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Hope for Redemption
Overlap: The Lives of a Former Time Jumper follows a man nearing the end of his life who decides to tell his story of time travel to a young reporter. What was your inspiration for the setup of the story, and how did that help you create the ending?
Inspiration came from a few sources. The concept of being able to ‘jump’ into previous versions of yourself in your timeline came from an independent film I watched some years ago. The idea behind Marcus’ desire to change the past to save his wife comes from my experience of loss. His hope for redemption was largely inspired by my father and something he told me nearing the end of his life. A merging of these led me to an ending I hadn’t originally planned but I believe turned out to be a better conclusion to Marcus’ story.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Yes, and more. The ending for Marcus, while changed in certain details, is what I envisioned for him in my original story outline. Jessica, on the other hand, developed beyond my first draft and grew as the story unfolded. Part of the writing process I enjoy is not knowing exactly where things are going and experiencing the joy of discovering it almost as the reader would.
Is there any moral or idea that you hope readers take away from the story?
I hope readers will be encouraged by the idea of redemption and that we can lift ourselves from grief, no matter the loss. We can make a better future, even if cannot change the past.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have a finished draft of a novel with my editor. By Way of Avernus follows a team of marines from Earth on a mission to a parallel world to prepare for a forced occupation. It is their last-ditch effort to save the four and a half billion left on a dying planet. Meanwhile, on the pristine sister world of Idyllium, forces work to prevent the same. Morality is blurred. Lines are drawn, some are crossed. I hope to have a release date in April 2024.
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Marcus had been a recluse for much of his life after his beloved wife, Ellie, tragically died. His inventions had made him wealthy, but that had never been his motivation. His most famous production, the Chamber, spawned an international business called Vacations in Time. Around the world its clients, time jumpers, flocked into stores to relive moments in their lives. Without warning the business closed its doors, never sending another client on a vacation in time.
Some fifteen years later, Marcus requests the first and only interview he would ever do. As he and Jessica discussed his invention, how it became commercialized into a recreational experience, and why he shut it down, the conversation shifted in directions neither could have expected.
Overlap: The Lives of a Former Time Jumper
N. Joseph Glass’s novel Overlap refreshingly reimagines the often-overused concept of time travel, presenting it as a complex and emotionally charged journey rather than a straightforward trope. Time travel is not a simple leap across quantum space but a path fraught with challenges, consequences, and profound human interactions. Glass excels in crafting a universe where every action is significant and where the mechanics of time travel are both logically sound and emotionally resonant.
The story centers around Marcus, who, after losing his wife Ellie in a tragic incident, dedicates himself to unraveling the mysteries of time in a bid to reverse his loss. His quest, driven by deep personal grief, leads him into a labyrinth of temporal experiments and business ventures. Glass’s portrayal of Marcus’s invention of time travel stands out as a highlight, evolving throughout the novel into a captivating and dynamic plot element.
Glass’s narrative prowess and character development in Overlap are commendable. His work rivals that of more established authors in the genre, showcasing a remarkable consistency in both the complex mechanics of time travel and the richly developed characters. The dialogue is clear and effective, skillfully driving the narrative forward. There are moments when the dialogue subtly invites the reader to engage more deeply with the text, offering an opportunity to discern the characters’ distinct voices through context rather than relying on dialogue tags. This nuanced approach adds a layer of sophistication to the narrative. This story is a standout example of time travel fiction, captivating in its execution and memorable in its storytelling. Glass has created a world where consistency in character development, narrative mechanics, and overall quality is paramount.
Overlap by N. Joseph Glass is a thought-provoking and intricately woven tale that challenges and redefines the conventions of time travel fiction. Its strengths lie in its well-crafted narrative, complex character development, and innovative approach to time travel mechanics. Glass’s work is a testament to the imaginative possibilities within the genre and a must-read for those who appreciate a story that combines intellectual rigor with emotional depth.
Pages: 235 | ASIN : B0CHBDLYD9
LITERARY TITAN 