Review Fix Exclusive: Jason Michael Primrose Talks ‘Zosma’ And More

Review Fix chats with Zosma author Jason Michael Primrose, who details the creation process behind the book and why the tale is an important one.

Review Fix: Why does Sci-Fi still matter?

Jason Michael Primrose: We as a society are facing needs that can’t be met with our current social systems. The need for freedom of thought, for individuality that encourages collaboration and acceptance, for drastic change in the way we live, function, and consume. I think science fiction, especially now, is essential to making this heavy rhetoric palatable through imagination and inclusion. I can’t think of a better way or a better time to paint more colorful characters, build thought-provoking plots, and provide perspective on a plausible world.

Review Fix: What inspired this book?

Primrose: This story and these characters came into my life when I was ten years old. (I still have the first version of the story!) They’ve stuck with me for 24 years and were even brought to life in previous manuscripts. It was the journey down the path to self-discovery, me climbing out of the box told me to build around myself, that led me to reshape the universe with intent and purpose. Tapping into my obsession with the exploration of society’s intricacies and freed from my mental constraints and the dream of the world, I found the story for ZOSMA, which begins the Lost Children of Andromeda series.

Review Fix: What is the goal of the book?

Primrose: My goal has always been to open minds to change. As an LGBTQ person of color, I’ve lived my life fighting to alter what preconceived notions people had about who I was, how I should behave, or what I should do for a living. I want to expand people’s perspective, for people to look at each other with a new level of understanding and compassion. But more than anything, I want to inspire people to seek and carry out their purpose. If I can get a handful of people to stop and think, to reconsider how they’ve treated or judged someone, or their own potential, then — Game. Set. Match.

Review Fix: What was the writing process like?

Primrose: As exhilarating as it was challenging. Full transparency, I was in one of my darkest places during the last draft of this novel. After three years, the path to completion was so thick with fear and the canopy of self-doubt blocked out the sun. Like Allister, I’m still learning how to use my gifts and I know that as artists, sometimes we take creating too seriously. It’s supposed to be fun and you’re supposed to learn as you go. Once I took a step back and gave myself permission to make mistakes, I picked my laptop back up and kept going, one word at a time. Resilience is key. 

Review Fix: The tale is a visual one, any thoughts on a film adaptation at some point?

Primrose: I’m a BIG fan of world extensions. I’d love a film or a tv show. With a TV show, you get to explore characters and backstory in a free-form format. I liken it to the Game of Thrones model. You get to experience multiple adventures and root for your favorite characters. I think VR gaming could be cool too.

Review Fix: Who do you think will enjoy this book the most?

Primrose: That’s a great question. I’m not going to be cliché and say everyone, but, I do believe the novel could appeal to multiple generations, all genders, people with various political ideals, different races and cultures, even the differently abled. I tried to be inclusive in all forms of the word. Besides, there are inspirational nods to finding purpose, carving your own destiny, abandoning fear, and challenging the status quo. I don’t think it’s ever too late or too early to start exploring these, especially if it leads to the journey of happiness.

Review Fix: What is this book’s legacy?

Primrose: I think the book itself is the legacy. It’s a living, breathing product of purpose, passion, resilience, and understanding mixed together, aged 24 years, baked for 3 years give or take, and then served fresh to a community hungry for content. Many of us can do anything we’re willing to make sacrifices for, so I hope young creatives see this story and my journey and know that they can not only create, but they can create independently and be successful.

 Review Fix: What’s next?

Primrose: I promised myself I would focus on finishing the series, so there are two books currently in the works. The first is a rewrite, essentially a prequel to Zosma. It gives exciting backstory into how the characters got into the events we see in Zosma. The second is the third novel in the series, which takes us six months from the end of Zosma, and plunges us into one of the most brutal winters in human history. We learn more about why Zosma left her planet, and how important her power really is for the salvation of humanity. Allister is forced to take on a more mature, leadership-like role if he hopes to tackle this new threat. I’m hoping to have these out in the next 12-18 months! Hello box set! 

Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?

Primrose: Hi Mom!