Scott Pearson.

It takes more than just an author to produce a book. In fact, there's a whole team of people that bring any given book to fruition. It's no different in tie-in fiction like Star Trek. We don't often branch out to talk to anyone but the authors of the new books, and that's an oversight we intend to remedy.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan talk with editor Scott Pearson, who recently took on a more hands-on role after the passing of beloved editor, Margaret Clarke. They discuss Scott's work as both an author and an editor, what the editing process looks like, the enjoyable challenge of producing a Star Trek book while a show is still running and much, much more!

In the news segment, we talk about Robb Pearlman's new book of fairy tales from the final frontier.

Find out more about Scott at scott-pearson.com

News

New Book from Robb Pearlman (4:01)

Feature: Scott Pearson

Lifelong Rabid Star Trek Fan (7:02)

Never Wanted to Be an Editor (10:01)

An Author and an Editor (12:47)

A Hands-On Position (13:59)

There the Entire Time (15:29)

A High Bar (19:56)

Publishing is a Crazy Business (22:13)

I Would Like More Books (25:46)

New Authors (27:00)

I Don't Want to Get in Trouble (28:39)

An Enjoyable Challenge (29:28)

Required Reading (33:26)

Editing Different Genres (41:01)

Character Motivation (44:02)

Check the Quote (47:31)

I Have Ideas (51:50)

Scott, the Writer (55:20)

Closing (1:00:58)

Hosts

Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt

Guest

Scott Pearson

Production

Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Greg Cox: Identity Theft.

Pavel Chekov is a reminder that some Star Trek characters do their most interesting growing just outside the spotlight. Known for his youthful enthusiasm, sharp wit, and loyalty to the Enterprise, much of Chekov’s development is implied rather than shown on screen. That makes tie-in novels an ideal space to explore characters like him in greater depth, filling in the moments between episodes and missions.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan are joined once again by author Greg Cox to discuss his new Original Series novel, Identity Theft. Mostly taking place in the movie-era, we finally get Chekov in the spotlight. We discuss Chekov's identity crisis, getting off the bridge, how this is absolutely not a sequel, and much more!

In the news segment we discuss a new book announcement as well as some Lower Decks comics from IDW.

New Book Announcement (03:28)

Lower Decks Comics (09:45)

Greg's Star Trek (18:49)

About the Cover (23:20)

Strange Unfamiliar Aliens (26:09)

Pretending to Be Chekov (31:00)

Chekov's Love Interest (34:02)

Writing Chekov Played by a Different Character (36:49)

Getting Off the Bridge (39:33)

Breezier and Funnier (42:18)

The Exiles (49:14)

The Audiobook (56:21)

Sulu (59:25)

Not a Sequel (1:02:47)

Remembering Margaret (1:09:57)

What's Next for Greg? (1:13:25)

Closing (1:19:01)

Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan

Greg Cox

Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

David Mack: Ring of Fire.

With fewer Star Trek series currently on TV, it’s the novels that keep us boldly going. These stories bridge the gaps between episodes and explore what happens when the cameras aren’t rolling — deepening our connection to the characters and giving us new adventures to imagine. It’s an exciting time to see how writers expand the universe we know and love.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan chat with author David Mack about his Strange New Worlds novel, Ring of Fire. They dive into the book's ensemble of characters, high-action set pieces, Spock delivering a memorable beatdown, and Pike's continued growth as a captain.

In the news segment, the hosts judge a book by its cover and share their thoughts on two new-ish comics.

Judge a Book by its Cover (03:15)

Omega Comic (10:19)

Section 31 Comic (12:52)

Remembering Margaret (18:30)

Within the Confines (28:06)

Project Azorian (31:13)

An Ensemble Story (36:10)

Crafting the Mystery (42:35)

Pike's Lesson (48:50)

Set Pieces (53:51)

Spock Gives a Beatdown (1:01:26)

Pelia and Scotty (1:04:26)

Ortegas as Number One (1:10:05)

Wrapping Up with David (1:14:55)

Closing (1:19:12)

Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan

David Mack

Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Gateways: What Lay Beyond.

Back in late 2001, Pocket Books published the most epic crossover event to date: Gateways. With six novels spanning the eras from The Original Series to Voyager, the series brought together multiple authors to tell stories utilizing the gateways created by the mysterious Iconians. And the hook for the series was that each story was to end with a cliffhanger, culminating in one giant hardcover with six short stories to conclude the series.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan discuss the final book, What Lay Beyond. They discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly, and talk about their vision for the series were it to be written today. Also covered is The Lore War comics, the concluding crossover between the Star Trek and Star Trek: Defiant comics from IDW.

