Be sure to SCROLL down and read the author’s very interesting Guest Post and Interview before you leave my website!
Book Details:
Book Title: Beyond What Separates Us by R.A. Morris
Category: Adult fiction 18 yrs +, 277 pages
Genre: Dystopian, Sci-Fi
Publisher: Iguana Books
Release date: September, 2020
Format available for review: print, ebook (mobi file (for Kindle), ePub, PDF)
Will send print books out: USA and Canada
Tour dates: July 14 to Aug 10, 2020
Content Rating: PG-13 Some swearing and violent scenes.
Book Description:
Four strangers from distant parts of the world struggle to survive on a planet torn apart by war, greed and disease. Living under drastically different circumstances, they are each presented with an opportunity to choose what type of world they want to live in. Beyond What Separates Us follows these four strangers as they attempt to overcome hardships and reach their full potential. This is a story about the best and worst aspects of humanity clashing to determine not only the fate of our species but all other life on Earth.
BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon.com ~ Amazon.ca ~ B&N
iTunes ~ kobo
Guest Post:
Writing my First Novel
Now that I have published my first work of fiction, I have had time to reflect on what really inspired me to write it. Up until this point, my writing consisted of academic papers and government reports and plans. I had never written poetry or short stories outside of the requirements in elementary and secondary school. So, why, and when did I decide to write a speculative fiction novel?
I was living in Yellowknife, the territorial capital of the Northwest Territories, when I had an idea for a story set in the future. Winters in Yellowknife are not for the faint of heart. From the cozy comfort of my apartment on particularly cold or grey days I sat down and began typing, without the expectation of anything to come of it. The process started with one of the character’s story lines and eventually expanded to built new settings and characters in different parts of the world. I went through the usual periods of writers’ block where I would not draft anything for months at a time. Out of nowhere I would feel inspired again and draft entire chapters in one night. The process became an escape for me to express anxiety about the future of the world and our collective unwillingness to recognize the finite nature of this beautiful planet we call home.
Going into this journey I knew very little about the publishing industry or how authors get their work out to the world. I learned the differences between traditional, independent, and self-publishing in an industry that has evolved drastically. The traditional publishers are consolidated giants that rarely consider unsolicited manuscripts, increasing the challenge for a first-time author. I had to grapple with the possibility of if I needed a literary agent. In my case, I found a local independent publisher that did not require me to have an agent. Working with small independent publishers has advantages including close contact, quicker production process and clear royalty arrangements. By choosing an independent publisher I covered the publication costs and am responsible for most of the promotion and marketing. This gives an author the advantage of having more control of the publication process. For me, the entire writing process took a little over three years, another year to find a publisher, and half a year to get the novel ready for publishing.
As a first-time author, I have a greater appreciation for writers and the amount of effort that goes into producing a novel. Beyond What Separates Us, is a passion project that I hope resonates with a wide range of readers trying to make sense of uncertain and tumultuous times that we live in.
Author Interview
- Why did you include four main characters in different parts of the world?
I wanted to show different perspectives and realities based on entirely realistic futures that are possible in different parts of the world. I say they are entirely realistic possible futures based on current geopolitical realities and economic statuses in the parts of the world represented in the novel. More importantly I wanted to show that no matter what part of the world a person is born to, we all share similar fears, dreams and hopes. Those similarities outweigh any differences.
2. What is your next project?
I think there is the potential for this novel to have both a prequel and a sequel. I have ideas for profiling some of the secondary characters before the events of this novel and even revisiting some of the main characters later in their lives. If there is positive reception to this novel, it would ignite my motivation and passion to expand these stories.
3. Do you have another profession besides writing?
4. I have worked in the environmental sector for years within government departments and agencies. Currently, I work as a Project Manager for one of Ontario’s Conservation Authorities. In this role, I work with municipal governments and stakeholders to develop watershed plans that are designed to guide management actions to protect, restore and enhance the health of our waterways and natural systems.
5. What is the most courageous thing you have ever done?
When I was traveling in New Zealand, I jumped out of a plane on the northern tip of the South Island over a beautiful spot called Abel Tasman. This is one of the most nerve-wracking things you can do as the plane slowly climbs to the required elevation and then they open the door. As soon as you step over the edge of that doorway and begin plummeting back to the ground the adrenaline kicks in and it is one of the most incredible experiences.
6. Can you share with us something about the book that is not in the blurb?
One of the main characters learns something completely new about their origins and unknowingly holds the key to helping the people they are with.
Meet the Author:
R.A Morris was raised in Ancaster, Ontario and holds a Master of Environmental Studies from York University. After graduate school he spent a year teaching science in Honduras before heading back to Canada to work in the environmental sector. He has lived in the small remote community of Fort Good Hope and the territorial capital of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. He currently lives in Toronto. His first novel, Beyond What Separates Us, is a timely work of speculative fiction that offers a glimpse of what societies may look like if we continue on our path of ecological degradation.
Connect with the Author: twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads
Tour Schedule:
Sep 9 –Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Sep 10 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Sep 10 – Books for Books – book spotlight
Sep 11 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book spotlight
Sep 14 –Sylv.net – book spotlight
Sep 15 –Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Sep 15 -Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Sep 16 – Momfluenster – book spotlight / giveaway
Sep 16 – Lamon Reviews – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Sep 16 – Literary Flits – book review / giveaway
Sep 18 – StoreyBook Reviews – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Sep 21 – Books and Zebras @jypsylynn – book review
Sep 21 – Splashes of Joy – book spotlight / guest post / author interview / giveaway
Sep 21 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Sep 22 – My Fictional Oasis – book review
TBD – Pen Possessed – book review
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