Host: Welcome to today's Star Trek Book Club event! Our special guests today are S.D. Perry, author of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine ? Unity" and editor Marco Palmieri of Pocket Books. 

S.D. Perry: Howdy, thanks for coming!

chatter: What does S.D. stand for?

SDP: It stands for Stephani Danelle.

TheWriter: May I say that after picking up "Unity," I couldn't put it down! It's an excellent story, and I was saddened that it had to end. Anyways, to my question; Why didn't Sisko resume command of Deep Space Nine? It doesn't seem quite right, from what I know of Sisko.

SDP: Because there are more books coming. But thank you! I'm glad you liked it.

dd2: Mrs. Perry, great book. Where do you get the inspiration for the book and when are you going to write again?

SDP: My inspiration is Marco Palmieri, because he hired me, and I'm under contract for three more books which will be coming out in the next three years.

MP: Hopefully will be written in the next three years!

SDP: Assuming I have no more sudden pregnancies.

BobM: The whole DS9 relaunch comes across as an exceedingly well conceived and cared for creation. As the prominent writer of the DS9 relaunch, what can you tell us about the contributions of the most modest editor, Marco Palmieri?

SDP: Well, it's his baby. He picked out character ideas, plotlines and general directions and while we had some creative control, he was really the driving force.

MP: To be fair, ideas are a dime a dozen. What really counts is the execution. So the credit for anything good in the DS9 novels goes to the authors.

SDP: That man is too modest.

MP: Let's not turn this into a bickering match! (laughter)

Stephen W: What is going to happen to the "Sisko" now that he's back and no longer Captain, Admiral, or the Emmisary?

SDP: Hmm, you'll see! I hope you'll see, I hope you want to see!

OmahaStar: Miss Perry ... "Avatar," "Rising Son," and "Unity" have all rocked! I would love to get them all signed, but there's no way I can make it to Shore Leave. Do you sign books through the mail? If so, where can I send them to get them signed? Thanks!!

SDP: Send it to Marco, care of Pocket Books. I think you can get that address off of the site or one of the books and he will forward it to me, and I will sign it and send it back.

Jon from Psi Phi: You've had the privilege of writing the key chapters of the DS9 Relaunch. I imagine you have some possessive feelings towards the story and the character/plot arcs it has taken. Are you able to talk about any other projects you have in the works, which may or may not be part of DS9?

SDP: It's up in the air at this point, what part of DS9 I'll be taking on in the future. My next project will probably be an Original Series novel. We've talked about revisiting the Even Odds from "Rising Son."

WillD: How did your own pregnancy affect how you wrote about Kasidy's pregnancy?

MP: I knew somebody would ask that.

SDP: I stole it completely, the experience was quite similar. Although my labor was much faster than Kassidy's, but it hurt just as much. That baby, by the way, is also the reason that "Unity" came out so late. The baby came early, the book came late.

NickFranklin: Mrs. Perry, do you ever get writer's block? If so, what do you do?

SDP: Yes, on every book! I ignore it. I put everything off until the last minute, then write the book as quickly as I can. I panic and don't sleep a lot. I'm getting better.

Q420: Will any of your 3 upcoming books be post finale DS9?

SDP: Possibly. Not sure yet. It's still up in the air.

GMac: Are you planning to write any more Trek novels outside of the (DS9) Relaunch?

SDP: Yes, at least one TOS and the other books haven't really been mapped out yet. Which is cool, because I loved the Original Series.

TheWriter: Is there any chance that you might be involved in the Voyager relaunch novels?

MP: Anything is possible, but right now Christie Golden is the sole author of those books.

redstorm63: "Unity" is an excellent book, but what was the hardest part of writing it?

SDP: Having a newborn baby and trying to finish it.

Jeremy W.W.: Bajor's now been admitted into the Federation, but the question of Bajor's spiritual community, and in particular, the unique story arc between Yevir, Kira and Opaka had no 'real' resolution to it. Is there a possibility of seeing a 'ninth' season pertaining to the question of Bajor's spiritual community, and if so, how would you like to see it done? Thank you for keeping Deep Space Nine alive.

SDP: Wow.

MP: There were six stories that pick up directly from "Unity," in a 3-volume series called "Worlds of Deep Space Nine." One of those stories is about Bajor.

SDP: And I don't believe I have anything to do with that.

MP: So readers can definitely expect a continuation of that thread and many others.

SDP: I really think that the other writers who have been working on DS9 have done an excellent job of interpreting new ideas and new directions. So I'm content to keep my mouth shut about what I would like. Because I'm sure that they'll handle it beautifully.

Guest: Was it your decision to bring back Opaka, or is this something Marco had planned out? It was certainly a welcome surprise to have her back, and long overdue!

