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By: Ian Essling
Twilight of the Past, a science fiction thrill ride from Waubonsee graduate Michael Parziale, takes the reader on a journey into the world of Newl Rift.
Rift, the leader of the powerful nation of Gutra De, must survive assassination attempts, a world on the brink of global war and traitorous allies as he struggles to recover his lost past and unite the warring factions.
I had the honor of interviewing the author of this book, Michael Parziale, about his time at Waubonsee and his future writing projects.
Ian: What was your inspiration for writing this book?
Michael: I always wanted to create my own "world," so after thinking up some ideas and putting it all together I finally wrote it into a novel!
Are any of the characters in the book based on people you know in real life?
A couple minor character names are a variation of names from real life, but other than that no other names or personalities came from anyone I know.
Did you base any technologies on current sci fi classics? I think I might have seen some lightsabers.
One of the characters, Efil H. Taed, uses a heat sword, which could be said to be similar to a lightsaber (but it has a non-retractable solid blade, it does glow though!). But I did try very hard to create unique technology for the world of Aldurea.
How did you approach the dilemma of introducing your audience to the level of technology present in this universe?
I tried to explain what I thought needed explaining and not bog down the story with useless techno-babble. If I described it, I felt it was important to know.
When did you first start writing the book and how long did it take you to complete?
I started writing the book over two years ago, but once I got most of the ideas and plotting down on paper it took around 6 months to write. Editing took a couple more months after that.
What was your major at Waubonsee?
I pursued an associates of science (general science emphasis) at Waubonsee.
Any favorite classes and/or teachers at Waubonsee?
Although I don't think I did to well in the class, Biology 2, taught by Mr. Ward, was by far one of my favorites. I also enjoyed my English classes taught by Mr. Funchion.
You mentioned the Waubonsee writing center in your book; how much help were you able to get from them and do you recommend other students utilize the service?
One word describes the Waubonsee Writing Center: Awesome! They helped me an unbelievable amount (WCC Writing Center was also thanked in the novel if you don't believe me). Most of my help came from Char Landmeier, what a great, great help.
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
Actually sitting down and writing it. Once it was done though, editing it was a pain too. And now that it's released, marketing it is a pain too. Really it's all a pain, but also amazingly rewarding and fun.
What was your favorite part of writing the book?
I enjoyed all the action. I love fight scenes!
Did you have anyone working with you or helping you edit the book?
Friends and family helped with the editing. And of course WCC Writing Center helped tremendously with getting me going with the first novel.
One of the challenges of writing a book in a "new universe," as opposed to an already established one such as Star Wars or Star Trek is technology (which we have already discussed), and names. You did a great job (in my opinion) on creating names of people and places that were interesting and appropriate, but not crazy enough that they were impossible to read. Care to share your secret?
I wanted to make the world, Aldurea, very unique, yet realistic. Nothing in the story is completely 'way out there' or anything like that. I tried to give the characters realistic dialogue and the problems in their lives genuine ones that anyone could relate to.
You have a sequel planned for the book. Did you always intend on making the story span multiple books, or did that change while you were writing it?
I knew that one novel wouldn't be enough to encompass the story. As of now it's planned to be a trilogy (although that could change since the third novel isn't plotted). The second installment (Twilight of the Past: A Slave of Sorrow) is about 1/4 done. 
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