VII: Keeping Kids Interested in Science and Fiction w/ Trevor Waldorf

This week we talked with graphic designer and music producer Trevor Waldorf about the Star Wars expanded universe, how to get people reading into adulthood, and fond childhood memories of Internet espionage.00:40 - What makes Star Wars compelling?02:56 - Video games and the depth of the Star Wars universe07:13 - Star Wars movies have to live up to an incredible amount of hype11:00 - The Clone Wars and straddling the line between children’s and adult media14:58 - Does reading Star Wars books lead you into a love of Sci-fi in general?18:23 - New Adult and the struggles with getting young readers to enjoy literature into adulthood21:34 - Going from Muse magazine to Scientific American23:48 - Popular Mechanics, model rockets, and a movement away from a culture of building things25:10 - Advantages of building things in cyberspace compared to meatspace30:04 - Internet communities including infiltration and espionage on the flashcard website Quizlet35:00 - Generationally mixed and professional communities online38:39 - It’s hard to predict how things will affect kids42:18 - Kids books are branded so heavily for children it can feel difficult to transition into more adult reading46:29 - Is it possible to write a book series that stars as children’s or young adult novels and evolves into more adult literature?52:05 - There should be more books targeted towards adult with adult themes, but at an easier reading level54:36 - The Young Adult genre can be defined by the ability to be made into both personality tests and fanfiction1:00:00 - Conclusion and short book recommendation On the Edge of Reason This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit synthesizedsunsets.substack.com/subscribe