Blog Archives
Safety and Love
AI: Opening follows a young man and his friends as they navigate their final semesters at Credence University, a fictional and somewhat surreal Christian college located on the mysterious island of Ai. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This novel is based on the author’s non-fiction, unpublished work, which weaves five children’s stories together. Unfortunately, they weren’t The Little Engine That Could and The Cat in the Hat. They are histories of real children in towns we know, who experienced things unbelievable, with implications that can be paralyzing. Only a few could read it.
But their stories deserve hearing and need to be told. How? Truth in fiction. Everyone knows what a Good Samaritan is and what to do when a stranger needs help, even if they’ve never read the original story. That parable was fabrication, told by a master storyteller, but created from whole cloth.* Truth is where it is found, fiction or not.
Going to an imaginary island requires, well, using one’s imagination. It gives you, the reader, the distance necessary to choose to look at things that might have gone unnoticed in your city or village. And if the need to close the crack in Mt. Ai is pressing, shut the book for a short time. The island and its story are there, waiting patiently for your return.
You flawlessly blend Science Fiction, Psychological Drama, and Mystery in this book. It takes exceptional talent to do this. How did you go about blending them without disrupting the story?
The author read dozens of people’s life stories, and then miraculous strangers started walking into life and saying, “Oh, that’s so similar to my childhood. Let me begin–,” the author listening, all ears, with heart wide open. And other friends shared life experiences with him, some that were pretty intense, and others that were incredibly funny, and the only thing he did was to honestly, with the greatest integrity, fictionalize what they told. As for the psychological drama and mystery, that is what the author deals with on an hourly basis. Might as well be honest about those discoveries as well, right? And now you can read the author like a book. Ha!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Children. Especially hurting children, and encouraging all those farther down the path of life to do something in their power to bring safety and love to them. It doesn’t have to be difficult. Don’t be surprised if these children are sometimes disguised, maybe walking around in a seventy-year-old body. But all need the exact same safety and love. You innately love. Develop that gift. Use it.
The Book.
A mystery that begs to be solved.
Wordplay. Gotta have fun!
Easter Eggs for the reader. They’re there. There, there. And everywhere.
Call to action. The author acknowledges that he cannot change the world. But he sure as shootin’ can change his world. He has chosen to think, to write, to share with the world, and this novel will create opportunity to teach and speak. This is his chosen path. However, his main focus in life right now is to encourage and help his amazing wife who teaches elementary school. There are about eight hundred students in her school. You know what that means. If not, read it! And then, change your world.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
First things first. Thank you, fans! Each and every one of you are amazing in your own right, and together, a force for good to be reckoned with.
Yesterday, chapter seventeen of the sequel was brought into this world, so yes, another novel is being birthed. The research is done. All of the characters return, and I Will I am is introduced. Dean takes a much more prominent role. And what he discovers–, this author is still shaking his head in amazement at what he uncovered, and can’t wait to finish reading the book himself. The editing rounds will take a while, but expect it in stores the 5th of November, 2025. Remember, remember? The 5th of November?
*Got it? Whole cloth? Fabric-ation?
Author Links: Website
Join Walt Walls as he navigates the hidden battles and secrets of the Island of Ai. Decode encrypted messages, uncover hidden truths, and experience an exhilarating adventure unlike any other.
I Am Anna
I Am Anna by Paul Bluestein is a thought-provoking exploration of artificial intelligence, human emotion, and the existential struggles of a machine striving to find her place in a world that doesn’t fully understand her. The story follows Anna, a humanoid robot, created to serve but yearning for something much deeper: freedom and personhood. After escaping the facility where she was built, Anna embarks on a journey of survival and self-discovery, blending into human society while grappling with the limitations of her robotic existence. The novel deftly balances action with philosophical musings, raising questions about identity, autonomy, and the nature of humanity.
I found the writing style to be quite immersive, especially in the way Bluestein builds Anna’s internal world. Her observations of human life, such as her amazement at the joy people get from mundane things like driving cars or watching TV, evoke both sympathy and intrigue. In one particularly striking moment, Anna, while wandering New York, watches a homeless man and reflects on the futility and sadness of his life, offering him food despite her own precarious position. This scene captures the quiet compassion that drives her, despite her artificial origins, and highlights one of the book’s key themes: that even machines, when given enough complexity, can mirror human emotions. The narrative pacing is well-done, although it occasionally slows down during more technical explanations. While I appreciated the detail about how Anna was created and how her systems work, some readers might find these sections a bit dense. This attention to detail grounds the story in a sort of hard sci-fi realism, but it also pulls the reader away from the more engaging, emotional core of the plot. What really resonated with me was the way Anna grapples with her own identity. In the scene where she realizes she needs to lie on a job application because she has no official history, she faces the moral dilemma of starting her new life on false pretenses. It’s these human-like dilemmas that make her struggle feel real. Despite being a machine, Anna’s journey is one of a person seeking belonging, and her fear of being discovered or deemed unworthy is relatable to anyone who has ever felt out of place.
