Stella Atrium is writing The Tribal Wars series. The first trilogy is available as ebooks and in print. BookLife has awarded the Editor’s Pick designation for each book upon its release.
Home Rule rounds out the first trilogy and received first place in the 2023 Artisan Book Review Awards for Science Fiction and Fantasy.
Book 4 titled Tribal Logic is scheduled for release in early 2024. Also be certain to pick up Atrium’s standalone novel Seven Beyond that won a 2014 Reader’s Favorites award in science fiction.
Website: https://stellaatrium.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/SAtriumWrites
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAtriumWrites 
Can you tell us how you got started writing science fiction?
Thinking back… I remember that I wanted to expand roles for women where they drive the plot and have tools to succeed. What better realms than magic on other planets where the roles for women are not structured by institutions like marriage or teaching or politics.
Describe your writing process. Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants? When and where do you write?
Since the narrative is carried by more than one narrator, I have charts for who is on which planet at any time in the plot, and other charts for who is speaking and present in the scene. I’m a list maker, so I find many opportunities to procrastinate.
I write in the mornings before the phone demands my attention. I like to review the current scene, write in the character’s voice, and leave something left to write tomorrow so I have energy to start again the next day. These habits are hard-won over decades of experimenting what works to shut out distractions.
Can you tell us about your most recent release, Home Rule: Book III of The Tribal Wars Series?
I’m so glad you asked. Reader response has been great. Amazon readers have stated that the first two books work well, but HOME RULE in exceptional in that it ties up the story threads with a big event at the end that changes the world for all characters.
How did you get the idea for the whole series?
Although placed on another planet, the tribes bind together into a society where everybody votes. Individuals make big sacrifices in the struggle for unity amidst diversity. Scenes may resemble what we see on TV news segments for the Arab Spring (decades ago now), for protests in the Middle East or in India or in Asia, anywhere that voices are raised for more representation in governance.
Of all your characters, which one is your favorite? Why?
In HOME RULE Hershel Henry drives the story. He’s a photojournalist from Earth who witnesses big changes in tribal leadership. Reviewers have called him an ‘intrepid reporter’ and feckless for taking responsibility for the consequences of his actions.
Overall of course, Brianna Miller is the protagonist. She is mixed blood and educated by different factions, even jumping back to Earth for a decade. She can see the motives of one group or another, working to negotiate a peace treaty.
What was the most challenging aspect of writing your book?
Currently, the most challenging aspect is promoting three books together. HOME RULE includes the big ending and can be read as a stand-alone novel. THE BUSH CLINIC starts off our adventure, and THE BODY POLITIC serves to increase jeopardy for favorite characters and pressure on the tribes.
As a writer, I’m in an unusual place in that the next novels (Books 4 and 5) are completed and in production. I have to think back for choices made for characters in the earlier books to ensure continuity.
What projects are you currently working on?
Book 4 in the series titled TRIBAL LOGIC is in production. I recently re-edited sections of books 5 and 6. I have to keep the timelines straight and the ages of characters as they mature into adult roles. One character named Stuben, who is introduced in HOME RULE, sort of carries the narrative for later events while we see him find his place in the world. But, that’s for later.
What advice would you offer to new or aspiring fiction authors?
The world of publishing remakes itself every 18 months, it seems. Advice for writers that worked 3 years ago may not apply, or be useful in your genre.
And now we have change-ups in Amazon, Meta, and Twitter for how they allow self-published writers to advertise. I find it’s best to work close to home with the writer website and with promotion partners who I can trust for book tours.
For the writing, uh well… Writers must find lifelong themes that become signatures for what to expect from them for genre, characters, storyline, delighting the reader in specific ways – like using magic.
Be bold! Be original! Allow the world to grow into your vision rather than reflecting what’s already written. Your voice is unique.
Stella Atrium
Website: https://stellaatrium.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SAtriumWrites
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAtriumWrites
Reviews for HOME RULE:
Self-Publishing Review
“a multi-world plot that is a testament to Atrium’s long-game draftsmanship” @selfpubreview
“rich in detail at every turn, this is high sci-fi that will thrill anyone who loves imaginative stories populated with three-dimensional players” -- @selfpubreview
Artisan Book Reviews
First place winner in the 2023 @ArtisanReads Book Excellent Awards Contest for Science Fiction and Fantasy
An epic page-turner, Home Rule by Stella Atrium is a masterpiece of science fiction world-building and plotting. Terrific—a powerful, commanding, political, sci-fi with soul.
BookLife Editor’s Pick
“This superb third entry in Atrium’s Tribal Wars series showcases the author’s great strengths. Atrium populates these new realms with compelling, all-too-human characters, especially women and outsiders, trying to do the right thing despite the tangled mess of politics and power.
First-rate SF novel of revolution, oppression, and the urgent textures of life.
Author: Stella Atrium
Publisher: Stella Atrium Writes LLC
Pages: 458
Genre: Science Fiction
Sarafina di Ramonicc In book 3 of the award-winning series, photojournalist Hershel Henry witnesses the loss by self-torching of tribal women. The Madquii and Gora tribes have laid siege to the city of Urbyd, and Brianna Miller must seek a peace treaty.
Kelly Osborn travels to Stargate Junction to set the wedding of ambassador Otieno. Hershel Henry opens a gazette to report on pending elections for home rule, but then shocking events upset their plans.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C44QT91N
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