Blog Archives
Belonging and Diversity
Quantum Seed follows a neuroscientist with the ability to control brainwaves and see into the future who gets a shocking message from advanced beings that the end of humanity is imminent. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I drew upon two things – my personal experiences in experimental neuroscience and a vivid dream I had about how our civilization has been steered off course.
Victoria struggles with fitting in, only to develop unique abilities that add to her challenge. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Initially, Victoria really wants to belong, to be understood, and to be accepted for who she is. Instead, she finds herself living a life of isolation because it’s safer and less painful than facing rejection by others. However, in order to survive, she must learn to lower her walls and trust others.
Also, her development shows that what sets us apart can also empower us. Of course, with her abilities, she faces the moral and ethical implications of how to use them.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Belonging and diversity – I see these as necessities for the survival of the individual and our civilization.
Living with artificial intelligence when it is less artificial was another big theme. The book is set in the future when AI is more organic matter like us. Thus, raising questions of rights and place in society.
Transforming ourselves is a prominent theme. Many people are disheartened by all the imbalances in the world, from inequality to a lack of value in human lives. I wondered if all of humanity depended on us transforming and evolving quickly, could we do it, and what would it look like?
The ethics of advanced interventions with the human brain is something the novel delves into, and it is a theme that won’t be confined to my novel.
Can you tell us a little about where the story goes in book two and when the novel will be available?
Book Two will be fast-paced as the team returns to save Earth in 187 days. They face unexpected challenges all along the way. There will be some big reveals.
Book Two will be available by the end of this year (2024).
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This thought-provoking narrative explores the boundaries of human potential in the face of a looming global catastrophe. Through the eyes of Victoria Ottery, a neuroscientist with a unique ability to control brainwaves and glimpse into the future, the novel weaves the extraordinary with the familiar while tackling themes of belonging, human capabilities, and societal evolution.
Victoria finds it impossible to fit in, but this becomes the least of her worries when a brain-training session awakens her latent potential. Suddenly, she receives a shocking message from advanced beings. The countdown to humanity’s fate has begun—could the wisdom and technology of inhabitants in another world reshape our trajectory? What will they reveal about the true nature of Victoria’s abilities . . . and her destiny?
Stronger and More Courageous
The Locket follows a young widow who discovers her grandmother’s locket has magical abilities and uses it to try and go back in time to save her husband from dying. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
At the age of 42, I became a widow with four children to raise on my own. I used to dream of a world where I could escape, not from my kids but with them. I can’t help but think if my husband would have been diagnosed with cancer today, that he would have had a better outcome. So I am always thinking about time travel.
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?
Just before my husband died he finally gave me his blessing to buy my first horse. So a year after he died, I did. It was a great way to spend time with my kids and help them work out their grief when we didn’t quite know how to communicate it with each other. I decided I wouldn’t let being single stop me from my dreams. I was a determined city girl that bought herself an 80 acre ranch and moved to the country. I brought my horse home and from there the magic happened. When you own property, the other horses just seem to show up. This hodge podge of twenty horses; some rescues, some my kids’, some boarders; were my daily companions. When you own a horse ranch you don’t have time to ride horses but I enjoyed walking among them, their different personalities, and how they would follow me around when I hiked the property. We grew a little hay but mostly rocks. The land was a mix of woods and ponds and creeks. It was magical. It is the inspiration for Avenrand.
I now live in the middle of the woods in the Ozarks. As Lacy and her girls explored Avenrand, the fascinating natural features of the landscape in this area continued to inspire the setting. I just kept asking myself, What if? What if that pond reflected the future, what if that tree could talk, what if that hole in the ground was a portal to another world?
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to take Lacy through the five stages of grief and have her come to accept her new life as a stronger, more courageous mother on the other side. In my own grief I remember how thin the veil between our world and the world beyond this life felt. One of the themes I strived to convey is how what can be very real to one person; their faith, their spiritual connections to the beyond, their memories; is very real whether other people can experience it or not and whether they truly believe it or not. The question I wanted the readers to explore, at least at some points in the story, was this: Was Lacy creating the delusion of Avenrand as a coping mechanism for her grief or is Avenrand real? Of course, I do hope by the end of the story that everyone knows that Avenrand is real.
Other themes I enjoyed exploring were the sacrifices that military families make for our armed forces and the power dynamics in long term friendships.
When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Book 2: The Key: Tales From Avenrand will be released no later than Fall of 2024. Of course, it will take readers back to Avenrand. This story will explore the themes of adult sibling relationships as Olivia and Alice deal with family trauma in different ways.
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time to try to save her husband and keep her family whole. But when the locket accidentally
takes her and her daughters to another dimension, she discovers she can’t completely control
the magic. Though the enchanted land of Avenrand is full of wonder, a darker presence lurks in
the shadows, threatening all who travel its realm. Now Lacy must find her inner strength to lead
her family home or lose her daughters forever.
The Locket
K.S. Brixey’s The Locket is a captivating blend of women’s fiction and fantasy that explores the themes of grief, motherhood, and the transcendental power of love. Set against the backdrop of both contemporary life and the magical realm of Avenrand, the novel is a compelling read, offering a unique blend of realism and fantasy.
Brixey’s writing style is both engaging and descriptive, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the world she creates. The narrative flows seamlessly between the real world and the fantastical elements of Avenrand, maintaining a believable and enchanting balance. The dialogue is natural and effective in advancing the plot while also providing depth to the characters. Brixey’s skillful use of imagery and detail brings the story to life, allowing readers to vividly imagine the scenes and characters.
The central character, Lacy, discovers a magical locket that allows her to travel through time and alternate realities, primarily to the mystical land of Avenrand. This plot device is used effectively to explore the emotional landscape of the protagonist, particularly her coping mechanisms in dealing with the loss of her husband and the challenges of raising her daughters. The story is well-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. One of the strengths of The Locket is its character development. Lacy is portrayed as a multi-dimensional character whose journey through grief, self-discovery, and empowerment is both relatable and inspiring. Her struggles and growth are portrayed realistically, making her a character readers can empathize with and root for. The supporting characters, including her daughters and the inhabitants of Avenrand, are well-developed and contribute significantly to the storyline and Lacy’s development.
The Locket by K.S. Brixey is an imaginative and emotionally resonant novel that successfully combines women’s fiction with fantasy elements. It’s a story about the enduring strength of love and the journey towards healing and self-discovery. This book is recommended for readers who enjoy a mix of realistic and fantastical elements in their stories and those who appreciate strong character development and emotional depth in their reading.
Pages: 371 | ASIN : B0CLKY35H1