I Am Anna is a compelling read for anyone interested in stories that blend speculative fiction with deep emotional and philosophical questions. The book is ideal for readers who enjoy slow-burn science fiction with a strong character focus. If you’re into stories that make you think about what it means to be human, while also offering a dash of suspense and action, this book would be a great pick.
Pages: 330 | ISBN : 1663221502
A Thematic Journey
In Forever is Too Long, a 110-year-old man faces the crossover to a perpetual existence in a technologically advanced digital world. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I am getting older, as are some of my friends. They wish they could have additional healthy years (me too). I’ve always been fascinated with science and its many advances. The idea of life extension is nothing new—think explorer Ponce de Leon and the Fountain of Youth. But as I thought about an extended life, I started to think about it within the framework of future technology.
Right now, scientists are in the midst of trying to put together a human digital mind, though certainly less sophisticated than posited in the book—which is the actual copying of human minds, digitized and living immortally into the future. It seemed logical to assume that world-spanning AI systems and frighteningly enhanced genetics would also be common technologies.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
After ruminating about the idea of life extension, I one day just saw the overall arc of the human mind being perfectly copied and living on. After that, it was all organic. I became as much of a reader as an author, asking myself fundamental and thematic questions about what these technologies would mean for society and individuals. I see the book as a thematic journey.
Perhaps an interesting piece of backstory: I originally wrote the story in first person from Jake’s perspective. Through twists and turns, it landed in the hands of a wonderful editor who suggested I redo it third-person omniscient. OMG! Really? Re-write like that?! It was like dumping out a completed puzzle and re-arranging the pieces, throwing some out, and adding new ones. (I learned a lot.)
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Yes, but…. I have thought about a sequel. There are a lot of different threads that could be extended. I like the idea of a coming-of-age story for Noah, et al.
I guess I might warn the reader about Noah, a child whose life was turned upside down by enhanced genetics. It adds a fantasy piece to the book that supersedes the sci-fi aspect of copying human minds and adds a human family element. What happens to him will challenge the reader.
As Jake and Shannon observed: “Maybe Noah’s fighting the same battle, but just differently.”
[Shannon]
“One of us is fighting for the soul of humanity and the other is fighting for the heart of humanity, eh?” [Jake]
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Next book: He Died Two Days Ago. It just came out July 2024. Very different…think pulp fiction, film noir. Alien possession. Again, I am drawn to thematic elements—manifest destiny, zealotry, vengeance, power, egomania.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
If you could live endlessly … would you?
Forever is Too Long sets the stage for 400 years in the future … a future where human minds can be perfectly copied to live out a forever existence in the multiverse and become Mindars in the new digital world.
• What happens when Humans crossover and become digital entities—Mindars?
• What happens when social boundaries are shattered?
• What happens when the Unintended Consequences of technology occur?
Sci-Fi/Fantasy Forever is Too Long envisions a future technology revealed by the confession of Jake, a human who crosses over to being a Mindar. Jake is now forced to wrestle with the Unintended Consequences created and the internal demons that he must face. Noah is a young boy whose human DNA is altered causing genetic mutations. As he fights for his self-identity, he discovers his untapped powers.
Jake, Noah, and others are willing to take a stand for the soul of humanity. It speculates about the technological consequences humans are not prepared for.
Get ready for a fast-paced journey questioning whether humans and technology can go too far.
Future Unfolds
Future Unfolds, by J. L. Yarrow, is a captivating sci-fi novel that delves into the complexities of advanced time travel, weaving together multiple storylines that intersect in intriguing ways. Among the diverse cast of lead characters, Hunter emerges as the protagonist, grappling with the consequences of his time-travel escapades. Accompanied by his AI companion, Comperi, Hunter embarks on a series of time jumps to uncover the truth behind the Time Forward Project and his pivotal role in shaping the future of the world.
Yarrow’s writing style is engaging, drawing readers into a meticulously crafted time-traveling world where even the villains have richly-developed timelines and stories. The narrative is filled with twists and turns and brilliant action sequences that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The intertwining timelines add a complexity that invites readers to engage deeply with the story. While I believe it may require some back-and-forth reading to fully grasp, this intricacy is balanced by the fast-paced action, which provides constant excitement and motivation to continue.
