Tag Archives: Replicate

Some Kind of Human

09/07/2021Blogabortion, bioethics, Blaine Colton Trilogy, chimera, humanoid, organ harvesting, Replicate, Research, traffickingAdele

PLEASE NOTE: This blog contains details that may distress some readers.

They say reality is stranger than fiction, and recent reports based on information acquired through ‘Freedom of Information Act’ suits revealed that is consistently true.

As you may know, my young adult novels are near science fiction. This means these stories are based around science that feels like it could happen, but in reality pushes out the boundaries of what is actually possible. That is, unless science catches up. Unfortunately, when you write stories exposing the underbelly of bioethics, that’s not always a good thing.

Replicate is the second novel in the ‘Blaine Colton Trilogy’ and it broaches the issue of embryonic cloning (hence the title). This sees Blaine accidentally uncover an international crime syndicate that appears to be selling off embryonic body parts—amongst other things. Fiction, right?

Actually, this idea was sparked by genuine reports of foetal-organ-trafficking. As I delved into it, there was clear evidence that this was occurring. Around the time of Replicate’s release, a report detailed the NIH had received funding to purchase human brains and organs from aborted babies to “spare mice pain and suffering”. This is despite the fact unborn babies feel pain and are not offered pain relief as they are dismembered during abortion procedures. The same article explained how there was an organ-processing service that would collect the bodies of aborted babies from clinics, dissect out their organs for individual packaging, then send those tissues to labs for research. Some even sent whole heads to “preserve fragile neural tissue”.

This practice of organ harvesting for profit was again reported in April 2017 with admissions of price haggling over “specimens” from unborn babies as old as 24 weeks in utero. Fast track some years …

In June 2020, The Federalist reported that witnesses made statements under oath revealing “women’s healthcare” providers had dissected organs out of babies born alive. (Apparently some babies ‘“just fall out” of some women in the operating room’. Like, what?!) More recently, information acquired under FOIA included a price list for—you guessed it—body parts of aborted babies.

Photo Credit: Stillborn, Nicci Coertze Kruger from Pixabay

Cuts a little close to the bone, true? But it gets even more bizarre …

April this year Judicial Watch released an article detailing FDA purchases in recent years of fresh “foetal organs” to create “humanised mice” for the testing of biological drugs. (Yep, you read that correctly.) Advanced Bioscience Resources (ABR) based in California was contracted to supply human foetal tissue “with a gestational age of 16 to 24 weeks”. In March 2019 a lawsuit ordered HHS to release records about harvested tissue from aborted babies, with ‘… [t]he court [finding] “there is reason to question” whether the transactions violate federal law barring the sale of fetal organs.’

And yet … (Do we EVER learn???)

In April 2021 the Biden administration reversed President Trump’s policy that protected ‘… preborn Americans from the callous dehumanization of organ harvesting and further desecration of their bodies in research disguised as “science.”’ In June 2021 The Federalist report revealed boards overseeing human foetal tissue research, with the power to block research proposals for ethical reasons, were shut down. Also, the Centre for Medical Progress revealed shocking reports of NIAID at NIH funding studies that involved stitching the scalp of 5-month-old aborted babies onto rats for experimentation, along with killing infants delivered alive for harvesting of livers. And it gets even weirder, with other reports of guidelines for research surrounding the creation of human-animal (otherwise known as ‘chimeras’), and more.

Photo Credit: Animal, Tibor Janosi Mozes from Pixabay

Even in light of my latest work in progress, where aborted children are being misused for a hellish, high-tech ploy, these above examples make my science fiction seem tame. I will not destroy the plot twists for you in the event this story gets published, but these organ-trafficking reports deliver alarming parallels to a number of elements in this new story. This unthinkable commoditising of the most vulnerable humans in our world makes me wonder when we’re going to stop and allow the horror of what this truly means to seep in. Large numbers of these are children who would have had an excellent chance of survival outside the womb. And yet, they are reduced to just another ‘cut of meat’ for the butcher to serve to their clients.

