Your new novel is…An all-ages adventure in which the Earth is fed up with how we’ve been treating it and the only thing delaying an “extinction event” is the political maneuvering and adventures of three children.  (Earthlings is available at Amazon (print and digital) and Barnes and Noble online.)

Writers/artists who inspired you…George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. My dad took me to see Jaws and Star Wars when I was 3.  I’m still afraid of sharks, even on land.

A book you wish you’d written…Harry Potter (great book series, and she owns a castle!) or the Bible (wow . . . wow!)

The best thing about being a writer…Having someone smile or laugh at something you wrote (when they are supposed to!)

How you write…The ideas cook in my head like a crockpot while I am sitting in my car, usually during my commute to work. Then, after the laundry is done and my wife and kids are in bed, I’ll sit down with my computer to write.

Your last “splurge” purchase…Video games—Lego Marvel and Halo 4 (I tell my wife they’re for my son.)

A reality TV show you’d love to be on…Pawn Stars.  I love history and junk . . . oops, I mean, valuable collectibles.

—M.A. Jackson