Exploring the Legacy of L. Ron Hubbard and the Epic Tale of Battlefield Earth
Welcome to Mind The Typos, where we delve into the fascinating world of literature and the minds behind it. Today, we explore the legacy of one of the most influential authors of our time, L. Ron Hubbard, through the lens of his epic sci-fi novel, "Battlefield Earth." This interview, published in the 21st Century edition of the novel, offers insights into Hubbard's thoughts and inspirations, as shared by John Goodwin, the publisher.
1. Introducing L. Ron Hubbard and Battlefield Earth
The best way to introduce L. Ron Hubbard is with this short bio:
With 19 New York Times bestsellers and more than 350 million copies of his works in circulation, L. Ron Hubbard is among the most enduring and widely read authors of our time. As a leading light of American Pulp Fiction through the 1930s and '40s, he is further among the most influential authors of the modern age. Indeed, from Ray Bradbury to Stephen King, there is scarcely a master of imaginative tales who has not paid tribute to L. Ron Hubbard.
Then too, of course, there is all L. Ron Hubbard represents as the Founder of Dianetics and Scientology and thus the only major religion born in the 20th century.
While, as such, he presents the culmination of science and spiritual technology as embodied in the religion of Scientology.
About the story:
Battlefield Earth is an epic sci-fi adventure where humankind faces total extinction in the grip of invincible aliens. In this post-apocalyptic world, rises a courageous young hero. Freedom will require a daring strike on an epic scale.
2. Inspiration
This is an answer from L. Ron Hubbard that answers this question:
“There are some activities that are simply so much fun that one can’t give them up. Writing is that for me. I love every opportunity to write.
“Many young writers are told to write in order to learn how to write. That is good advice. I used to find any excuse to write because I loved to do it. If I didn’t have a typewriter, I wrote in longhand.
“So when my 50th anniversary as a professional writer came around, I decided to celebrate it by doing it. It was like a present to myself, so to speak.
“I chose science fiction because there is great versatility in this genre. (A writer must pick his medium as carefully as a painter must pick his brush and colors.) Besides, science fiction is no longer the stepchild of literature. Star Wars created an entirely new following and now E.T. has proven that the genre has much wider appeal than was ever imagined.
“Plus, look at the bestseller lists and you will see the pattern repeating. Science fiction and space travel is dominant.
“Battlefield Earth is science fiction but it is also adventure. It is a statement about the human condition and the human spirit. That story could not have been told in any other genre.” —L. Ron Hubbard (Author Interview in Battlefield Earth 21st Century Edition)
3. Themes
“I wrote Battlefield Earth for those who enjoy adventure, the will to survive and the basic spirit of the individual against impossible odds.” —L. Ron Hubbard (Author Interview in Battlefield Earth 21st Century Edition)
4. What is your favorite work of fiction by any writer?
“I would hate to choose a favorite work of fiction of anyone— including myself.
“You didn’t ask about non-fiction so I’ll offer that I’ve always enjoyed Bolitho’sTwelve Against the Gods. His introduction is especially good.” —L. Ron Hubbard (Author Interview in Battlefield Earth 21st Century Edition)
5. What Sets Battlefield Earth Apart?
“In Battlefield Earth, there is an advanced technology but it is the technology of the aliens who have conquered Earth and virtually wiped out humanity. Pitted against this is the Human Spirit.
“I don’t think I would be giving anything away to say that the Human Spirit prevails.…
“In Battlefield Earth, I present a situation where mankind has almost been wiped from the face of the Earth by advanced technology and is now imprisoned not so much by the aliens who dominate the planet but by superstition. Man has dwindled to the point where the few surviving tribes—hiding like frightened animals—have actually forgotten about the aliens and have taken to superstition instead.
“Thus they were first trapped by their own ideas.
“When the hero, Jonnie Goodboy Tyler, decides to leave the mountain sanctuary of his dying tribe, he is first of all breaking free of superstition.” —L. Ron Hubbard (Author Interview in Battlefield Earth 21st Century Edition)
6. How would you assess the broader audience science fiction has today?
“One may not be too wrong saying that today science fiction is actually the most popular genre going.
“It is certainly more popular than it has ever been before.…
“The future is the only frontier without limit and the frontier that we will all enter and cross no matter what we do.
“Science fiction is and always has been the literature about the frontier. Science fiction appeals to every age group because it is about the future and the human potential.” —L. Ron Hubbard (Author Interview in Battlefield Earth 21st Century Edition)
7. Advice for New Writers
“Write and write and write and write. And then when you finish, write some more.
“It may not be original advice, but it is still quite true. You learn to write by writing.
“Don’t try to learn how to write in order to write. I’ve seen a lot of great writers killed off when they decided they wanted to learn how to write.
“Just take an idea and go with it. You may find a story that pulls you along. The story takes off on its own. It sounds silly but it happens. You have this character walking down the street and you are all ready for him to get into a taxi but he walks right on and turns into a movie theatre. Whoa! What is this? Well, follow him and see what happens.
“The main thing is to write and learn the business of writing—that tough market you have to live with. —L. Ron Hubbard (Author Interview in Battlefield Earth 21st Century Edition)
A free online writing workshop has been created based on the writings of L. Ron Hubbard along with a dozen videos by bestselling authors Orson Scott Card (Enders Game), Tim Powers (On Stranger Tides), and David Farland (The Runelords) that breaks down how to write short stories.
Also recommended is theWriters & Illustrators of the Future Podcastwith over 280 episodes featuring industry professionals, international bestselling authors, and world renowned artists.
8. Can you provide an excerpt of your book?
For a taste of Battlefield Earth, readers can download the first 13 chapters here
L. Ron Hubbard released the Mission Earth dekalogy, a series of 10 novels, after Battlefield Earth. Each volume in hard cover and paperback became New York Times bestsellers. Check out the L. Ron Hubbard Fiction Store on Amazon
10. Lastly, could you provide your contact information or social media handles for readers who would like to connect with you?
If you’re captivated by the world of Battlefield Earth and want to stay connected with the latest updates, insights, and discussions, here are all the ways you can reach out and follow along:
L. Ron Hubbard Books: Explore more works by L. Ron Hubbard at Galaxy Press.
For the full author interview and more insights, purchase the Battlefield Earth 21st Century Edition on Amazon.
Dive into the world of L. Ron Hubbard and Battlefield Earth today. Explore the links provided and immerse yourself in a tale of adventure, survival, and the triumph of the human spirit. Don't forget to share your thoughts—click the link below to see more amazon stories and authors on our blog and until next time, mind the typos!
