_____
THINGS THAT DON'T EXIST
...Right?
Anyway, by writing a novel I get to take all my visions (and some of my fantasies) and put them together under one roof. People can drive my cars, participate in my drivers' club, listen to my music, make use of this technology that I stumbled upon the concept of (almost as soon as I started to write this thing) -- the last of which will inexorably lead them to form something very much like the Nation of Earth that I've been prattling on about for the last few years.
I really shouldn't give more details in this space, even if you may be able to guess a few things from the title alone. It's not that I think some enterprising plagiarist will steal the idea and write it before I do, but that I'm not sure myself how the story will play out -- and I wouldn't want to give it away, even if I did.
Now, something that MIGHT happen as the result of this novel is that some of my visions may begin to be translated into reality. First off, if it sells reasonably well I may be able to build at least one vehicle of my own design, and you know, really get the drivers' club going -- and have the time and money to spend on my band (which hasn't been able to get together yet, and needs equipment).
Secondly, it would only take a small group of the right people to be exposed to the technological concept that is the main driver for this novel, be inspired by it, run with it and make it work.
Thirdly, and with or without the development of that technology, readers will be exposed to the idea of the Nation of Earth, be inspired by it, run with it and make it work. It's not as simple as that of course, but the technology will help tremendously. You'll see.
What's that? You're wondering why democracy is on the list? At best we have a representative democracy (not a bad thing, if handled properly), and if you can see things objectively you know that things are not at their best. This world is controlled by cryptocratic oligarchy -- but not for long, at least in my novel.
Am I saying my novel will change the world? Well, the world will certainly be changed WITHIN the novel... What I'm hoping is that I'll be able to write it well enough that yes, millions upon millions will read it, and that it will change the outlook of each reader to some extent. I would very much like it if those millions could begin to share my optimism for the future of Humanity. After reading the story, perhaps they will find my vision of the future plausible...
...And, you know, if and/or when the technology is developed there'll be no turning back. It will be incredibly transformative, and in a positive way...
So you see, after having imagined all this there is no choice but for me to write it, and to write it to the very best of my ability. In order to do so I'll have to retreat a bit, delving more and more into the fictional realm I'm creating -- you probably won't hear from me as much. I don't have a remote cabin and an Underwood, but I can and will reduce distractions...
Wish me luck.
Phil Smith
January 12, 2008
_____
THINGS THAT DON'T EXIST
As some of you may already know, I'm working on a novel. It's near-future science fiction, so that means I'll be writing about things that don't exist...
Guess what? There are many things already that exist pretty much within my own mind, and nowhere else, except where I've been able to describe and/or sketch them, so that they can exist (to some extent) within the minds of others as well.
A short list of things that don't (really) exist:
To that list you might add the novel itself, but you see, I have a cover, so it has to be real:
Guess what? There are many things already that exist pretty much within my own mind, and nowhere else, except where I've been able to describe and/or sketch them, so that they can exist (to some extent) within the minds of others as well.
A short list of things that don't (really) exist:
- The Nation of Earth
- democracy
- Tellurian Motors (and all the vehicles I've imagined I would like to build)
- Nuts Behind the Wheel, which is more of a drivers' club than a car club
- Spicy Encephalopods! (my band)
- the technology that makes the world of my novel possible
To that list you might add the novel itself, but you see, I have a cover, so it has to be real:
...Right?
Anyway, by writing a novel I get to take all my visions (and some of my fantasies) and put them together under one roof. People can drive my cars, participate in my drivers' club, listen to my music, make use of this technology that I stumbled upon the concept of (almost as soon as I started to write this thing) -- the last of which will inexorably lead them to form something very much like the Nation of Earth that I've been prattling on about for the last few years.
I really shouldn't give more details in this space, even if you may be able to guess a few things from the title alone. It's not that I think some enterprising plagiarist will steal the idea and write it before I do, but that I'm not sure myself how the story will play out -- and I wouldn't want to give it away, even if I did.
THINGS THAT MAY EXIST
Now, something that MIGHT happen as the result of this novel is that some of my visions may begin to be translated into reality. First off, if it sells reasonably well I may be able to build at least one vehicle of my own design, and you know, really get the drivers' club going -- and have the time and money to spend on my band (which hasn't been able to get together yet, and needs equipment).
Secondly, it would only take a small group of the right people to be exposed to the technological concept that is the main driver for this novel, be inspired by it, run with it and make it work.
Thirdly, and with or without the development of that technology, readers will be exposed to the idea of the Nation of Earth, be inspired by it, run with it and make it work. It's not as simple as that of course, but the technology will help tremendously. You'll see.
What's that? You're wondering why democracy is on the list? At best we have a representative democracy (not a bad thing, if handled properly), and if you can see things objectively you know that things are not at their best. This world is controlled by cryptocratic oligarchy -- but not for long, at least in my novel.
Am I saying my novel will change the world? Well, the world will certainly be changed WITHIN the novel... What I'm hoping is that I'll be able to write it well enough that yes, millions upon millions will read it, and that it will change the outlook of each reader to some extent. I would very much like it if those millions could begin to share my optimism for the future of Humanity. After reading the story, perhaps they will find my vision of the future plausible...
...And, you know, if and/or when the technology is developed there'll be no turning back. It will be incredibly transformative, and in a positive way...
So you see, after having imagined all this there is no choice but for me to write it, and to write it to the very best of my ability. In order to do so I'll have to retreat a bit, delving more and more into the fictional realm I'm creating -- you probably won't hear from me as much. I don't have a remote cabin and an Underwood, but I can and will reduce distractions...
Wish me luck.
Phil Smith
January 12, 2008
