Yesterday was an exciting day. With the focus on the release of Immortal Mistake, this date kind of slipped by without much accolade, but it was the re-release (second edition) of my debut novel Integrate. Yay!
Now, I love Blaine as a character and I loved writing his adventures the first time around. However, what people may not realise is when I first wrote Integrate, it was not planned as a trilogy. Replicate only happened right before the first release of this novel. I managed to get out a draft of Replicate before Integrate was published, but I would have liked to go back and draw out certain elements for some characters, foreshadowing, and logistical-legislative aspects.
I never thought I would get the chance, but then … Second edition!!!! 😊
This was like the ultimate redo. As I reworked the novel, I realized I still loved it and the characters, but I was being given an opportunity to make it even better. As I said at a recent function, Integrate first edition was “good”, but the second edition is “gooderer”.
If you’ve not yet read this story and would like to purchase a copy of Integrate, 2nd Edn, it’s available from many bricks and mortar stores and e-book sellers:
And if your country or favourite bookstore isn’t in this list, grab the ISBN number and search for Integrate 2nd Edn in a store near you. 😊
Finally, you can also purchase my novels direct from Rhiza Edge Press. I know you’ll love this re-release as much as I enjoyed revisiting Blaine’s beginnings. ❤️
We’re on the count down for the release of new novel Immortal Mistake. It’s been a long wait, but I think you’ll agree it’s worth it. You’ll see a page with order information coming soon, which I’ll also put on socials.
Time to introduce new hero, Rennie (Rennard) Parker. Remember him? Yep, it’s time for Blaine’s little brother to have his moment in the sun … only it doesn’t really work out as a glowing epoch in his life. This story goes to some dark and difficult places and was, honestly, a hard story to write.
Initially I was aiming for younger readership (that went well …). Instead, I followed where the story led. So here we are …
But I promise you, though this story is difficult in parts, it’s also hopeful. Ultimately. I truly hope you enjoy it. Here’s a teaser below:
Rennie Parker’s life is plagued by domestic upheaval. Now his memories of the past 24 hours have been erased and he’s pursued by a bionic man in his dreams. Left with nightmares of misused children, a video of glowing hands, and part of a dead scientist’s lecture on immortality, can he free those caught in this dark world of forced experimentation?
“You write near science fiction? What’s that mean?”
This question often comes up in relation to the genre of my stories. In response, I explain these stories are based on current and/or theorised science pushed just beyond the bounds of what’s actually (or in some cases, ethically) possible. You may have seen a previous post on the challenge of when science catches up? In ten years, it has.
Photo Credit: swiftsciencewriting, Pixabay
Remember how the Blaine Colton trilogy is founded on “revolutionary gene therapy”? To find a balance between “over science-ing” the story whilst leaving space for the imagination, the specifics and risks of this gene-modifying technology were not laid out in detail. Being new technology, many of the longer-term risks were extrapolated based on known problems of various delivery systems (for example, problematic levels of inflammation, immune interactions), but many remain unknown to this day. Instead I offer a hint here, a reference there. For this reason people sometimes ask for more.
Previously I had to explain types of delivery systems and mechanisms, the potential problems of integrating new genetic material into an organism, and more. Fast track to now, and I can simply say, “You know these experimental shots people are eagerly receiving for the current virus of interest …? Yeah, the fundamental concept is pretty much that.” And something I’ve recently learnt, not only can people develop allergies to GMO products (I knew that already, BUT), some individuals develop sensitivities to people who’ve taken these shots! (Keep an eye out for my soon-to-be released short story inspired by this scenario. 😉)
Against this rapidly changing backdrop, my stories have increasingly leaned towards fringe or even dystopian scenarios to stay a little ahead of the crush. In my “Crossed Spaces” short story Over and Out, I reference PICs—Personal Identification Chips—for the tracking and control of the population by the GG (Global Government), along with intrusive facial recognition technology that can see a person located and swiftly arrested within minutes of identification. I knew identification chips were a thing in some European countries, but not a widely accepted concept. As for facial recognition software, well, anyone been watching China lately …? However …
Photo Credit: Geralt, Pixabay
Little over a year since writing that story, we see Sweden implanting tracking/status chips into flocking recipients in the name of “safety”. (Really???) Not only is this the type of technology on which social credit systems are built and enforced, but intrusive facial recognition monitoring has even been proposed here in Australia by our leaders, with early reports by news outlets suggesting uses could include “enforcing social distancing, mask wearing etc”. Add to this the latest Digital ID legislation that’s being pushed through our parliament and the governing leaders would have capacity to identify, track and punish anyone who is deemed to have breached government-dictated behaviours through technology that allows citizen connectivity and biometrics monitoring for access to community services, travel and financial “credits”. If adopted, “Division 8, Northwest GG Quadrant” from Over and Out may not seem quite so farfetched. (It’s a fun story. If you haven’t read it yet, you should.)
I could detail other fiction I’ve penned that has become reality, from harvesting human embryonic organs to behaviour-modifying technology. No doubt I’m not the only science fiction author witnessing this trend. Like anything in science, just because we can, doesn’t mean we ought. And like any decision, convenience and fear should never be the driving determinants, but awareness should, and the capacity to see where seemingly beneficial technologies could lead without appropriate regulation.
