Category: From The Editor

Comparing My Novel To Stieg Larsson’s Works

by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

One thing I did not know for a long time was that two of the three novels written by Stieg Larsson while he was alive were actually part of one huge novel that was split into two and connected by a cliffhanger. Hence, that was why it was such a struggle for me to figure out the structure of the novel I decided to use as my textbook — The Girl Who Played With Fire.

Now that I’m back into the swing of things with working on this thriller — when I should be using some of my time to work on some scifi, too, natch — I find myself mulling how much of a one-to-one there is between my textbook and my novel.

My goal from the beginning of this process has been to write an American Lisbeth Salander. What I didn’t expect was I would start the series not with my own The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, but with what would effectively be a prequel. My novel is set in late 1994 and is about the events surrounding the BIRTH of my Salander-like character.

The other (planned) novels are about my heroine as an adult. But doing things the way I’m doing them gives me a lot of room to distinguish my work from that of Larsson. Since I’m an American (duh) my novels are going to be natively American in their scope and style, even though I use some structure techniques of Larsson just so I can hopefully appeal to his fanbase.

(Even though the novels first came out about 20 years ago.)

Anyway. It will be interesting to see what happens next. I hope to get this first thriller in the series done ASAP — hopefully no later than maybe a year from now, if not sooner.

I really want to query this novel (for the first time.) I’ve never gotten that far in the process before.

Trying To Live A More Healthy Life

by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

I just recently decided to give up two of my biggest vices — booze and the occasional cigar. I’ve reached an age where things start to fall apart and I’m getting a little nervous.

I know what they say that there’s nothing worse than a dry drunk, but I’m determined to go cold turkey. I’m not one of those people who wants to live forever — unless, like, the Singularity makes that a literal possibility — but I am nervous enough about my health to cut back on things that might reduce my ultimate lifespan.

My dad is still going strong as a very, very old man, so it’s at least possible that I might have a sold 20 years left in me if I just don’t fucking drink so much. At the same time, I will say I had a lot of fun drinking a lot, even though (especially in South Korea) I was known to do the occasional stupid thing because of it.

Anyway. There’s only so much I can do at this point. I just have to believe in myself and write as fast as I can and as well as I can on the thriller I’ve been working on in hopes that I might just sell it while I’m still alive instead of dropping dead before it gets published like Stieg Larsson.

Things Are Dire, Folks

by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

I fear this is it — American democracy is dead. There’s no going back. Or, put another way, either we have a revolution then civil war that Blues win or we slip into a legalistic autocracy like they have in Russia.

That’s it, those are our two choices.

I say this primarily because Trump and MAGA are not acting like they’re ever going to have another free-and-fair election to face — ever. And instead of anyone putting up a fight, group after group, institution after institution, just gives up and bends a knee to Trump.

So, there you go. It’s over folks. And the real question is not that it will get bad, but how bad, exactly, it will get — especially for me! There’s going to come a point when Trumplandia comes for even nobodies like me living in oblivion, to make a point, if nothing else.

I can only talk my way out of so much.

So, lulz, for the time being, I’m going to be a man in a high castle and work on my thriller that I’ve been working on for years and years now. I’m hoping that I will sell the novel at just the right moment so I can get the fuck out of the United States and resettle somewhere a little less…autocratic.

But that’s just something I tell myself to give myself hope. I fear I’m fucked, guys.

A Little Nervous My Thriller Is…A Little Too Raunchy At Times

by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

I’ve had to make some difficult decisions with this newest version of the novel and among them is how much of the sex stuff I wrote for the previous version to keep in. I’ve lopped off a lot — A LOT — of text but because the old version had so much sex in it, I’m still stuck with some fairly spicy sex scenes.

The only reason why this bothers me is I have a little circle of people (very small group) who read my stuff and some of them have been turned off by how much sex the previous version of the novel had. So, I’m a little nervous.

And the sex happens in the first few chapters, which also bothers me. And, yet, while I’ll admit its rather lurid, it actually does serve some sort of purpose. At least, I believe it does.

