Blog Archives
The Human Psyche
The Woman in the Ship follows the captain of a starship and the ship’s sentient AI, as they drift through the black silence of space after the destruction of Earth. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It was a wonderful and fascinating topic to write about, but the inspiration itself would involve a major spoiler for a twist in the novel, so I will have to tell you later off mic! But I have always been interested in space flight since teenage years and have had an interest in artificial intelligence since writing my previous novel Android Author. I am primarily interested in human emotions and interactions though, and putting the crew of the Ascension into such an extreme situation is a perfect way for me to delve into the human psyche and the AI element was an interesting jump point to explore what it means to be a conscious, intelligent life form.
The writing in your story is very artful and creative. Was it a conscious effort to create a story in this fashion, or is this style of writing reflective of your writing style in general?
It is my natural style, although it has developed over the years. When I first started writing, I was always lyrical in my style, and actually, I have reigned it in over the years and learned that just because I know how to write beautiful twiddly prose doesn’t mean you always have to – a bit like not showing off all the time on the guitar in a band – not that I am in a band, well not yet anyway!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Yes, I wanted to explore childhood memories, how we remember our parents and how we can relive similar stories through different lifetimes. Mostly though, getting sidetracked from your question a bit, I just wanted to be in space! And until they decide to appoint a poet laureate in the international space station, this is the closest I can get. I woke up one morning at about 2AM and had the whole book plotted out in two hours, including names and everything. Sitting down and writing it was the equivalent of getting my space boots on and venturing out myself into, as you say, the black silence of space.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I have just finished this and another project, a comic called The Gloriously Untrue Adventures Of Sapphira which I wrote and illustrated – also set partly in space – and will be working on my new projects in January. Issue 2 of my comic and a new novel, as yet untitled, about a future society where unborn children are vetted by AI systems before they are deemed suitable for birth and inclusion in society.
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Captain Sally Arden finds herself at the heart of this drifting elegy, caught between duty and despair. Her closest companion is Nova, the ship’s sentient AI, who defied orders to self-destruct and now manifests with the personality and memories of a long-dead woman named Nova Starlight. As the remaining crew wrestles with loss, love, and fractured identities, Sally’s bond with Nova deepens into something intimate, uncanny—and possibly redemptive.
With luminous prose and a dreamlike voice, The Woman in the Ship drifts between science fiction and philosophical fable.
In The Fullness of Tion
In the Fullness of Tion, by J.C. Gemmell, offers a thought-provoking collection of short stories that delve into a speculative future where society, rebuilt from the ruins of its collapse, operates within a rigidly defined caste system. This thematic backbone supports nine captivating tales exploring technology, human connections, and divergent ideas about existence and identity.
Blending elements of science fiction and fantasy, Gemmell’s work aligns with the tradition of speculative fiction. Readers may sense echoes of Isaac Asimov and William Gibson, particularly the latter’s focus on technology’s capacity to isolate and alienate humanity. The stories, while interconnected by overarching themes, vary widely in tone—ranging from hopeful to deeply cynical. One tale introduces a man confined to a single room, existing as part of a living collection. Another adopts a nostalgic lens, following a woman who rekindles a romantic connection from her past.
Gemmell’s narrative style is as challenging as it is inventive. His world-building is dense, populated by unfamiliar concepts and terminology crafted specifically for the stories. Readers are left to piece together much of the context through subtle clues, an approach that rewards patience and careful attention. While this complexity may deter those seeking lighter fare, it provides a deeply immersive experience for those willing to embrace it.
In the Fullness of Tion presents high-concept science fiction that feels both urgent and eerily prescient. Gemmell’s exploration of societal collapse and technological alienation is not only compelling but also serves as a timely commentary on the trajectory of our own world. For fans of speculative fiction with depth and ambition, this book is a rare and rewarding find.
Pages: 233 | ASIN : B0D32G8SR4
No Easy Answers
In Entheóphage, children worldwide fall victim to a mysterious illness which reveals their compelling empathic connection to the coral reefs in the South Pacific. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
I’m a very Earth-minded person. It bothers me to see so many people ignoring the warning signs of environmental degradation and climate/habitat destruction. The idea for Entheóphage came to me when, in a moment of high frustration over these issues, I wondered what it would take to wake people up to the harm our actions are having on our world and the other beings who share it with us. It occurred to me in that moment that maybe, just maybe, if our children were being more immediately and directly affected or threatened by our actions, in ways no one could deny, that might finally wake us up to the consequences of our behavior.