As always, the truth is much stranger, and significantly more horrifying, than fiction.

Author Interview: Blaine Colton trilogy

28/01/2018BlogActivate, Author, Blaine Colton Trilogy, creative process, Fiction, Integrate, interview, Replicate, Rhiza Press, WritingAdele

For the next couple of posts I thought I’d follow up my latest blog by sharing some more interviews. But this time it’s me being interviewed!

In the interview linked below I’m talking to Wombat Books/Rhiza Press Director, Rochelle Manners, about the Blaine Colton trilogy. This brief chat is a nice prelude to what’s coming next time … but more about that then. 😉

For now, I’ll hand you over to Rochelle.

Author interview: Blaine Colton trilogy & writing with Rochelle Manners

(Dis)Ability Action Week QLD

06/09/2016BlogActivate, Blaine Colton, Book Fair, celebration, Disability, Disability Action Week, Fiction, Game Changer, inclusion, Integrate, New Release, novel, Omega Writers, Queensland, Replicate, Rhiza Press, Trilogy, YA, Young AdultAdele

Del signing Saturday I received copies of my new novel Activate hot off the press and had the pleasure of sharing it with attendees at the Omega Writers Book Fair 2016. Technically its release date is Nov 1, 2016, but with next week (Sept 11-17) being Disability Action Week 2016 in Queensland, I can’t think of more perfect timing.

You see, Blaine Colton, the hero of the Integrate trilogy, is a young man acutely aware of the stigma and challenges disability can represent. Having survived mitochondrial disease and received a gene-modifying cure, he has been given a second chance. But things aren’t perfect for the teenager, and he’s never forgotten where he’s come from – nor where he could very well end up. (But you’ll have to read the books to find out more … 😉 )

The motto of Disability Action Week celebrations is: ‘Inclusion: It’s a game changer’. And I love it. In fact, I’d love to apply it in every circumstance. I’ve seen how easily we (and I include myself in this) can disregard others because they don’t fit. Whether this be determined by a ‘click’ group, trends, or someone who simply doesn’t meet some predetermined criteria for abilities on the sports field or whatever activity is on the table, people get left out. Add what can be perceived as limitations, and it can be all too easy to discard people from our plans.

No one likes being excluded.

As a parent I often find myself saying, ‘Ensure you’re being inclusive.’ In reality this has to be a purposeful decision and is largely influenced by the type of disability present. For example, if someone is mobility impaired, accessibility to venues, terrain and physical requirements of an event or activity need to be well considered. Some disabilities are not obvious, and might involve environmental or emotional triggers. Often a lot of little things are overlooked by well meaning people for sheer lack of awareness. (As I have done myself, at times.)

Many people I know living with a disability are fiercely independent and very capable. When it comes to solutions, they are brilliant for nutting things out. By communicating and working with people, instead of assuming the limitations of their capacity, inclusion becomes a way of thinking and truly can ‘change the game’.

Glimpses of Light Tour

26/01/2016Bloganthology, CBM, Christian Blind Mission, Ellen Carr, Glimpses of Light, GOL, international year of light, Jeanette O'Hagan, Jo Wanmer, Josephine-Anne Griffiths, Kaleidoscope, Mimi Emmanuel, Nola Passmore, ReplicateAdele

Can you believe it’s already blog nine for the Glimpses of Light Anthology (GOL) tour? From the first post by Nola, we’ve been treated to unique insights by participating contributors, celebrating this project inspired by the ‘International Year of Light’.

Today I’m taking the baton from author, blogger and lover of life, Mimi Emmanuel. (Don’t you love a good relay? 🙂 ) And I’m going to be reflecting on kaleidoscopes.

For many of us, the word ‘kaleidoscope’ evokes childhood memories of peering into a cylindrical tube to watch patterns of changing colours from light reflected via mirrors, through coloured pieces of glass. The patterns were often exquisite and unique. Turn and look from a slightly different angle, and there would be a completely different combination of colours.

