What is humankind’s place in the universe?
This question lies at the heart of my first science fiction novel. I don’t want to give too much away before the book’s launch date of November 9, 2021, so I will advise the curious to read the synopses from elevator pitch to in-depth descriptions found throughout johnhopkinsauthor.com.
Upcoming blog posts will highlight deeper dives into the multiple years of research spent developing the expansive narrative of The Golden Ellipse. Everything from the Giza Pyramids to the cockpit configuration of a World War 2 Thunderbolt fighter plane, Scottish castles, artificial intelligence, omega points, et al. I even have more than a little to say about what constitutes the most comfortable Chelsea boot for a trip into space.
Years of Research
It is impossible to satisfy every readers’ idea of what constitutes good fiction. Still, I am confident The Golden Ellipse will resonate with a broad audience of science fiction and action-adventure readers looking for a diverse cast of intriguing characters whose story arcs crisscross and intertwine throughout the book. From a young and energetic newlywed couple grappling with lives turned upside down to an ageless CEO matching wits with his resourceful robot valet. Or a pharaoh on the cusp of immortality at the mercy of a shapeshifting black cat. An ambitious and conniving Egyptologist on the threshold of achieving his life’s work. Or a pair of World War 2 fighter pilots embarking on divergent paranormal new realities. I could go on, but you get the idea.
I look forward to sharing and showcasing the vast amount of research and subject matter, exotic locales, and philosophical questions embedded in my book’s epic narrative. Further, I am beyond excited to finally have the first book released. Please use the comments box to share your thoughts and ask questions, and I will do my utmost to reply. I also plan on having plenty of contests and giveaways, especially for reviews.
Influences
I realize it is a tough sell convincing a prospective new reader to take a chance on an unknown author, and it reminds me of being a child and my dear-departed Mom putting a strange new food on the dinner table. My initial reaction was typically a hard pass. However, the old trope, Try it, you might like it, cannot be denied.
To assuage the potential, yet apprehensive reader, here are a few of my literary influences and the books in their catalogs that resonated the most in my adult reading life. (I could start with Dick and Jane, but that’s probably not necessary.)
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. Simply put, this book blew my mind, and I could not believe the skill and artistry that went into vaulting dinosaurs into the modern world. I have reread it at least four times.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy. This book paints a bleak picture in his sparse prose, more akin to an epic poem than a dystopian novel. I reread this by picking a page at random and soaking in the powerful and heartbreaking story, and I get chills just thinking about it.
Event by David Lynn Goldman. This novel introduces the Event Group – an inspiration behind The Powers That Be in my books. A real page-turner, the first book in a lengthy series is full of heroic actors, aliens, relationships, and of course, really evil bad guys.
Cabinet of Curiosities by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. My father was an avid reader before ALZ stole his life way too early. I credit him with introducing this marvelous book and its modern-day Sherlock Holmes character, FBI agent Pendergast. Once again, the whole series is fantastic, but nothing beats your first experience, right?
Leviathan Wakes by S.A. Corey. This book is the perfect example of trying something new and different. I was standing in the middle of a Barnes and Noble, frustrated with not finding anything new to read, and my son handed me this book. Let’s see, no one at the time knew what the Expanse series would become, but I have read every title in the series since, and they get better and better. It is excellent science fiction, but similar to the old Star Trek TV series, the interplay between the characters is the secret sauce that makes it resonate.
Okay, I am stopping there. I could go on as I have favorites by Stephen King, Vince Flynn, and many other prolific authors. I hope the books mentioned above give at least a flavor to my approach to the art of storytelling.
If you are reading this post, please share your favorites. I would love to hear what people are reading.
Attention Book Reviewers
If you are a book reviewer specializing in science fiction and action-adventure genres relating to The Golden Ellipse, please send a direct message. I will facilitate getting you a signed copy of my book or an ebook version for your reading pleasure and honest critique. Perhaps when you finish, you can pass it on to your book reviewing colleagues.