The science inserted in the fiction, I felt, was well-balanced. How did you manage to keep it grounded while still providing the fantastic edge science fiction stories usually provide?
While I love science and read many articles about discoveries, I am an average layperson, not a scientist. I was fortunate enough to find specialists in the fields relevant to my story, professionals who were willing to help me get the science correct. But I also knew that I needed to keep it easy to read for lay readers like me, and not bog them down with too much detail.
I utilized a number of beta readers who provided me with honest feedback on the readability. They were so helpful in keeping the science approachable!
Even so, it was a delicate balance, one I played with over multiple drafts before I got it right.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to look at reasons why people (like Isobel, in the story) would damage fragile ecosystems without a second thought. Not just greed. Real-life reasons. Hard reasons. Not everyone who contributes to environmental destruction is a bad guy; sometimes there are no easy answers. We just need better, more sustainable ways to accomplish our goals, and too few of us–especially those in the corporate world, who have the means to really make a difference–have made it a priority.
In addition, I tried to explore the theme of ignorance so many of us share. Even Luk, when his daughter gets sick in the story, doesn’t believe the things she’s saying. It took a lot to convince him – like Kyndra’s knowledge of the wildfires, when she could not have known about them any other way.
Evolution and the interconnectedness of nature were important to the theme of this book, as well as how humans (to a large degree) have considered themselves to be disconnected from that web. I tried to imagine how Gala/Earth might speak to us if she could – and found it flowed well to show her using natural processes, as in accelerated evolution, to enable the phages to communicate with us through these children.
Can readers look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I’m about to release book two in a science fantasy trilogy called The Founder’s Seed, a story about a shapeshifter whose uniqueness sets her apart and, at the same time, puts her in the perfect situation to save her people—even if she’s still learning how to wield her special abilities. Book one, Fallen, is available now in paperback, ebook, and audiobook. Book two, Broken, is coming in November. Book three, Driven, is coming next summer.
I also have a dark ecofiction novelette entitled Deer in Headlights coming on State of Matter’s online webzine (https://stateofmatter.in) in November. I’m really proud of this story!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Niveym Arts | Amazon
Dr. Isobel Fallon thinks she’s found a treatment that will help her son and others suffering from Milani Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. What she doesn’t realize is that harvesting the source of this treatment in the only accessible place on earth it grows, a coral reef in the Nlaan Islands, is going to have consequences far beyond the disruption of the fragile ecosystem on one small reef.
CDC researcher Nadine Parker and her team are baffled. Lukas Behn’s daughter Kyndra has contracted a bizarre new virus that leaves her screaming in pain. But they can’t identify any physical, biological source for that pain, not in Kyndra, nor in the dozens, then hundreds, and finally millions of children worldwide succumbing to the same virus. And no one seems to have made a connection between what’s happening with the infected children and the events on a small coral reef in the South Pacific.
Eventually, Nadine has to face the unlikely truth, and the enormous implications of it. The children aren’t sick, they’re changing. But will anyone else believe her?
Entheóphage
Entheóphage, by Drema Deòraich, is a captivating narrative centered on environmental crisis and human accountability. The story begins with a gripping and tragic event: Lukas Behn’s daughter becomes the first known victim of a strange pandemic affecting only children. What sets this illness apart is not just its mystery but the victims’ profound empathic connection to the environment, a link that reveals the broader impact of humanity’s reckless actions. Lukas finds an unexpected partner in Nadine, the CDC’s lead investigator, whose fearless determination uncovers the disease’s chilling correlation with environmental pollution. As the plot deepens, Dr. Isobel, a scientist working for the pharmaceutical giant Holschtatt, is revealed as a pivotal figure. She oversees the destructive exploitation of coral reefs around the Nlaan Islands, ignoring the ecological devastation caused in pursuit of corporate interests. Together, Lukas and Nadine confront a world in denial, battling public indifference and corporate resistance to expose the true costs of environmental neglect. Deòraich’s novel is more than just a dystopian warning—it’s a powerful reminder of the irreversible damage we risk by ignoring the earth’s warnings.
One of the novel’s standout features is its seamless integration of science. Deòraich has clearly done extensive research, crafting a fictional disease whose symptoms and underlying mechanisms are not only plausible but are explained with impressive clarity. The scientific elements are woven naturally into the plot, never feeling forced, and they contribute to the unsettling realism of the pandemic’s portrayal. The balance between hard science and the development of complex, relatable characters is masterful, making for a story that is both emotionally engaging and intellectually stimulating.
