Six Questions with E. Robert Dunn

Six Questions with E. Robert Dunn, author of “Echelon’s End”

E. Robert Dunn is the openly gay writer most well known for his episodes of the web series STAR TREK: ODYSSEY and the multi-part “Echelon’s End” novel series. He’s also a columnist and playwright. He takes a moment out of his schedule to to answer Six Questions.

1) Tell us about your book series “Echelon’s End.” What’s it about?What’s new with the project? Where can people find it?
Echelon’s End is a serialized storyline about a refugee family in search of a new home in a Universe not too receptive to wayward travellers. Two of the family members are a gay or same-gender [Echelon] couple; a unique characterization for the science fiction genre.What’s new … is a compilation book of Books 1 & 2 due out in March of 09 — this book will have deleted chapters, added graphic pictures, and an updated Glossary.

2) What got you involved in writing for STAR TREK: Odyssey? What was the experience like?
I was submitting storylines to Star Trek: Next Generation, DS9, and Voyager with no success because of the ‘gay content’. Once Star Trek went online and with a gay fan-base behind it as ODYSSEY, I introduced myself to the creators, we talked, I then became a contributing force behind their Season One Finale.The experience was far different that working solo — all the emails, the ‘yeses’ and nos’ to this and that … the re-writes …all the other contributors and staff writers’ opionions, the producer, too. Afterall was said and done, just to have any of my contribution used would be rewarding enough — but being the odd-man out [in cyberspace] was a unique experience in and of it self.

3) What other projects are you working on?
I’m also am a playwright. I have two comedic plays: ‘LipSync’ and “A Dragged Out Haunting’ that were featured in the off-Broadway SPOTLIGHT THEATER FESTIVALS in 2002. Currently “LipSync” is in the middle of being developed into a muscial by producer Michael McClean in Toronto, Canada, featuring music by disco diva, Pamala Stanley. I’m also workshopping a new play entitled “VOiCES” — a psycho-thriller drama. And, of course, I’m working on Books 5 & 6 in the “Echelon’s End Series”.

4) Are you mainly a horror, sci-fi, fantasy or equal opportunity doorQ?

I’m primarily sci-fi … there are some adventurous thriller as well as fantasy elements to each book; but horror really isn’t ‘my thing’.

5) What’s the doorQish thing you’ve ever done? (Stalked William Shatner… Dressed up like Jason Voorhees before surprising your ex- on a date with the guy he left you for, etc.)

I suppose the most doorQish thing I’ve done is dressed the full costume dress-up for SPACE: 1999 for their 1999 Convention in NYC [and again in 2008 for the Calgary, Alberta, Canada, SPACE: 1999 convention where I was a featured artist and did a book signing; and a reading of my screenplay: SPACE: 2099]. I’ve also done the full drag of a Star Trek science officer for a STAR TREK convention in Fort Lauderdale — June Lockhart will never be the same — she was there doing a signing before she headed out to do her cameo in the Lost In Space movie and when I asked her for her autograph she gave me an unruffled response — LOL — Oh, Mrs. Maureen Robinson could deal with Dr. Smith, but not me!. Now, that doesn’t mean I haven’t used my STUN GUN and/or my PHASER on role-playing night at home, just kidding!!

6) If forced to choose, who would you rather go on a date with: Green Hulk or Green Lantern?

Which Green Lantern? LOL! Although I am drawn to the Hulk’s physicality, I’d have to pick anyone of the Green Lanterns for their wit and intellect. Also, think of the things that ring could bring to the relationship! LOL!