The Lore War Comics (03:24)

A TOS Story (19:03)

Casey Rambles About Challenger (25:45)

Jonathan is Angry About DS9... (29:43)

...but a Happy Camper with Voyager (37:14)

Jonathan Blows Casey's Mind (42:25)

New Frontier Character Work (43:31)

TNG Tying Everything Up (49:28)

Can We Cut Gateways Some Slack? (56:17)

A Little Too Much Freedom (01:00:11)

Star Trek Timeline (01:04:57)

Goofy Corps of Engineers Story (01:06:20)

Final Thoughts (01:09:27)

Wrap Up (01:13:54)

Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt

Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Interview with Star Trek: Khan writers Kirsten Beyer and David Mack.

Legacy isn't reserved for heroes. Some characters leave a mark not through their nobility, but through the incredible shadow they cast. Few exemplify this better than Khan Noonien Singh. Decades after his first appearance, Khan continues to shape the Star Trek universe - his presence echoing through generations of stories, creators, and fans alike. His legacy raises a fascinating question: what happens when a villain becomes just as iconic, just as influential, as the heroes they oppose?

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt speak with Star Trek: Khanwriters Kirsten Beyer and David Mack. They talk about the writing process, casting and recording, making it sound like Star Trek, allegory, the mind of a villain, and much more!

Genesis of Khan Podcast (02:58)

Writing for Audio (05:29)

Collaboration (06:47)

Nick's Vision (07:41)

Late Night Episode Breaks (09:50)

Podcast vs Audiobook (12:00)

Production Involvement (14:40)

Nick's Vision (again) and Canon (15:56)

Sounds Like Star Trek, Sounds Like Khan (17:00)

Recording and Casting Marla (19:46)

Allegory and Villains (21:23)

Just Trying to Tell a Good Story (28:30)

A Contained Narrative (33:09)

Give Us More Stories! (33:58)

Wrap-up (36:11)

Closing (38:59)

Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt

Kirsten Beyer and David Mack

Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

In 1997, Pocket Books began releasing novels in a new series - one not based on a Star Trek television series. The brainchild of then-editor John J. Ordover and author Peter David, Star Trek: New Frontierwas a way to have a series of novels with its own continuity, independent of the shows still on the air. Spanning over 20 novels, numerous short stories, and even some graphic novels, the series lasted until 2015.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan discuss 2001's Cold Wars, the sixth book in the Gateways saga. We discuss the New Frontier series and characters, the overall plot, growing up too fast, a clean ending, and more!

In the news, we talk about a new coffee table book and discuss the Star Trek: Defiant comic arc, No Old Warriors.

New Books (00:02:41)

Comic review (00:05:17)

New Frontier (00:11:24)

Post-Coital Opening (00:14:43)

The Characters (00:15:16)

The Plot (00:19:39)

The Mystery of "Smyt" (00:24:27)

A Holo Ruse (00:26:36)

She Had to Grow Up Very Fast (00:29:53)

A Little Too Clean (00:34:15)

The Gateways (00:38:44)

Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:40:11)

Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan

Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Gateways: No Man's Land

At one time, Christie Golden was the preeminent author in the Star Trek: Voyager novel line with 13 of her 16 Star Trek stories being with the crew of Voyager. In fact, even Kirsten Beyer hasn't surpassed Golden's contributions to the series.

In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan discuss No Man's Land. Topics include characterizations, Janeway-Chakotay shipping, Seven instigating a slave uprising, not one but two murder mysteries, and, oh yeah, the gateways. Plus, we ask a very important question: What happens to Fluffy?

In our comics discussion, we talk about IDW's Star Trek issues 25-30, When the Walls Fell (not to be confused with the Tamarian legend of Shaka).

NEWS

Star Trek 25-30 (00:04:12)

FEATURE: NO MAN'S LAND

Classic Voyager (00:16:55)

Gateway Issues (00:21:43)

Continuity (00:24:30)

Something Fun (00:27:59)

Meat of the Story (00:31:33)

The Weirdest Part (00:35:46)

What Holds it Back (00:37:05)

Seven’s Story (00:40:41)

Arkathi (00:44:20)

Ratings (00:51:14)

Final Thoughts (00:53:54).

HOSTS

Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan

PRODUCTION

Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Star Trek literature’s mission was to expand the universe of the series beyond what was seen on screen, so in doing that the books continued series that had ended as well as created characters to follow; the Gateway series brought all of those together in one massive crossover.

In this episode of Literary Trek's hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan talk about Demons of Air and Darkness. We discuss title questions, the opening, the treat of the book, Kira’s leadership, the “threat”, Shar and Nog, Quark, Ro, the reveal, the same scene, our ratings and final thoughts.

For the news we discuss the upcoming novel in the Picard line!

News

New Picard Novel Coming (00:02:58)

Feature: Demons of Air and Darkness

Title Questions (00:05:52)

The Opening Chapter (00:10:28)

The Threat of the Book (00:12:55)

Kira’s Leadership (00:17:32)

“Threat” (00:19:35)

Shar and Nog (00:23:55)

New Recurring Characters (00:29:33)

Quark (00:32:47)

Ro (00:34:36)

Finally Revealed (00:38:12)

The Same Scene (00:40:15)

Ratings (00:43:24)

Final Thoughts (00:46:13)

Hosts

Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan

Production

Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)