Coincidently (or not 🙂 ), my contribution to GOL was a story titled Kaleidoscope. But you see, this is not at all what I was going to write about today. I had a fun blog about pushing through the 7K barrier all ready to upload (more on that another day), but as I sat down to finalise that post, my thoughts turned to the collective whole that is GOL. And it occurred to me what perfect a description ‘kaleidoscope’ is.

Kaleidoscope (my story that is, not the tube) is different to what I usually write. For a long time it also struggled to find a home. Yet there it is finally in print, nestled between the works of Jo Wanmer and Ellen Carr, enhanced by beautiful gems, being the words of all the other contributors, polished and displayed in such a way they catch and reflect the light in an exquisite combination of colours.

Now, Kaleidoscope’s probably not a story that will knock someone over by its brilliance, but it was fun to create and an entertaining read. Yet, set amongst such a fabulous collation (and many of the works truly are fabulous – you must read them), it brings so much more than it could as a standalone piece. Kaleidoscope has become something far more inspiring. It’s become part of a literary … kaleidoscope. 🙂

But don’t just take my word for it, as Xanthe says in Kaleidoscope, it’s like, ‘Patterns of light revealing the soul. And you, mere mortal, can catch a glimpse of it.’

So mortals, don’t miss your opportunity to purchase your own GOL copy (print or e-book), and more for your friends. All profits go to CBM, bringing sight to the blind.

And if you leave a comment on this blog post (sorry, excludes GOL contributors 🙁 ), you will have a chance to win a paperback copy of my recently released YA novel Replicate, second book in the Integrate trilogy. I’m giving one copy away to a randomly selected ‘commenter’ in celebration of this tour.

But don’t stop reading yet. On the 29th January, you can continue the GOL blog tour trail, with fellow contributor Josephine-Anne Griffiths. 50-something young, Jo’Anne, has relished writing and reading from her childhood. She has a fascinating family history, shares her world with her dream-come-true HoneyBun, and is currently working on fictional memoir Charlie Dreams. Can’t wait to read her post.

Blog Award Tour

03/08/2015BlogA Devil's Ransom, Blog Award Tour, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Integrate, Jeanette O'Hagan, Lynne Stringer, novel, Replicate, Rhiza Press, Rita Stella Galieh, Rose and Crown, Sunpenny Publishing, writing process, YA FictionAdele

Fantasy author and science-fiction fan, Jeanette O’Hagan has tagged me for the Blog Award Tour. Jeanette has lived in Australia and Africa; has practiced medicine; taught theology; accumulated a few degrees, including recently completing a Master of Arts (Writing); and is actively engaged in a caring Christian community. She is currently caring for her young children and writing her Akrad Legacy series, while co-editing the Glimpses of Light anthology, which is due for release later this year. Jeanette has had short works published, including contributing to the Tied in Pink a romance anthology supporting breast cancer research. Last month she also donned her ‘cabin coordinator’ hat and dragged me and a bunch of other writers along for a fantastic ‘CampNaNoWriMo’ ride. (Thanks Jeanette and cabin buddies!) In summary, Jeanette is basically superwoman who doesn’t need to wear a cape to prove it!

As part of the Blog Award Tour, Jeanette has asked me to answer four questions for today. She’s also tagged two other fantastic authors: Lynne Stringer (blogged 27th July) and Alison Stegert (blogging 10th August), so make sure you look up their posts. As for me, let’s get ‘touring’!

1. WHAT YOU’RE WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
Where do I start? Okay, I’ve just (July CampNaNoWriMo ‘just’) finished the first draft of the third book for my YA Integrate trilogy, so I’ll be working through that over the next period – and all the research and revision fun that entails. I’ve just completed final revisions for Replicate, the second book in that same trilogy. (It’s coming at the end of the year, so keep an eye out!) I’m presently undertaking revisions for the Glimpses of Light anthology (in between prepping for some upcoming writing workshops), and am also about to receive my historical fiction ms, A Devil’s Ransom, for final revisions any day now. As you can see I’m not bored. 🙂