SDP: Marco gets credit, but I was very glad to work with her.

MP: Danelle,I think, writes an awesome Opaka. She's exactly the kind of spiritual leader I would like in my own life.

J.C.A.: I'm curious about your decision to expand on Ezri Dax's character and put her on the track to command. Was there something about the character that you saw in the character that made you realize this would be a natural evolution for her, or are you feeling that Ezri is closer in nature to Jadzia than as she was depicted on the series?

SDP: I think she's closer in nature to Jadzia. I think in the Anthology "The Lives of Dax" we got to see her better integrate her past lives, which, I believe, naturally led her in a new direction.

xaarman: Would you recommend this book to someone who has never read a Star Trek book before?

SDP: Only if they're willing to read the timeline at the front. Otherwise, it probably doesn't make a lot of sense. Which, I don't actually know who wrote the timeline, but they did a good job.

MP: Why, thank you!

SDP: (laughter)

Q420: Did you know that you would be writing "Unity" while writing "Avatar"? And BTW, the "I suppose you want the office" scene in "Unity" is one of my all time favorite Trek moments in ANY medium.

SDP: Wow! No, I don't think I did know that I would be writing "Unity" while I was writing "Avatar." It was on the table, but not definite. But thank you for saying that. I've been surprised and pleased by the feedback I've gotten for "Unity."

TheWriter: Marco, is there any chance of more Lost Era novels? Or something covering the Enterprise-B and/or C?

MP: There's always a chance, but I don't have any immediate plans for it. I prefer to do new things rather than repeat myself too quickly.

Debra E.S.: Did you watch the entire televison series? Did you read all of the accompanying books to the series? Or, did editor Marco Palmieri provide you with the story lines and characterizations?

SDP: I did watch the entire series, although some of in repeats. I read the books in the Avatar arc because it was necessary for me to write "Unity." But other than that, I believe I've only other read two or three Star Trek novels. I am extremely insulated.

Guest: Which of your new DS9 characters is your favourite, or is that like asking you to choose your best child?!?

SDP: They all have good points. But I think I have to admit to a weakness for Shar.

Grenadier: Any chance of seeing a story set in the post-Relaunch time frame involving the Mirror Universe?

SDP: Defer to Marco - probably not from me!

MP: We've thought about it. We don't have anything planned at the moment, but it remains a possibility. I've often pictured the Mirror Universe Vaughn as the Captain Nemo of the Mirror Universe.

Grenadier: Story arc wise, was the "8th Season" of "Avatar" thru "Unity" all planned out ahead of time?

SDP: Vaguely, very vaguely. But as with any book, the arc strayed from the outline somewhat.

MP: We created a loose blueprint that the books would follow, but we also left enough possibilities open that we could modify, deviate or completely change direction within that framework and still achieve the same goals, and sometimes come up with new goals.

kanne: What is your favorite series to write about?

SDP: I'd say that's a tossup, I've only written about two, and I love both of them: Deep Space Nine and the Original Series.

NickFranklin: Is remaining consistent with Star Trek canon ever a problem for you during the writing process?

SDP: Yes! Thankfully, that's what a decent editor is for, and I've got one.

MP: Aw...

Branic: How much re-working do you have to do on a book? Are there plot ideas that sounded good in the first draft that were cut?

SDP: Sometimes a lot, sometimes not very much and there are always ideas that sound pretty good that have to be cut. I did a lot more work on "Avatar" than I did on "Unity."

Lenti Utex: The recent novels of the continuing Deep Space Nine saga have been heavily involved with Trill storylines, Is this a thread that will continue in the DS9 storyline?

MP: It will continue and have a great deal of resolution. Although possibly not TOTAL resolution, in "Worlds of Deep Space Nine."

Branic: Where did you come up with the idea for the relationship between Quark and Ro?

SDP: It sprang natuarlly from the characters. That one was my own idea. And it just struck me that Ro was such a misanthropic person that she'd get along famously with Quark. I did not expect that the other arc writers would run so far with it! But I still think it works.

dd2: How did you start out writing for Star Trek?

SDP: I was doing work for Marco on another project and he recognized the uncut diamond of my talent :)

CollinsJ: What's ahead for Shar & Prynn?

SDP: That's out of my hands at the moment. I would like to see some hot alien love, but I don't know when that is going to come back to my table.

Grimlock: What was the inspiration behind Vaughn?

MP: Sean Connery's portrayal of Captain Ramius from "The Hunt for Red October." That and the poem "Ulysses" by Alfred Lord Tennyson.

1001: What was your inspiration for bringing back the parasites?

SDP: It wasn't resolved in the show at all, to such a degree that we ran with it.

Will_Devine: Danelle, when you're not writing and/or parenting, what do you like to do in your free time?