I’ve a hunch we’ve only seen the tip of “near science fiction” proposed for our societies by certain well-resourced entities. No doubt more reveals will come. Hopefully most of us have our ears and eyes open so we can recognise when bounds are being overstepped, and can thus respond with future generations in mind to foster the good and question what is not.
If you’ve read my recent blogs you’ll know Jett was the mystery character for the book give-away. Know what that means? You guessed it, there’s a Jett novella in the works!
Image Credit: Ice cream by RitaE, Pixabay
For those familiar with Jett’s character, you’d know his favourite food is ice cream. It’s been said a writer’s characters often reflect elements of their creator and I must confess I’m a huge ice cream fan. That said, I’ve been on a restricted diet for the past 11 or so months ☹, so I’ve had to be a little creative with my options lately. But never fear: my inner foody is alive and well! 😊
While we’re on the topic of food, I am of the opinion there’s power in connections made around food. We all experience hunger and food is a great levelling field. Even if there is contention between people, a meal provides an opportunity to come together, build relationship and gain greater understanding.
Image Credit: Restaurant by Free-Photos, Pixabay
I think food also can be a mode of communication. An example from my novels is when Blaine sends Sophie a heap of ice creamery vouchers in honour of his bestie, Jett. His thoughtfulness and detail clearly communicate, “I’m thinking about you and I care.” Even something as simple as getting or making a person’s favourite beverage for them tells them they are important enough in your world to a) pay attention to what they like, and b) think of them enough to take action on that knowledge, and c) you’re willing to invest time together around that drink to build your connection.
What about comfort? Without getting on the unhealthy side of food addiction, it’s a fact that food can offer comfort in given situations. These don’t have to be bad situations, in fact, they can be really positive. Can’t you smell that hearty soup as you walk inside from a cold wintery night? What about stained face and fingers as you pick sweet, juicy mulberries off the tree on a warm spring day? So many memories are connected to the taste, aroma and texture of food. For me, Wonton soup and bubble tea are two foods that have strong associations. Another is chickpea curry, and don’t forget ice cream. The reason these are so comforting for me are the relationships and related memories they represent.
Image Credit: Blackberry by Dieter_G, Pixabay
And let’s face it, food can be fun! Ever heard of the food fight? Or the chocolate game? (Roll the dice and when you get a six you quickly put on gloves, then try to cut off pieces of chocolate with a knife and fork before the next person rolls a six.) Or fluffy bunnies? (How many marshmallows can you fit in your mouth?) Or the baby feeding game? (Someone behind another person blindly tries to put food in their mouth with a baby spoon.) Or pass the donut/lifesaver? (With a toothpick held in their teeth. I always found that one a little unhygienic …)
In my opinion there’s much to be said for the power of food. Even our health can be strongly impacted by our food choices. Nations can be brought to their knees in the name of food. (A sobering thought in our western world of plenty.)
So next time you share a meal, don’t just eat, but take a moment to experience the taste, smell, texture of each mouthful. And if you can, take the opportunity to build a memory with others that will last a lifetime.
Did you know I compile playlists for my novels? At the bottom of each Blaine Colton Trilogy page you’ll find a playlist. Never noticed? Just go to each page and scroll on down to find them at the bottom. But so you can keep reading for now, I’ll also add the link to each playlist here: Integrate Replicate Activate
The songs I select for these lists are aimed to reflect elements of the story, especially the hero’s journey of change as they face the forces coming against them.
Currently I’ve signed up for NaNoWriMo to keep me on track for completing the draft of a novella-length story. This story is based on one of your favourite characters from the Blaine Colton Trilogy and for fun (or maybe procrastination …) I decided to put together a short playlist for this story.
If you can guess which character this story is about, comment below with the name of that character and why you think it’s them for a chance to win a copy of one of my novels. (You can also add which novel you’d like to read in the comment too.) If I get more than one correct answer, I’ll do a random selection, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.
So the deal is: you’ve got one week to comment with the name of the character and why you think it’s them, along with which of my novels you’d like to get your hands on. (BTW you can also gift the prize to a friend, if you’ve already got all my books.)
I’m editing this post to add a little hint here (well, kind of a HUUUGE hint). The character in question has their name on the blurb of one of my books. 😀
If you are the lucky recipient of this prize, you’ll receive either one paperback copy of the requested novel if you live in Australia, or if you’re internationally based, I’ll send a Kindle version to your reader. Don’t forget, if you already own the set, you can gift your prize to someone you think would love to get their hands on a copy for themselves.
Now, I love Blaine as a character and I loved writing his adventures the first time around. However, what people may not realise is when I first wrote Integrate, it was not planned as a trilogy. Replicate only happened right before the first release of this novel. I managed to get out a draft of Replicate before Integrate was published, but I would have liked to go back and draw out certain elements for some characters, foreshadowing, and logistical-legislative aspects.
Time to introduce new hero, Rennie (Rennard) Parker. Remember him? Yep, it’s time for Blaine’s little brother to have his moment in the sun … only it doesn’t really work out as a glowing epoch in his life. This story goes to some dark and difficult places and was, honestly, a hard story to write.