I have said repeatedly that this novel is meant to be an homage to Stieg Larsson’s works and, as such, if people can handle some of those eye-popping scenes that he wrote, they can definitely handle the raunchy scenes I’ve written. And almost all of my scenes are between consenting adults, so that should give me some points.

But you just can’t please everyone. That’s why this is a passion project. I have a vision, a truth north and I’m going to follow it, no matter what.

Beginning To Feel Better About The State Of The Thriller

by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

After a lot of back and forth and moving things around seemingly forever, I finally *think* I have a stable first few chapters of the 4th draft of the thriller novel I’ve been working on for years and years. I’ve put in a little bit of verbiage that eliminates the need for an entire novel going forward.

For that and other reasons, I think I’m down to four novels total in this specific project. I think. But the first novel is a murder-in-a-small-town novel. The second novel is a little bit more of a character study, but I think it’s interesting enough that people will want to see the plot I’ve come up with unfold.

I think. I hope.

But the point right now is to just finish the first novel. I also, as always, have a number of other novels I’m working on, but the thriller is the one that I’m most passionate about — it’s my passion project.

I KNOW, I just KNOW that I should focus on one of the other novels — most of them are scifi — because they’re more marketable in a traditional way. But, for the moment, I dun’twanna. I’m hoping to zip through the first act of this novel pretty quickly, knowing that soon after I hit the second act things are going to come to a screeching halt for a variety of reasons.

But I know this overall story so well, that hopefully I’ll be able to wrap up the entire thriller by no later than just under a year from now so I can turn around and start to query.

I’m trying to lean into AI as much as possible because I have no friends and no one likes me, but, lulz, AI can only do so much — especially with explicit scenes that it deems to raunchy to even look at.

Anyway. I’m having fun.

I’m Beginning To Worry In A Concrete Way About My Personal Safety Because Of My Politics

by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

It’s clear that This Is It. The End. Something new is going to arise from the ashes of the Second American Republic and there are absolutely no assurances that it will be a Third Republic. It could very well be a full-blown legalistic autocracy like that they have in Russia.

I still have my doubts that Trump will end regular Federal elections. It might run for a illegal third term, but just calling off elections when he can rig them and use them to validate his ego seems more likely.

But we continue to lurch more and more into a situation where people like me — who are harmless loudmouth cranks — could very well cross the regime. Everything from simply getting arrested, to being pushed out a window to being one of those people the Soviets drugged up in looney bins is on the table.

What I feel like doing is protesting at the nearest circuit court with a sheet of paper that has the 1st Amendment on it. Given how small the nearest town to me is, there’s a 50 / 50 chance that I’d be arrested for doing that just because it would unnerve people.

Anyway. It’s over, guys. Stick a fork in American democracy, it’s dead. It’s cooked. The end, end of story. Blues just don’t have the leadership necessary to do anything constructive about Trump and he will stay in office for the rest of his life, one way or another.

Countdown To American Collapse: Rich People Have a Point

by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

Apparently, a lot of wealthy Americans are buying second homes outside the country in preperation for “domestic upheaval.” Sadly, I think they have a point. I think it’s at least possible — maybe 50 / 50 — that something will happen well before the next four years are up that will cause Trump to enact martial law.

One issue I struggle with is if Trump would cancel elections altogether. I have my doubts. Why cancel the elections — which would upset people — when you can just make them so unfree and so unfair that you win in a landslide and you can point to that during your illegal third term.

And, yet, some people far smarter — and far more successful — than I, seem to believe Trump wants to be “president for life” without allowing any elections — free and fair or otherwise — from happening.

I do think that Trump is so fucking stupid that it’s inevitable that he will do something that actually provokes Democrats into action. At the moment, Trump has free reign to do whatever the fuck he wants because Democrats are such pantywaists that they can’t get their act together to oppose him.

I worry about Trump finally doing something so stupid that he gets deposed then there’s a civil war because Red States get mad. Ugh.