SDP: I do water aerobics twice a week and I read. Well, and watch old episodes of Star Trek!

Branic: Did you know how "Unity" was going to end when you started "Avatar?"

SDP: Yes, I did know that the point of "Unity" was to wrap up the arc to some degree and also that Bajor would be admitted into the Federation.

Ktrek: Will there continue to be DS9 relaunch books for as long as sales hold out OR is there a definite conclusion to the story in view? If so, how many more books can we expect?

MP: There is no conclusion planned. I see no reason why the story would need to end in the forseeable future.

SDP: Apparently sales are good. (laughter)

TheWriter: If any new DS9 Mirror Universe books were to be written, would they integrate material from the William Shatner novels and/or the Dark Passions duology?

MP: I can't really answer that question right now because I don't have any such story planned. If I were to undertake such a story I'd have to consider what sources to draw from.

Branic: Was bringing the O'Briens back to DS9 something planned or something that developed in the writing?

SDP: That was planned. I'm assuming because Marco had somewhere for them to go after DS9, somewhere by another writer.

Guest: Who is your favorite character to write about? Vaughn, Ro or someone else?

SDP: I like Shar, I do like Ro as well. Though I have been told I have an affinity for Quark.

NickFranklin: Would you enjoy writing original-concept stories set in the Star Trek universe? If so, more or less than having it spelled out already like you did with DS9?

SDP: Yes, I would say, I do believe "Rising Son" was pretty 'out there' for a Star Trek novel, because there were only two characters from the series, two that we could see.

Branic: Would you be open to writing a Star Trek: Enterprise novel?

SDP: Sure, I haven't been asked, but anything' s possible.

Grenadier: Marco, we've seen some of Vaughn's adventures throughout his lifetime thanks to Lost Era. How about a "Life of Vaughn" short story collection to go with the "Lives of Dax," featuring stories of his life throughout Trek history?

MP: Vaughn is the kind of character that could easily be overused, if I'm not careful. And I think it's better and more fun to reveal the details of his past a little at a time.

SDP: Marco loves mystery.

RulanAllwine: What was the motivation behind the further exploration of the Andorians via the character of Shar?

SDP: The inspiration came from the "Star Trek Encyclopedia." Marco told me we would be using an Andorian, and when I looked up "Andorians," one of the only facts written about them was that they marry in groups of four. That opened a whole can of worms. Andorian worms.

MP: We decided to go with an Andorian character because at the time we made that decision the studio wasn't doing anything with them. And they were mostly a blank slate that we were free to explore.

bangkok_1: Hello Ms. Perry, would you like any of your novels to be adapted for the movie screen?

SDP: Yes, all of them! Because I would be paid very, very much!

TheWriter: I've heard that there's an ending to New Frontier planned. Marco, are you involved in that series, and if so, why will it be ending?

MP: I'm not involved in New Frontier, but I am unaware of any plans to end it.

Branic: Can we expect any more Section 31 novels?

MP: Possibly.

bangkok_1: How did you start and get published, any tips for someone starting out ?

SDP: My father writes books. Very successfully. And his name opened the door for me. As for tips ... practice like crazy, write something you love and find an agent!

1001: Are there any other points from the Star Trek world that you would like to bring back and integrate into this series if you could?

SDP: That's such a broad question, there are so many things I like and would like to see more of ... I'm always interested in, I guess I would say, misfits from the Academy, people like Ro. Aliens like Quark, Shar, the less-human aliens, I guess.

TheWriter: For beginning writers, what's the best way to find an agent?

SDP: You send out query letters ...

MP: There's a resource available in bookstores called the Literary Marketplace. That lists active agents at the time the book was published.

SDP: Once you've wrtiten something, you send a query letter asking if they're taking on new talent, and if they would be interested in reading something you've written. With luck, they write back and say 'yes!'

Garron: What do you think is the most challeging part of being a writer?

SDP: The self-discipline, to write a chapter you don't feel like writing when you've got cable and a baby. And ten books on your reading table

yogidadda: Is the process of writing for characters that you have watched on television different from writing characters you have created yourself? Is the process of visualization different in each case?

SDP: Yes, it is for me. In some ways it's easier, to write characters you've already seen because you know what they;re going to do. And how they're going to do it. But it's harder too, because you feel a greater responsibility to the integrity of the character.

lonewolf: Ms Perry, do you have plans for more non-Star Trek books?

SDP: Yes, right now I mostly do contracted work, I just finished another video game novelization, and am open to writing whatever I'm hired to write. Although I do love Star Trek.

Branic: You brought back Ro, did you ever consider bringing back Tom Riker?

