More thoughts from author Stephen Bauer
- What inspired you to write this book?
This third book is a continuation of the paranormal sci-fi adventure which I started back in 2009. The first book was meant to be a father-son project. My son was diagnosed with ADHD and I was just trying to get him involved in something we both found interesting. As we worked through the first book, he became disillusioned with the project. My sense of practical logic may have had something to do with his disillusionment. In my research I found the physics of the relativistic events that I approached to be enticing and continued the project on my own. In this third book, I engaged in the paranormal psychology of traveling within the astral realm, just beyond the reality of our own existence. It was exciting for me to realize the possibilities that lay just beyond the reality of science.
- How did you choose the title? Does it hold special meaning to you?
I chose this third book title, ‘Shadow-Forge Beyond the Edge of Tomorrow’, on the basis of my research into the dimensional aspect of Time, which I myself took liberties with to promote my book plot line about a boy saving the universe, while also driven to save his girlfriend by intervening in the causality of Time itself.
The title does have special meaning for me as I have tried to explain the difference between the operating measure of Time, as used in the scientific method, and the causal nature of Time as a dimension, wherein ‘measure’ is the only real illusion for temporal transition into Time. The edge of tomorrow is the unknown destiny of Time.
- Can you share your process of writing and how long it took to complete the book?
My process for writing any of the books in this series starts with the science idea I want to approach. Then I have to come up with a way of weaving it into the plot. I sometimes write out a summary of my expectations for the story. Then I revisit it to look for a logical flow. When I veer off from the science, I introduce the paranormal aspect of astral projection to aid in the explanation of the mysterious phenomenon being presented.
- Were there any challenges you faced while writing or publishing it?
While publishing is a challenge in itself, my biggest challenge came in the form of writers block. After I had retired from my previous employment, I expected to continue writing as if it were my new job. But I couldn’t just write on a schedule, I needed to take a break and allow myself to experience the story. Before I retired, I would think about it all week or two while I was working. I was actually more excited about working on it. I needed to get that inspiration back to finish the book.
- How do you feel about sharing your work with the world?
I wanted to share my work because I often consider that people need to understand the difference between science theory and science fact. There are so many misunderstandings of how existing theories should be interpreted and how they could be applied. I wanted to introduce the concepts of my interpretations for these supporting theories with what I understood of these science facts.
Example: Theoretical science would have us believe that existence of the universe emerged from a state of nonexistence. The initial singularity is considered to be the theoretical starting point which instigated the beginning and convergence of spacetime, known as the Big Bang theory. It is a hypothetical unidimensional point which defines how our universe began by expanding from this infinitesimally dense point in which all matter and energy were conjectured to be condensed and concentrated into this state; setting up the conditions for an inflationary epoch. The inflationary epoch refers to a dimensional unfolding period of existence wherein there was extreme and rapid, exponential expansion of the universe which occurred shortly after the Big Bang, and lasting for a tiny fraction of a second. I find this to be more philosophy than physics.
- Are there any parts or characters in the book that are especially personal or meaningful to you?
Yes, I had introduced my own personnel remembrance of the one time astral projection experience that I recollected from my time in the service. I have had many lucid dreams prior to this experience, but I could not categorize this specific experience as just a lucid dream. I used this experience to build upon and integrate into my sci-fi adventure.
- What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
I hope to open people up to the possibility of engaging into more critical thinking of real science phenomenon with interesting and logical interpretations of probable outcomes. I would also like to try and convince people of an alternative hypothesis for these supplanted theories of theoretical science. There is not just one method to consider for the ideation of these ideas. Example: One may consider a unidimensional determinant medium of infinite spacetime rather than just the initial singularity of an infinitesimally dense point. Perhaps describing an evolution from dark energy to dark matter as the first step towards a palatable existence in which we describe our reality in spacetime.
- Did you experience any memorable moments during the research or creation of the book?
I, for whatever reason, found myself emotionally involved in these characters and tried to understand how these emotions were referenced in my own life. I found it to be a mixture of truth and fiction that helped to formulate this science fiction adventure.
- What surprised you the most about the publishing journey?
While there were similarities about the differing publishing companies, they had differing degrees of competence and skill sets. I had actually thought I was publishing direct to Amazon, but I found out later it was a ‘knock-off’ promoting itself as Amazon. I am uncomfortable with self-publishing, but I could not get represented by any traditional publisher or literary agent. However I continued to work with them all the same.
- Do you already have ideas or plans for your next project?
Yes, but I am getting up there in age and don’t know whether should follow up on them. Perhaps a newly publicized science article will be the incentive I need to continue. I haven’t really decided. It takes up a lot of effort just to market a book.
About author Stephen Bauer
I have self-published four books, two in the genre of science fiction and two in the genre of speculative science nonfiction. The nonfiction books are listed in a compendium style dissertation, ‘The Evolutioning of Creation: Volumes 1 and 2’, and help to support the science fiction aspect of my story telling. I am now retired, and enjoy building upon the characters in my two science fiction adventure stories, ‘Quest of the Shadow-Forge’ and ‘Shadow-Forge Revelations’. My background does include physics and general theoretical knowledge for which I continue to share with others on science websites
Follow author Stephen Bauers journey
Quest for the Shadow-Forge
Shadow-Forge Revelations
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Shadow-Forge Beyond the Edge of Tomorrow
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