2. HOW DOES YOUR WORK DIFFER FROM OTHERS IN YOUR GENRE?
I write a complex plot, where the characters’ greatest battles are the ones they face within themselves. I feel I write from a fairly unusual combination of experiences, which can make for some fun (and at times peculiar!) story developments. Exploring the scenario of an illegal human GMO made Integrate an interesting and unique work to bring together. The outworking of this premise saw many themes emerge through Blaine’s challenges. Similar themes, including ethics, human value, identity and IP rights continue with a bit more of a crime spin in Replicate. The plot of A Devil’s Ransom also has multiple complicating threads, with a strong redemption theme. The spiritual journey of the main protagonist causes him to face the ultimate question: what kind of man will he choose to be – even if that choice brings fatal repercussions? I guess I don’t like to make things too easy for my protagonists.

3. WHY DO YOU WRITE OR CREATE WHAT YOU DO?
I love stories. Life is one big story (with an awesome Master Designer) and we are threads in that incredible fabric. There is something nearly compelling about writing out the stories that come into my head, which is essentially how I started writing novels. Many years ago I had a repetitive dream and started writing it down. It soon grew into a novel length work – and obviously I didn’t think to stop there! (Even though I found I had a lot to learn about writing.) I feel writing brings together the contrasting elements of who I am and in that union there is a purposeful voice that seeks to share those ever expanding journeys; in the right time, in the right season.

4. HOW DOES YOUR WRITING/CREATIVE PROCESS WORK?
I would like to believe I am more inclined to be plotter, but I am clearly not enough of a disciplinarian to keep my characters in order. In the last two manuscripts I started them out on the story arc and they promptly decided to do their own thing! (So naughty of them.) Usually I get an idea, whether that’s in conjunction with research or even a particular experience or setting, and something usually sparks a strong visual image followed swiftly by a scenario. Soon I know where the story is headed and where it will end. I tend to research and write in turn (with frequent heavenward pleas for creativity and insight). If there are a lot of research elements, I like to get it all in my head and write, otherwise the developing story can take you too far away from the boundaries in which you must create. I know I’ve mentioned this previously, but if I get really stuck I have a very spiritual approach to this – a special prayer that goes something like this. ‘Help! I’ve got no idea what to do with this!’ LOL – though it’s true! (And I say that more often than you might expect.) After completing the first draft I go back and with each revisions add additional layers to the manuscript as I determine the finer details of the storyline. In fact, I’m just starting that process with the sequel to Replicate.

Thanks ‘Super Jeanette’ for inviting me aboard the Blog Award Tour. Now I get the delightful job of tagging the next Blog Award Tour participant. It’s my pleasure to introduce to you the remarkable Rita Stella Galieh.

Rita is an Australian with an English, Scottish and Jewish heritage. She started inventing adventure stories in her childhood with her Grandma, to entertain themselves while her mum worked. With encouragement from her mother, she spent after-school hours writing little poems in the children’s section of the Sunday papers. Not only did this provide pocket money, it also planted the seed for writing. As a student at Sydney’s National Art School, she became a committed follower of Christ, and during this time her family built up a pottery studio where she eventually worked as a ceramic artist. Upon meeting fiery young violinist, George Elias Galieh, they shared ideas and sparks flew! They became singing partners, married and attended the Emmaus Bible College in preparation to follow their desire to use their talents in evangelism for the Lord’s glory. They welcomed a son in the early years of their adventures together.

Rita aims to captivate her readers while remaining faithful to God honouring theology. This fulfils a long held desire to write stories that entertain and inspire – and her stories have all the ingredients to match these expectations for her readers. She gives one hundred percent of herself to her stories and is not afraid to enable her writing to expose raw emotions, which she sees as a pathway to healing when released the ultimate Healer. She has a passion for writing historical romance with both intrigue and adventure, and really enjoys researching the 19th century Victorian Era with all its undercurrents.

To find out more about Rita and her writing, make sure you visit her website and don’t forget to keep an eye out for her ‘Blog Award Tour’ post next week (10th August) at www.ritastellapress.com/author-blog.

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Science fiction for the real world