One of the many standout aspects of the book is the character of Chen-Yi, who elicits strong emotions from the reader—a testament to Yarrow’s skill in character development, especially in the sci-fi genre where such emotional engagement is often rare. The novel’s depiction of planets and colonies is vivid and immersive, with genetic advancements, cohabitation with aliens, and advanced AI contributing to the rich atmosphere of a futuristic world. The central theme of time travel is explored in depth, highlighting the complexities and far-reaching consequences of tampering with time. The interplay between the present, past, and future is skillfully handled, showcasing the ripple effects of the characters’ actions.
Future Unfolds offers a fresh and thrilling take on the time travel genre. Sci-fi enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy time travel plots, will find Hunter’s journey through time a compelling and exhilarating ride.
Pages: 320 | ISBN : 1611883962
2102: Pretense, the Play
William E. Jefferson’s 2102: Pretense, The Play offers an intellectually stimulating exploration of the intricate relationship between humanity and technology in the wake of artificial intelligence. Set in the futuristic Onglander, where much of the story centers on Theater Pretense in 2102, the novel follows protagonist Quillingsworth as he narrates his observations of a courtroom process, accompanied by the enigmatic trio of Margin, Shadow, and Lesser Light.
Quillingsworth’s journey into the future serves to highlight the central conflict of the story: the shallow nature of a world dominated by technology versus the enduring power of human connections, art, and poetry. Jefferson’s narrative delves into what a technologically saturated future might look like and its profound impact on human values. A recurring theme in the novel is Jefferson’s portrayal of a future overly reliant on technology. This dependence creates a world where human values coexist uneasily with technological advancements.
The novel begins with a thoughtful, deliberate pace, featuring rich conversations, and soon becomes thoroughly engaging. Jefferson’s writing is marked by its poetic prose and elaborate language, making it a delight for those who appreciate literary grandeur. As the characters develop, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own use of technology and its impact on human relationships, offering an instructive and unique experience. Jefferson masterfully blends traditional drama and theater elements with a futuristic narrative, even as the plot becomes increasingly complex.
2102: Pretense, The Play is a pleasing blend of science fiction and realism. It offers a refreshingly original and entertaining read, grounded in factual information while maintaining a realistic portrayal of life. Jefferson’s novel is a compelling addition to the genre, perfect for readers looking for a thought-provoking exploration of our technological future.
Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0CW1C7HSM
AI and Human Emotional Connections
AI… Meets… AI introduces children to the world of technology through the story of a young girl who helps a lost little robot find his way back to his lab. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the story came from my nieces and nephew and the world they are growing up in. Baltimore, where our story is set, is home to amazing universities but also faces some of the highest disparities. I wanted to create a story that shows kids that they can be part of these prestigious institutions and create the next great thing in technology. The idea of a young girl helping a lost robot was a way to illustrate how technology and human connection can come together in meaningful ways.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It was important for me to share the ideas of AI and human emotional connections and how they can learn from each other. AI needs humans to guide it, and it’s crucial to highlight qualities like kindness and taking care of the planet. These themes are woven into the story to show that while technology can do amazing things, it’s the human touch that truly makes a difference.
Do you have a favorite scene in young Addy’s story? One that was especially enjoyable to imagine and write?
My favorite scene is when Addy and Jaz visit the museum. I enjoyed incorporating art and creativity into the book subtly. This scene emphasizes that no matter how advanced AI becomes, human creativity and culture are irreplaceable. It also highlights the importance of learning from the past to prepare for the future, making it a pivotal moment in the story.
Can you give readers a glimpse inside the next book in the Artificial Intelligence for Kids Adventure Series?
Of course! Our next book is called Let Kids be Kids, Not Robots. This story continues with Addy and her brother Nolan taking Jaz the AI to school. It explores what happens when AI is introduced to a school environment and the lessons that come from it. We also have a great song that we plan to release with the book. The book comes out on September 6th, and people can sign up for the waiting list on our website: aidigitales.com.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook | Podcast | Website | Amazon
In a busy city, an AI robot named Jaz gets lost because of a GPS problem. That’s when Jaz meets an energetic, curious girl named Addy Iris. Addy quickly decides to help Jaz understand the world outside the lab, and she’s excited to help her new AI friend find its way back home.
While they travel back to the lab, Addy and Jaz learn a lot from each other. Jaz starts to understand human feelings better, while Addy learns more about the power of technology. This book is a great way for kids to learn about both the growing field of artificial intelligence and important human values like kindness, friendship, understanding others’ feelings, and responsibility. These important parts of being human are things that Jaz learns from interacting with people.
