https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4J3R6M3/
Author Interview for "Born in Space: Unlocking Destiny"
Jeremy
Clift
What inspired you to write Born in Space: Unlocking Destiny?
"Born in Space" is set in a not-too-distant future where Earth is becoming
unlivable and humanity has expanded into space in search of new resources and
habitats. The novel delves into complex family dynamics, particularly
mother-daughter and father-daughter relationships, and examines how the
vastness of space and the passage of time affect these bonds. The mother is a
biologist, who grapples with doubts and guilt about her career choices and
their impact on her family. The story follows the daughter, Teagan Ward, who claims
seven test-tube babies created in a space lab as her own. The claim sparks a
battle against a powerful mining corporation and an unscrupulous doctor hoping
to populate the planets. This conflict, focused on strong female characters,
explores themes of sacrifice, romance, and redemption against the backdrop of
interstellar politics and corporate greed.
Incorporating strong female characters was a deliberate decision to
challenge the traditional male-dominated narratives in science fiction and to
craft a story that resonates with a diverse audience. By exploring these
intricate relationships and the personal struggles of the female characters, I
hope to portray their experiences as both powerful and deeply human, making
them relatable and inspiring to all readers.
Can you talk about the seven infants in your story?
My aim was to create a Sci-fi series, because I learned from attending various writers’ conferences that this was the way to go. Stand-alone books were less easy to market. The seven infants open the way to a common storyline and additional books. Even if we do not follow all seven, we can look at some combination of them, with different themes. The seven are central to the plot, representing hope and the future of humanity. The next book is about the mother’s seeds of life project. These babies were created through advanced biotechnology, and Teagan Ward, the protagonist, claims them as her own, sparking a battle with a ruthless mining corporation and the unethical doctor in charge of the program. The infants symbolize the potential for new beginnings and the lengths to which a mother will go to protect her children, although it’s not certain that Teagan is the real mother.
What drew you to explore the idea of artificially conceived children in
space, and what do you believe this adds to the wider conversation about the
future of human reproduction?
The idea of artificially conceived children in space intrigued me because it
touches on both the advancements in reproductive technology and the ethical
questions surrounding the future of humanity. By setting this scenario in
space, I wanted to explore how far we might go to ensure our survival and what
it means to create life in such a controlled, artificial environment. This
narrative element raises important questions about identity, belonging, and the
rights of children born through such means. Solving how babies get born in
reduced or zero gravity is one of the key issues for humanity if we want to
populate space habitats and other planets. Although we are good at reproducing
on Earth, it is not so easy in Space. I was interested in exploring how those
conceived off-Earth might feel about a place they could see all the time from
space but had never visited. Would they have a terrible craving to return
“home”? Or are they really extraterrestrials, a new space being, a humanoid but
having none of the experiences of the Earth. Maybe eventually what will be born
is some sort of hybrid that mixes the emotions of humans with the resilience
and sturdiness of artificial beings. This narrative adds to the wider
conversation by highlighting the potential and the perils of playing with the
natural processes of life, urging readers to consider the moral implications of
our technological advancements and their impact on future generations.
The fugitive mother character seems intense; what drives her throughout the
book?
Teagan has to be intense to propel the story forward. She gradually realizes
she has a fierce maternal instinct and a deep sense of justice. Her
determination to reunite with the seven infants propels her through numerous
challenges, framed by her love for a somewhat unreliable, but handsome, artist.
Her character and determination are what support her and carry her through. Her
intensity stems from her deep-seated belief in doing what’s right and surviving,
even if it means defying powerful adversaries and risking her life.
Your book features a conflict over asteroid mining; why choose this
setting?
Asteroid mining is a plausible scenario in the near future as humanity looks
for new resources beyond Earth. It serves as a perfect backdrop for the story,
highlighting the economic and ethical conflicts that can arise in such a
high-stakes environment. The setting also allows me to explore themes of
exploitation and survival in a frontier-like context, where the rules are still
being written. I address environmental themes by weaving them organically into
the plot and character motivations, rather than presenting them in a didactic
manner. The deteriorating condition of Earth and the quest for new resources
serve as the backdrop for the story, influencing the characters' actions and
decisions. For example, Teagan’s brother, Hunter, becomes a specialist in space
junk removal. So, space debris is also a theme. By focusing on personal stories
and the human impact of environmental degradation, I aim to trigger awareness
in readers. The narrative explores the consequences of neglecting environmental
stewardship through the lens of individual experiences, making the issues
relatable and thought-provoking while highlighting the idea that exploitation
of the moon and space is a pollution risk without due care.
How did you create the antagonist in your story?
