For those who have been paying attention, one of our FAVOURITE characters has a novella in the pipeline. It’s so close in the pipe I can see it – except for one thing – I can’t decide on a title!
Usually a title comes to me swiftly and I know right up whether it’s going to work or not. But this time I’ve wrestled with soooo many title options and NOTHING sits right.
Given the title of my next novel moves away from the “-ate” word pattern, I’m thinking I’d like to do the same with this science-fantasy novella. Easy right? More options, right? Apparently more is not always, well, more.
Photo Credit: Kellepics, Fantasy eyes forest, Pixabay
I’m not the only writer to hit a block on landing a title, and this isn’t my first naming brick wall. One thing I’ve learned over the years is frustration (and desperation!) is not a friend of the creative process. Rushing forward impatiently can make a mess. Once a story is in the public forum, it’s a big deal to backtrack marketing and social media releases because a name has been hurried and now isn’t working.
So, heeding my own advice, I’ll chew on ideas a while longer and keep you in the loop once I’ve landed a title that works. đ
If you’re keen for a free e-book, the link below will take you to the amazon kindle store, where you can acquire a copy of newly released fantasy/fringe fiction anthology “Starlit Realms”. Currently it is available for free, so head over now to not miss out!
Ten stories take readers on adventures that may find them in exquisite other worlds, or even the shores of Sydney, Australia, each a unique adventure for young adults (and more ‘mature’ young adults too), and anyone who likes a good story.
Published and edited by YA fantasy author, Elizabeth Klein, I hope you take advantage of this opportunity and enjoy this delightful literary offering.
âYou write near science fiction? Whatâs that mean?â
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 whatâs 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 ârevolutionary gene therapyâ? To find a balance between âover science-ingâ 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, âYou know these experimental shots people are eagerly receiving for the current virus of interest âŠ? Yeah, the fundamental concept is pretty much that.â And something Iâve recently learnt, not only can people develop allergies to GMO products (I knew that already, BUT), some individuals develop sensitivities to people whoâve taken these shots! (Keep an eye out for my soon-to-be released short story inspired by this scenario. đ)
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 âCrossed Spacesâ short story Over and Out, I reference PICsâPersonal Identification Chipsâfor 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 âŠ? However âŠ
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 âsafetyâ. (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 âenforcing social distancing, mask wearing etcâ. Add to this the latest Digital ID legislation thatâs 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 âcreditsâ. If adopted, âDivision 8, Northwest GG Quadrantâ from Over and Out may not seem quite so farfetched. (Itâs a fun story. If you havenât read it yet, you should.)
I could detail other fiction Iâve penned that has become reality, from harvesting human embryonic organs to behaviour-modifying technology. No doubt Iâm not the only science fiction author witnessing this trend. Like anything in science, just because we can, doesnât 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.
Iâve a hunch weâve only seen the tip of ânear science fictionâ 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 youâve read my recent blogs youâll know Jett was the mystery character for the book give-away. Know what that means? You guessed it, thereâs a Jett novella in the works!
Image Credit: Ice cream by RitaE, Pixabay
For those familiar with Jettâs character, youâd know his favourite food is ice cream. Itâs been said a writerâs characters often reflect elements of their creator and I must confess Iâm a huge ice cream fan. That said, Iâve been on a restricted diet for the past 11 or so months âč, so Iâve had to be a little creative with my options lately. But never fear: my inner foody is alive and well! đ
While weâre on the topic of food, I am of the opinion thereâs 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, âIâm thinking about you and I care.â Â Even something as simple as getting or making a personâs 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) youâre willing to invest time together around that drink to build your connection.
What about comfort? Without getting on the unhealthy side of food addiction, itâs a fact that food can offer comfort in given situations. These donât have to be bad situations, in fact, they can be really positive. Canât 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 donât 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 letâs 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 âŠ)
In my opinion thereâs 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, donât 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.
Well, this weekend hasn’t exactly turned out the way I expected …
Yesterday I was SUPPOSED to be in Brisbane for the Omega Book Fair, but our State Government decided to suddenly extend their mask mandate for Brisbane, then last minute, slapped a State capital lockdown on top of that. Sigh. Change of plans …
Soooo, given that has thrown out the coming events for most people, even if they’re not near our State capital, I thought it would be appropriate to share some exciting news.
You may have already heard that Rhiza Edge Press recently released the “Crossed Spaces” Anthology, which included my short story “Over and Out”. What you may not know is recently I had a guest post on the Rhiza website. Today I though a cross post would be a great way to kick off a new week.
Teaser below. Click on the link to read the full blog.
When a sarcastic, non-conformist, ex-digital security engineer, with a chip on both shoulders is forcibly relocated from Australia to dystopian Houston, Texas, because of a system technicality, what could possibly go wrong? Well, thatâs where we meet, Vivia, the main protagonist of my short story âOver and Outâ, from the recently released Crossed Spaces Anthology.
This story plays out against a landscape of intense government scrutiny and citizen monitoring, where high tech ease and trust in the global government has become the anaesthetic of the new world order. Control of information, harsh public punishments and fear is a means of managing world populations, and hard borders based on global government whims has become Viviaâs norm. Although there are eerie commonalities between this invented world and the rapid changes weâve witnessed in our society over the past 14 months, this idea started percolating before these changes became full-blown reality. As I was fleshing out the plot and our real-world situation continued to develop, I decided a global pandemic would be a fitting historical justification for the environment Vivia has grown up inâbut as the story reveals, not everything is as it seems.
While creating Viviaâs character, it occurred to me that I seldom write a female protagonist. Itâs not that I canât write girl characters, for I do, Iâve just never had any of my female heroes published. Once Blaine (of the Blaine Colton Trilogy) was published, I kind of went with the flow. So when I finally got a chance to âwrite like a girlâ (ha ha), I decided to have a bit of fun. …
Want to hear more? Jump on over the the Wombat-Rhiza blog, and don’t forget to check out the guest posts by the other authors affiliated with this project.
You may have already heard that Rhiza Edge Press recently released the “Crossed Spaces” Anthology, which included my short story “Over and Out”. What you may not know is recently I had a guest post on the Rhiza website. Today I though a cross post would be a great way to kick off a new week.
