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Societal Observations and Reflections
Desuetude follows an elite hunter of dangerous creatures struggling to find her place in an ever-changing world dominated by factories and growing cityscapes. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for my story was watching society develop and change, both as a whole and in my personal life. I have a background in the social sciences. This allowed me to see the underlying trends and possibilities for the future impartially. My hometown had transformed over the last fifteen years from about 50K people to 150K people. I watched my world being bulldozed and remade; this was a huge influence on my writing of Desuetude.
How long did it take you to imagine, draft, and write the world your characters live in?
I started the book in 2020. My final first draft was completed in 2022. It took me over another year of editing before I got it copyrighted in 2023. This work taught me a ton as a writer and helped me grow immensely.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
Isolation and observation were the most important factors for Desuetude. I wanted Val to seem and feel intensely separate from the world she was thrust into. The other characters she interacts with were designed to have a distant feel to them. Most of the characters don’t have name, and that was done purposely for reinforcing Val’s sense of isolation as Val’s world caves in around her. For the observations, Val was a hunter. Her entire job was to watch, study, and track her query. This translated over to her societal observations and reflections. Being detached gave her a unique perspective on urban life and technology. It gave her an objective view, free of technology’s influence.
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
No. For this book there will not be a sequel. Val’s story is complete in this one installment.
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Technological selection is coming. There is only so much land left. Where there were once vast open spaces, there are now never-ending streets. Where there was once plant life, there are now factories and rows of buildings. Progress knows no mercy.
Val is aware of this. She has become a foreigner in her own homeland. Her hunting profession is dying out. Val is struggling to find her place in the new world, but what can one person do in a society that has forgotten them?
Desuetude is the exciting new literary sci-fi from Nicholas “Tac” Whitcomb.
Desuetude
Desuetude, by NTW, is a gripping work of fiction set in a dystopian future where nature and humanity clash in a fight for survival. The protagonist, Valerie Wiggins, is a hardened exterminator tasked with eliminating dangerous creatures that have evolved to threaten human encroachment into the wilderness. Through her eyes, we navigate a world filled with synthetic enhancements, corporate greed, and the ever-present tension between the wild and the civilized.
NTW’s writing is immersive and richly descriptive, painting vivid images of both the desolate urban landscapes and the treacherous wilderness. The scene where Valerie confronts a massive crustacean near the lake is particularly memorable, showcasing the author’s ability to blend action with deep, reflective moments. The narrative is interspersed with Valerie’s internal monologues, which provide a poignant commentary on her weary existence and the grim realities of her job.
The author explores themes related to environmental degradation and technological overreach. The vertical farm run by the biologist character serves as a microcosm of the broader societal issues at play. The description of the artificially sustained crops and the sterile, controlled environment contrasts sharply with the wild, untamed nature just beyond the fence, highlighting the unnatural balance humanity has imposed on the world. The novel’s pacing introduces a varied rhythm, with certain chapters offering a deep dive into technical details that enrich the narrative. The intricate descriptions of Valerie’s equipment and mission preparations, while detailed, provide an interesting layer of realism and authenticity to her character. The secondary characters, like the biologist, present opportunities for further development, which could add even more depth to Valerie’s interactions and the world she navigates
Desuetude is a thought-provoking read that offers a stark reflection on the consequences of humanity’s relentless pursuit of progress. NTW’s skillful storytelling and vivid world-building make it a compelling book for fans of dystopian fiction and those interested in environmental themes. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy immersive, reflective science fiction with a strong environmental message.
Pages: 98 | ASIN : B0CTHSNYVR
LITERARY TITAN 