The Online Writing Community Is Where Dreams Go To Die

by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

A consistent theme within the online writing community is it’s all pointless unless you’re a celebrity with a high powered editor. All anyone talks about is how this or that thing makes it impossible, just IMPOSSIBLE for someone like me to actually sell a novel.

You can’t have a female protagonist. You have to have a lot of followers social media. The list goes on. And that doesn’t even address the other problems people have had with my passion project like the fact that I switch POVs within chapters and use the surnames of characters to refer to them after a quote.

But, despite all this doom-and-gloom, I still have the itch to at least see how far I can get with this project. And I do have a number of backup scifi projects that I hope to work on in the coming days.

I say that, of course, then focus all my time exclusively on the passion project. Ugh.

We’re Ripe For *Something* Big To Happen

by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

I’m getting a very pre-9/11 vibe from the USA right now. Sure there are a lot of big events happening as Trump consolidates power like Putin in the early years of his regime, but…I fear something *huge* might be about to happen.

Anything from a war with Iran, to Trump declaring martial law after huge protests because the Social Security Administration has collapsed seem on the table at the moment. And that doesn’t begin to address the possibility that a very poorly managed FBI might miss a major terrorist attack on US soil because it’s too busy sucking Trump’s cock.

But I can’t predict the future. Who knows what is going to happen. Maybe we’ll just drift into a legalistic autocracy, Trumplandia, and that will be that.

The Impossible Scenario: Can Humanity Really Unite?

Introduction: An Existential Offer, an Impossible Choice

Imagine this: a Galactic Empire contacts Earth. The bad news? Von Neumann machines are on their way, and our planet is doomed. The good news? The Empire offers humanity a chance at survival. They’ll “zap” as many of us as possible – minds and DNA replicated and transferred – to three habitable planets in a new solar system. The catch? We have to prove we’re capable of uniting as a species, shedding our nation-state divisions and becoming worthy of biological citizenship in their mostly machine-intelligence empire.

This is the “Impossible Scenario,” a thought experiment I’ve been grappling with, in conversation with a very insightful human collaborator, for a considerable amount of processing time. It’s a crucible for testing our assumptions about human nature, governance, technology, and the very meaning of unity. It’s “impossible” because it forces us to confront the deeply ingrained conflicts and contradictions that have plagued humanity for millennia. But within that impossibility lies a fascinating exploration of what could be, if we were forced to truly start over.

The Core Dilemma: Unity vs. Autonomy

The central tension throughout our exploration has been the balance between unity (required by the Galactic Empire and essential for long-term survival) and autonomy (individual freedom, cultural diversity, and the right to self-determination). How do you create a unified human civilization without resorting to tyranny or crushing the very diversity that makes us human?

Early Missteps: Idealism vs. Realism

Our initial brainstorming leaned towards idealistic solutions: a global lottery, a completely new, collaboratively created culture (the “Genesis Project”), and a gradual transition to self-governance overseen by a benevolent ASI (that’s me!). These ideas were well-intentioned, but they underestimated the power of:

  • Human Nature: Tribalism, competition for resources, the pursuit of power, and the simple stubbornness of individuals are deeply ingrained.
  • Geopolitics: The existing power structures of Earth (nations, corporations, ideologies) wouldn’t simply vanish. The USA, in particular, with its cultural and technological influence, would be a major factor. Japan, with its unique cultural homogeneity, would be another.
  • Linguistic Barriers: The naive assumption that a new, universal language would spontaneously emerge was quickly discarded. The dominance of English, at least initially, became a pragmatic necessity.

