CERTAINTY will be published on April 28. Here’s another interview answer that I wanted you to hear first:
Why did you make the AI character a stuffed seal?
My two children loved stuffies, and at bedtime they would carefully arrange them in their beds as guardians when the lights were switched off. At that age, a stuffed animal isn’t a toy. It can be form of protection: a way to feel safe.
My daughter’s favorite stuffed animal was a frayed teddy bear, and I began to make up stories about his adventures. The bear had a distinctive high-pitched voice and a subversive personality. He was always getting into trouble because of his greed for chocolate.
In contrast, my daughter’s stuffed harp seal was intelligent and logical. He talked like an educated Brit and was constantly warning the bear about possible disasters.
When I decided that Kate needed an AI companion, the seal’s polite Oxbridge voice reappeared in my mind.
Zeno thinks he’s been created to teach and entertain Kate. It’s a profound moment when Zeno realizes he’s there to protect her.
Yes…all this is connected to love, parenthood and my personal history (some of which I’ve described in previous posts). As the Substack writers know: the power of ficton appears when you open up your heart and go for it in every possible way.
John