MP: We've talked about it, but Tom has been used several times in the books over the past few years and we didn't want to revisit the character too quickly. But we haven't forgotten about him.

Branic: Who is your favorite captain?

SDP: Kirk, hands down.

MP: Until recently I would have said Sisko. Now I have to say Captain Kira.

yogidadda: Were you a science fiction fan growing up? Are you a sci-fi reader now? Who are your favorite authors?

SDP: I'm more of a horror reader, but I grew up reading Science Fiction, because that's what my father writes. Right now I really enjoy Dan Simmons, Stephen King and a lot of older supernatural writers like Lovecraft, Algernon Blackwood and J.S. LeFanu

TheWriter: You wrote "Aliens; The Female War" with your father, right? Is it easier or more difficult to write a collaboration?

SDP: At the time it was easier, because I was 20, I think, so he walked me through the process. Now, I think it would be harder because I've gotten so critical.

RulanAllwine: Who is your father? What's he written?

SDP: My father's name is Steve Perry, he's probably best known for having written one of the Star Wars novels, "Shadow of the Empire" and he's written a lot, he's very good and he's written a lot.

lonewolf: Was your father a big reason you got into writing?

SDP: Yes.

Steve Mollmann: How challenging was it in coming up with a way to bring back Sisko that wouldn't demean his sacrifice in "What You Leave Behind"?

SDP: Once again, Marco gets credit for this. It was his idea to use Benny Russell as a means to bring Sisko back. I think it turned out well.

OmahaStar: Marco and Dani, as long as you're bringing back characters/plots we haven't seen in a while, as well as dangling threads ... Whatever happened to the Tribbles we saw at the end of "Trials and Tribble-ations"? Sounds like a good book follow-up is in order!

MP: (laughs)

SDP: That's entirely Marco.

MP: Didn't they end up on the menu at Quark's? ;-)

dd2: Do you have a Web site?

SDP: Not at this time. I keep meaning to get one but then I fall asleep.

TheWriter: When you write, do you use a computer, typewritter or do you do it by hand?

SDP: I wrote my first two books by hand. And now, thanks to a serious wrist trouble, I use the computer, also with voice-activated software.

Steve Mollmann: You did the Aliens vs. Predators novels if I remember rightly. What's your opinion on the upcoming movie?

SDP: I don't know anything about it, except that I was not consulted, which is just as well.

OmahaStar: Do you need a webmaster? :D

SDP: My brother has kindly offered to produce a web page for me, but he also keeps falling asleep. It has to do with having children.

Branic: Who gets the credit for bringing Odo back the way you did?

SDP: It was a collaborative effort.

MP: Yes.

SDP: We decided to bring him back, Marco had the sneaky idea to make Wex female.

bangkok_1: Ms. Perry, thanks for the tips! :) I have enjoyed all of your work and "Unity" is really cool. How long of a time frame was it from the intial concept to your "final" draft ? and have you ever tried writing any tv or movie scripts ? if so, which do you prefer.

SDP: Wow. Unity took a long time because I had a baby in the middle

MP: So did my wife!

SDP: And that put everything at a standstill for several months. So I'd say it took more than a year from start to finish, year and a half. And I have never written for TV or movies. The format is, for me, hard to learn, it's very restrictive. But I hear the pay is good. And thank you!

Guest: Congradulations on the baby! the delay was worth the wait.

SDP: Thank you!

Branic: With everything going on in your life, how do you define a productive day of writing? How many hours a day do you write?

SDP: Pretty much I watch Cyrus all day, he still goes down for two naps. During at least one of those I can get three or four pages done. And right after he goes to sleep I can work for two or three hours before I have to go crash. So that's another five or six pages minimum. That's on a good day.

dd2: What is your favorite book you've written?

SDP: Wow, hmmm, that's tough. I can't pick. Almost every book I've written, and I believe I'm up to 19 now, has parts that were fun, that I loved, and parts that I didn't love so much. So I guess I'd say there are some scenes I really enjoyed writing. In Unity, I really enjoyed all of the scenes between Vaughn and Benny Russell at the asylum. I thought there were ethereal and interesting.

1001: Marco, which other authors will we be seeing in the future for DS9?

MP: In the short term, Una McCormack, Heather Jarman, Andy Mengels and Michael Martin, J Noah Kim, Keith DeCandido and David R. George III. Beyond that who knows?

SDP: Me!

MP: Duh!

SDP: (laughter)

Host: Thanks very much to our guests for joining us today!

SDP: Thanks very much for coming I'm so glad that most people seemed to have liked Unity, I liked writing it. Thank you for your kind comments

MP: Me too! Thanks for coming! And I hope you keep reading!

Host: Our next Book Club chat will be March 30, with Dave Stern, author of "Star Trek: Enterprise - Daedalus."