A key strength of Entheóphage is its refusal to offer easy solutions or to vilify any one character. Instead, the author delves into the intricacies of human impact on the environment. Dr. Isobel, for example, is not depicted as a simple antagonist. Her motivations and internal struggles are given depth, illustrating the gray areas between corporate ambition and ecological destruction. This nuanced approach adds a layer of authenticity to the story, making the characters feel real and their conflicts compelling.
Entheóphage is an engrossing blend of scientific insight, moral urgency, and thought-provoking storytelling. Its message is clear: the time to act is now before it’s too late. This book is an excellent read for all ages, offering both a warning and a call to action for those concerned about the future of our planet.
Pages: 443 | ASIN : B0BHH7SDQR
Focus on Humanity
Of Friction follows a brother and sister team who are on a mission to protect a pivotal summit between the Altered and Humans from human-supremacist terrorists. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This story and idea has been playing in my head for fifteen years and when I finally attempted to write it down, it was more angst than an actual plot. Worse, most of the story is in the second book of the planned trilogy, which meant I had to figure everything out before then. I turned to different world events and international affairs that I’ve been interested in. History repeats itself or something like it, right? Overall, I’m influenced by A24 films and Denis Villeneuve (the story was initially written as a screenplay) and I wanted to emphasize character while balancing the world-building and plot.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
I always knew I wanted to focus on humanity and I prefer “realistic” science fiction (less aliens, more technology and science). The Altered, genetically engineered humans who are stronger and more resilient in a post-climate change/war-destroyed earth, were a credible “enemy.”
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Growing up as a first-generation American, I struggled with a lot of identity crises. When you add on a difficult transition from a year-long assignment in Iraq (two years in Mexico before that) where my job became most of who I was, identity is questioned. A lot. Of Friction helps touch on this as well as the theme of perspective. I am grateful my experiences exposed me to different cultures and stories, and one thing I noticed is that no one believes they are the bad guy.
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?
Yes, this is the first book of a trilogy. I am currently editing Book 2 and plan on releasing it in early 2025. The next book picks up immediately after Book 1, but will stretch over a longer period. It delves into the relationships explored in Of Friction, throws the team into more tense situations as Altered and humans are “forced” to coexist, and touches on themes of anger, fear, PTSD, and how war affects different people/sides.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Winner, 2024 Pencraft Seasonal Book Award
Decades of hostilities. A chance for peace. Caught between belligerent groups, will this operation be her last?
Sam “Valkyrie” Ryan is reeling. Struggling with her brother’s recent decision to make their next assignment his last, the recon specialist fights to change his mind. But she has no time to process her emotions when they’re tasked to protect a pivotal reconciliation summit between the Altered and Humans from human-supremacist terrorists.
Distracted by a charming female medic, the golden-haired marine struggles to stay focused as events quickly unravel. And with the conflict becoming dangerously unpredictable, secrets from the past catch Sam by surprise as she uncovers a plot to destroy all of humanity.
Can she stop a violent and oppressive history from spiraling into a catastrophic future?
Of Friction is the fast-paced first book in the Altered Earth dystopian military speculative fiction series. If you like strong women, tense action, and slow-burn LGBTQ+ romance, then you’ll love S.J. Lee’s gripping story.
Read Of Friction to launch a critical mission today!
Second Chance Romance
The Empath’s Second Chance follows human Sylas and enigmatic alien Ksa’in as they navigate through love, loss, and healing amid a cosmos teeming with exotic creatures and hostile abductions. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
For me, The Empath’s Second Chance grew naturally from the first book in the series, The Empath’s Lover. In that book, Sylas was presented almost as a bad guy, but really his negative actions were due to jealousy, insecurity, distrust, and just as a result of being a little shaken up by experiencing the unexpected during the mission. This character in my mind was so much more than what readers got to see of him in the first book, so I decided he deserved a book of his own. He is a man who hides his insecurities and weaknesses behind a sarcastic and easy-going facade and, because of this, it’s hard for people to get to know who he really is underneath it all. So, who better to do this than an empath? This is where Ksa’in comes in.
From the plot side of things, in book 1 we learn that the Kyphomi are allied with a species whose planet is on the verge of destruction. They wanted the Earth for themselves and thought the Kyphomi were going to help them get it. They are in a desperate situation, so even if the Kyphomi were able to convince their leadership that their change of heart about humans and the Earth was the right thing, there are bound to be those among them that don’t agree. It is their desperation coupled with their misconceptions about humankind that lead to the abduction.