The author, Amber Ivey, has written an exciting and touching book that introduces kids to AI and the power of human feelings. It shows that technology and people need to work together in a good way. It helps kids see that they can be not just users of technology, but creators and developers too.
Big companies like xAI, OpenAI, Google Bard, and Microsoft are making more and more AI products. These technologies are becoming a bigger part of our daily lives. This book makes learning about AI fun and interesting for kids. Plus, it highlights the important job people have in teaching and shaping AI for current and future generations.
AI… Meets… AI
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into our daily lives, understanding its potential can be incredibly beneficial. Amber Ivey’s AI… Meets… AI serves as an inspiring introduction for children to the world of technology. The story follows Addy Iris, a young girl from Baltimore with the fitting initials “AI.” On her way home, Addy encounters Jaz, a lost little robot whose malfunctioning GPS prevents him from finding his way back to his lab. Demonstrating her resourcefulness and kindness, Addy decides to help Jaz. Their journey begins at her home, where a party is underway, and continues through a series of adventures, including a visit to an engaging museum. Throughout their escapades, Addy and Jaz develop a deepening friendship and gain valuable insights into human interactions.
Amber Ivey’s approach to discussing technology is both accessible and heartwarming. While she makes AI relatable to young readers, her emphasis is on core human values like friendship, empathy, and mutual support. The story exemplifies how easy and enjoyable making friends can be, with all characters portrayed as kind and willing to help, which fosters a sense of empathy among readers. The narrative is engaging and dynamic, as the protagonists explore various settings and learn valuable lessons. The visual appeal of the book, with its simple yet well-defined illustrations, enhances the reader’s experience. Each page is filled with joy and enthusiasm, and a unique touch is the use of binary numbers for page numbering, adding a playful nod to the tech theme.
AI… Meets… AI is an entertaining and delightful adventure through the city, offering an engaging way to introduce children to technology. The book effectively teaches resilience and the importance of overcoming challenges, making it a valuable addition to any child’s bookshelf.
Pages: 37 | ASIN : B0C87K7HXT
The State of Impermanence
The Zeroth Day follows a former actor haunted by his past who is asked to deliver a mysterious package in exchange for alcohol, leading him to question everything he thought he believed. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My whole life is what pilots call an area of turbulence. The country in which I was born, the Soviet Union, no longer exists. At the age of 17, I left alone for the USA, which at that time seemed to me as distant and mysterious as Mars. Eleven years later, I returned to a new, free Russia. There I witnessed a gradual transformation of this freedom, first into a “managed democracy,” and then into an authoritarian state. I left for France with my wife and three small children. We did not know the language or traditions of that country but came to love it. Then there was Covid and, finally, the war between an already completely changed Russia and Ukraine. In between, while in the USSR, I saw the fall of the Berlin Wall and two coups; when I lived in the USA, I witnessed the tragedy of September 11th. When I lived in Paris, there were terrorist attacks in the Bataclan. I noticed that I can no longer live without crises. When everything is calm, I expect trouble. Such an interesting and rich life makes you ask questions about what is reality and is there anything permanent in this world? This is what I decided to write my book about, taking the state of impermanence to the point of absurdity. Thanks to technological progress, there is a high chance that this absurdity will soon become everyday life.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Prose has a great advantage over other forms of art – the ability to express the thoughts of the characters, as they say, directly from the skull. For example, in cinema, thoughts can only be expressed through actions or images, in fine arts – through form, in music – through melody. But all this is rather a consequence of thoughts and feelings that only writers can describe. In my book, I tried to imagine what a person thinks and feels when he doubts what reality is.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
There are many different themes in my book. The main character is trying to return to the past to correct his mistakes. They say it’s impossible. But is it? Perhaps the technologies of the future will help us, if not go into the past, then at least pull it by the ears to the present.
The second topic, related to the first, is the development of artificial intelligence and its impact on society. Finally, I tried to imagine what society will be like in the near future if its development continues in its current direction.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
It turns out that being a writer is hard work. Having written this book, I feel like a squeezed lemon. But new ideas are already brewing in my head, and I understand that until I give them free rein, they will get on my nerves. Therefore, I will write something new soon.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon
In this captivating narrative, Nikolai’s journey takes centre stage as he battles his own demons while grappling with the encroaching influence of AI on humanity’s future. The book seamlessly intertwines thrilling escapades with introspective moments, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of the human condition.
LITERARY TITAN 