The galaxy is crawling with pests—from mutated bacteria to sentient slime molds—and the authors of Tales of Galactic Pest Control are here to squash them. In this group interview, contributors to the anthology share their inspiration, frustrations, and favorite moments from crafting tales of interstellar extermination.
Let’s start with the one question everyone wants to ask writers: Where do you get your ideas?
Tom Easton drew on the idea of space war, while others like Ian Randal Strock emphasized blending reality with fiction for believability: “I find that mixing in as much reality and history as I can lends my stories a much greater sense of verisimilitude.”
Some writers report special experiences with pests. Jeff Parsons told a chilling tale of warrior ants flanking his bathroom sink: “They waited immobile while the others scurried about. Freaked me out.” Stephen L. Antczak says, “I’m not a fan of ants, but I recognize how necessary they are in the biosphere. Once I changed my mindset, the idea just came to me.”
Jay Werkheiser shudders at the thought of house centipedes and cites Werky’s Law: creepiness = legs × velocity squared. Then he flipped the concept: “To us, pests are annoying intruders. But what would that make us to a super-advanced alien species?”
Did you pay any attention to other work in the genre?
Henry Herz admits that he was inspired by Inner Space and Men in Black. Then, “I snuck in references to Aliens, The Fifth Element, The Terminator, Tomb Raider, and Tremors. As one does.”
Would you expand your story into a series?
Lauren Taylor Bak would love to continue the adventures of her crew: “In the vein of Lower Decks or The Orville, I want more lighthearted space opera that doesn’t take itself too seriously.”
“I was torn between stories this time,” said J. Weintraub. “If there’s a sequel, you’ll get to read the other.”
How about a sequel to this anthology?
Sarah Arnette seems to approve. “I’ve done thirteen and counting,” she said. “This one stands out thanks to stellar communication and fun participation.”
Galactic Pest Control: The Bigger Picture
Would you take the job of interstellar exterminator?
“Wait, you’re going to send me into space? I’m there!” said Ian Randal Strock.
What’s the weirdest alien pest you can imagine?
Liam Hogan proposed a chilling one: a hibernating alien that stores human passengers as a living larder—unfortunately infected with a parasite of its own.
How would Earth handle your story’s pest?
“We’d be overrun. Our bureaucracy would take too long to react,” said Jeff Parsons.
Futuristic tech: savior or nightmare?
Matt Thompson suggested DNA-targeted extinction tech. “What could go wrong?”
Would your pest have a fan club or a bounty?
“Both,” said Steve Chappell.
Personal Touch
Most annoying real-world pest?
“Chipmunks and squirrels,” grumbled Tom Easton.
Sci-fi-worthy pest encounters?
See Jeff Parsons and his ant soldiers. You can’t unsee it.
Favorite fictional pest?
“Tribbles,” said Lauren Taylor Bak. “The ur-infestation.”
Signature pest control weapon?
“Nanobots,” said Leahy. “Way of the future.”
What do the contributors to Tales of Galactic Pest Control have to say to other writers?
Why sci-fi?
“It’s a lie close enough to the truth to make you say, ‘That could happen’,” said Peter J. Carter.
Writing habits?
“I battle chaos,” said Steve Chappell. “I write when and where I can.”
Advice for anthology hopefuls?
“Never quit. Keep writing, keep trying,” said Dana Gricken.
Best habit and worst?
“Writing every day is my best. I need to quit beating myself up over rejections,” said Gricken.
Tips for short-form worldbuilding?
“Start with the real world, add a twist,” said Nissa Harlow.
Favorite trope to use or subvert?
“Space opera—I love it, and I love making fun of it,” said Alex Shvartsman.
Handling rejection?
“Like callouses on a carpenter’s hands,” said J. Weintraub. Galen Gower agreed: “I submit something every day and let the rejections wash over me like a cleansing wave.”
Advice you wish you’d gotten?
“Train for a good day job,” said Tom Easton.