As for where the series is set up in terms of where they are in time and space and what the humans were doing in the outer solar system, a lot of that was inspired by science documentaries I’ve watched with my sons. In particular, the videos documenting the space exploration humankind has already done and what they hope to do next. From there, I imagined what it might be like in the future if and when we send manned missions to the outer solar system.
The universe in your book is rich with varied planets and creatures; how did you build these interstellar worlds and ensure they provided a vibrant but coherent backdrop to the romance and drama unfolding between the characters?
Since I’m writing MM sci-fi romance, the romance is the focus and the science is soft. That being said, much of what I include about space and planets is inspired by those science fiction documentaries and informational videos I watch with my kids. Also, my set-up for the first book, and thus the series beginning, was a group of 5 astronauts on the first manned mission to the outer solar system encountering an alien species for the first time. This can be very limiting in terms of settings, characters, and creatures. So, instead of just having the enemy aliens abduct him and stick him in a prison somewhere, I had them dump him on a hostile planet as a sort of test–kind of like survival of the fittest. But it was also a test to see how a human would treat a foreign planet and primitive people. By stranding Sylas and having him struggle for survival, I was able to show more of this hostile world and some of its inhabitants.
For inspiration for this planet, I used some of Earth’s own environments, exaggerated some elements, and added the kinds of differences one might see if it was a binary star system instead of a planet with one sun. The kinds of creatures and races I added came from my imagination, but with consideration of adaptations one might see for that type of environment.
Because it was a hostile, alien planet, we got to see more of Sylas’ resilience and strength as he struggled for survival. It also provided an opportunity to show the growing relationship between Sylas and Ksa’in once Ksa’in gets there and locates him. By having them fight for survival, and fight to return to the ship so they can escape, we get to see the two characters each putting the other first. We see them willing to make sacrifices, and even go so far as to sacrifice their lives so that the other can survive.
Sylas and Ksa’in showcase a complex, multi-layered relationship throughout the novel; can you share insights into your process for developing their characters?
In the first book of the series, the relationship between the two lovers was almost instantaneous–it was a love at first sight, bordering on fated mates kind of story. The pressures on their relationship were mostly external.
For the second book in the series, I wanted it to be different. I wanted the readers to experience the characters’ internal struggles. So I made it a second chance romance, but not the kind where it’s a second chance for the same couple. Instead, it was a second chance at love for each of them after losing a love relationship in the past. For Sylas, he’d lost both a romantic love interest and a close family member, and the loss of that potential romantic love relationship was recent enough to still sting.
These losses had to be tragic enough that they would be reluctant to just go with their feelings. Opening themselves up to a new love was an internal struggle for both of them. This struggle allowed me to bring in some of their backstories and better showcase who they are as individuals. It also allowed me to show the inevitability of a love that’s meant to be, so to speak. In the end, they were both powerless to resist the pull they had to each other, and unable to deny or ignore the deep bond that grew between them.
What is the next book you are working, on and when will it be available?
The next book I’m working on is book 3 of the series. The setting will be a bit different, in that is will mostly occur back on Earth (kind of). But we will continue to see both the Kyphomi and the humans. The date is still uncomfirmed, but I am hoping it will be next spring or summer.
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Sylas Hayes had only just learned that humans were not alone in the universe when he lost the man he pined for to an alien. Heartbroken, and distrusting of their new allies, Sylas decides that love is not worth the pain.
Ksa’in is the first kyphomi to serve on a human spaceship. One crewman catches his attention from the very start. But Sylas is reeling from a recent heartbreak, and Ksa’in is haunted by a past loss.
After Sylas is abducted by alien rebels, Ksa’in is determined to find him and bring him back where he belongs. Stranded on an inhospitable planet, they are forced to rely on one another to survive and with each new danger they face together, an unexpected bond begins to form. Will they find true love amidst the chaos or will the universe tear them apart?
If you enjoy MM Sci-Fi Romance, then you’ll be captivated by this heart-pounding story of love and survival. Buy now before the price changes!
Content Warning: The Empath’s Second Chance is the second book in The Kyphomi Empath’s series. It can be read as a standalone, but is best read with The Empath’s Lover. It contains adult themes and language and explicit sexual content. It is intended for readers 18+.
LITERARY TITAN 