Howie Rich is the mining boss. His powerful mining corporation embodies the
darker side of technological and economic progress. I wanted to create a
multifaceted villain that readers could understand, even if they don't agree
with their actions. The corporation's leaders are driven by profit and power,
but they also face their own pressures and motivations, making them more than
just one-dimensional bad guys. "Born in Space" updates the theme of
resource power struggles by reflecting contemporary concerns about corporate
greed, environmental degradation, and the ethical implications of technological
advancements. In the story, the mining corporation represents modern-day
multinational corporations, emphasizing the growing tension between
profit-driven entities and the need for sustainable practices. The main
participants are deliberately not national entities, overall, although country
rivalries are still there.
The ancient crystal in your book—how does it fit into the plot?
The ancient crystal is a key element that ties the past to the future. It
holds secrets that could unlock new technologies or even reveal the origins of
the alien encounters in the story. The crystal adds a layer of mystery and
adventure, serving as a catalyst for many of the events that unfold and
challenging the characters to rethink their understanding of the universe.
Can you explain the significance to the story of the alien encounters?
Wait for Book 2!! They may reappear.
The alien encounters are crucial for broadening the scope of the story,
building Teagan’s character, and emphasizing the interconnectedness of all
intelligent life. The aliens in Book 1 are mostly benign and are a vehicle for
Teagan to encounter different worlds. I’ve also got several animals – a dog, an
octopus, a magpie, and an ant, They are foreshadowing different types of alien
intelligence. Ants, for example, are amongst the most successful species on
Earth. Maybe they have been successful elsewhere.
The theme of destiny is strong; how do you use it to develop your
characters?
The idea is that bigger forces are at work. Destiny plays a significant role
in shaping the characters' journeys. Each character grapples with their sense
of purpose and the choices they must make. For Teagan, destiny is intertwined
with her role as a mother and protector. The theme allows me to delve into how
each character's actions, driven by their beliefs and desires, contribute to a
larger narrative that they can't fully control but must navigate nonetheless.
Destiny is a driving force in the lives of the characters. It shapes their
actions and decisions, often in unexpected ways. Teagan’s journey is about
embracing her destiny and the responsibilities that come with it. Each
character’s arc involves grappling with their sense of purpose and the realization
that their choices can influence the future.
The realism in your speculative world, which refers to actual events, gives
it a sense of plausibility. How did you balance the science and fiction
elements to keep it both exciting and believable?
Balancing science and fiction involved meticulous research and a commitment
to grounding the speculative elements in real scientific principles and
geopolitical realities. I drew inspiration from current space exploration
technologies, environmental issues, and societal trends to create a plausible
future world in which many parts of society are unravelling. By integrating
realistic details, such as the geopolitical context, the mechanics of space
travel and the challenges of sustaining life in space, I aimed to build a
foundation of credibility. At the same time, I allowed room for imaginative
elements that drive the story's excitement, such as advanced AI and novel
technologies. This blend ensures that the narrative is gripping while
maintaining a sense of believability that engages readers. The scenario is only
a few decades in the future.
What challenges did you face while writing this book?
It’s not easy transitioning from nonfiction writing to crafting fiction. It
took me a long time to adjust from my previous role as a nonfiction writer and
editor. Everyone says “Show, don’t tell,” but nonfiction authors are used to
telling. So that takes time. It took me around five years to write “Born” and
many rewrites. One of the main challenges was balancing the scientific and
technical aspects of the story with the emotional and human elements. Ensuring
that the futuristic setting felt realistic and believable while keeping the
characters' struggles relatable was a delicate process. Additionally, weaving
multiple plot threads, including the mystery of the crystal and the alien
encounters, required careful planning and execution. Writing "Born in
Space" was a complex process that took several rounds of editing and
versions over a number of years. Balancing the intricate plot, developing
multi-dimensional characters, and integrating scientific accuracy with
imaginative elements were some of the main challenges. Ensuring that the story
remained engaging and relatable while addressing profound ethical and
philosophical questions was also a significant task.
What do you hope readers take away from your book?
It’s about love, family, and the beauty and fragility of Earth. The journey
of Teagan and the other characters highlights the power of unity and love in
overcoming adversity. I aim to convey that adaptability and courage are crucial
in navigating the unknown and that personal growth and ethical choices can lead
to profound transformations. Ultimately, although the book is about space and
the exploitation of resources in low earth orbit, it is also about the beauty
and fragility of Earth. I hope the story inspires readers to value their
relationships, believe in their capacity to make a difference, and think
critically about the future of humanity.
Ultimately, I hope the book inspires them to think about what it means to be
truly human in an ever-evolving world of AI and advancing technology.