, or to let me know what you think of “The Next Time I Die,” is on Twitter or Instagram @JasonStarrBooks, or at Jasonstarr.com. Thank you all!

Hard Case Crimes ‘The Next Time I Die’ by Jason Starr comes to bookstores on June 28.

Martin

Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.