A. B. Carolan responds…
As my American collaborator Steve Moore indicated in a recent blog article, I received some good advice from that old ex-Gardia Michael O’Hara. My difficulties with continuing “The Denisovan Trilogy” are a bit more complicated than described by Steve in that post or in his novel Intolerance, though (the latter is available as a free PDF download—see the “Free Stuff & Contests” web page).
First, my protagonist Kayla Jones, known as “The One” by the descendants of Denisovans known as “The People,” has become a reluctant shaman among all the galactic descendants of ancient hominins. She’s wise beyond her years too. She now has more of an adult role but believe it’s been foisted upon her, so in telling her continuing story, I must try to capture the confusion she feels. I suppose there are young adults with those same concerns who can serve as models around or near Donegal, Ireland, but I have yet to meet them.
Second, Kayla is also a very young mother who loves her son. Like many modern women, she must balance family with work, and her work now is serious diplomatic business! I know of real women who have been in similar situations, but they’re older than Kayla, whose youthfulness can create many difficulties.
Third, my experience, and yours as well, I dare say, cannot possibly compare to Kayla’s. Her role has to be played out on a cosmic stage, and it’s one of diplomatic and military turmoil and intrigue that we can only imagine, you as a reader with my guidance, and I as a wizened old author living a reclusive life far, far away from that stage. Of course, in that latter task, I can call on the cosmic imagination of my US colleague, Steve Moore, whose creations cover fictional settings from today’s current world to ones far into the future.
I’m guessing my problems with continuing the trilogy were also felt by J. K. Rowling at the end of her Potter series, which, even though she’s English and not Irish, broke out of the constraints to write stories of more international interest, especially in the US. Did she have similar problems with Harry like I do with Kayla? An interesting question, to be sure, but, of course, J. K.’s problems might have been easier to solve. That Potter series is pure fantasy. I write sci-fi, and my stories must seem real, at least a lot more believable than the magical world of Harry Potter. Nevertheless, I’d certainly discuss all this with her if J. K. ever visits Donegal!
***
Comments are always welcome. (Please follow the rules indicated on the “Join the Conversation” web page.)
Origins: The Denisovan Trilogy, Book One. While A. B. Carolan agonizes over the next two books in the trilogy at his favorite Donegal pub, you can enjoy reading this sci-fi mystery for young adults (and adults who are young-at-heart!). Young Kayla Jones has dreams she can’t understand. Her future seems determined as the brilliant STEM student looks forward to a research career, but her past gets in the way. As if the chaos afflicting the world and leading to her adopted father’s death wasn’t enough, assassins begin to pursue her. With some friends who come to her aid, she’s on her way to discover a conspiracy that can be traced to prehistoric battles waged by hominins bent on conquest of a primitive Earth. Available wherever quality ebooks are sold (just not on Amazon). And don’t forget that Carolan’s first three novels are now on sale this month at Smashwords.
Around the world and to the stars! In libris libertas!
