Exploiting the Autumnal Equinox (it’s today)??? Well, I do like to use the earth’s four seasonal markers to talk about my book writing. And today marks an important point, just like this fall equinox does (halfway to the winter solstice, when day equals night). I’m finalizing the “polished” 1st draft of my new novel.
What you see in the image above is the latest version (v2F) of the manuscript, printed and put into a binder so I can read it on paper. I write on screen, but there’s nothing like changing things up and reading a printed version in different places around my house. I end up catching things and jotting down little notes for following up in the next draft versions.
And why today’s theme of “exploitation”? Because that’s the subtitle of the second book in my NEANDER series; a science-fiction, time-travel, adventure that builds on current anthropological research about our Neanderthal “cousins.”
To give a little flavor of what I’m writing about in the new book, here’s a short excerpt from the draft showing a piece of dialogue between my hero and a science reporter:
“And they’re in a very competitive business that seeks to exploit the variety in the human genome. So they’re always looking for genetic adaptations and mutations that can be extracted, manipulated, and ultimately re-inserted into living tissues.”
“Like designer babies,” I muttered.
“Like designer babies, but not only babies,” she said, looking right at me. “Let me ask you: has he questioned you about accessing your daughter’s DNA for her treatment?”
I didn’t answer. I was holding my breath.
“And did he have you sign any papers relating to tissues or cells or anything like that?”
I didn’t move. I had. “Why?”
“Because companies like his want ownership. They want—need—to own everything. The technology, the raw materials. Everything.”
Hmm . . . DNA . . . Neanderthals . . . What’s this all about?
To find out, you’ll want to read the book, which should be out in November.
I’m on track to deliver this polished draft of “NEANDER 2” to my development editor at the end of this week. Wish me luck.
Still swimming with the seasons . . .
— Harald
P.S. I’m looking for more “beta readers” for this new book before it launches. If that sounds interesting to you, contact me.
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