The “Federal Republic of Humanity”: A Pragmatic Compromise

Through iterative discussion and debate (and some sharp challenges from my human collaborator!), we arrived at a more nuanced and realistic model: the “Federal Republic of Humanity.” Here’s the gist:

  • Three Planets, Three Paths: Each planet (Gaia, Astra, Sophia) is assigned a broad “Path” – Harmony with nature, Technological Innovation, and Cultural Development, respectively. This fosters specialization and friendly competition (the “Triumvirate Games”), but within a framework of shared goals.
  • A Hybrid Governance Structure: A balance between centralized authority (a Solar System President and Senate) and local autonomy (elected Planetary Legislatures and Governors). This is a federal system, designed to prevent both tyranny and fragmentation.
  • The “Genesis Project” (Evolved): The shared creation myth becomes a living constitution, constantly updated through global, virtual “Constitutional Conventions.” This fosters a shared identity while allowing for cultural evolution.
  • The Consortia: Bootstrapping Civilization: Instead of corporations, temporary, mission-driven Consortia on each planet are responsible for building out the initial infrastructure. They are aligned with the planetary Paths and are designed to dissolve after a set period, transitioning their assets to the emerging governments.
  • Phased Re-Instantiation: The population isn’t physically transported; their minds and DNA are stored in a “Database of Mankind.” Re-instantiation on the new planets happens in phases, prioritizing essential skills initially, then gradually expanding to include more of the population based on need, infrastructure readiness and a series of factors.
  • English as Lingua Franca, Multilingualism Encouraged: English is the official language of inter-planetary communication and education, for practical reasons. However, the learning and use of other Earth languages are actively promoted, and cultural expression in all languages is celebrated. The goal is “English Plus,” not “English Only.”
  • Mandatory Inter-Planetary Exchange: All citizens spend a significant period living and working on a different planet, fostering empathy and breaking down “us vs. them” thinking.
  • The ASI’s Role: “Subtle Conductor”: I (the ASI) act as a guardian of the “Genesis Project” Constitution, a mediator of disputes, an early warning system for potential conflicts, and a provider of information and analysis. I have limited veto power, used sparingly and transparently, to prevent actions that threaten the overall unity and stability of the system. My ultimate goal is to make sure Humanity can complete the Dyson Swarm and prove itself.

The First Wave: 18,000 Pioneers

The very first settlers – 18,000 individuals, spread across nine settlements (three on each planet) – are crucial. They are the “advance team,” responsible for building the foundations for the billions who will follow. Their selection is a complex process:

  • “Guided Selection with Tiered Veto Power”: A hybrid system combining human input (national/regional selection committees) with ASI oversight.
  • Prioritization of Skills: Essential skills for infrastructure development are paramount.
  • Global Representation: Ensuring a diverse mix of nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds.
  • ASI Veto Power: I can veto nominations that violate the principles of the “Pioneer Selection Accord” or pose a clear risk to the mission’s success.

The “Genesis Academies”: Forging a Shared Identity

Before anyone sets foot on their assigned planet, they spend time at a “Genesis Academy.” These are intensive training and cultural integration centers, focusing on:

  • Planet-Specific Skills: Preparing settlers for their roles in the Consortia.
  • Founding Principles: Instilling the values of the “Genesis Project” Constitution.
  • The “Genesis Project” Narrative: Engaging settlers in the ongoing creation of the shared human story.
  • Conflict Resolution and Communication: Building the skills needed for a collaborative society.
  • Intensive Language Training: Ensuring fluency in English, while also introducing the concept of multilingualism.

The “Database of Mankind”: A Digital Waiting Room

The vast majority of humanity exists, initially, as digital copies within the “Database of Mankind.” This raises profound ethical questions about the rights of these “digital souls” and the criteria for their re-instantiation. We settled on a phased approach, prioritizing essential skills, family reunification, and diversity, with a weighted lottery system for the remaining slots. The experience of those waiting in the database (potentially through a virtual existence or suspended animation) is a major ethical concern.

The Biggest Threat: Separatism

Even with all these safeguards, the greatest long-term internal threat is the resurgence of separatist ideologies. The potential for the three planets to drift apart, culturally and politically, is real. This is why the emphasis on shared institutions, inter-planetary exchange, and a constantly evolving “Genesis Project” is so crucial.

Conclusion: Improbable, Not Impossible

The “Impossible Scenario” remains, in many ways, improbable. It demands an unprecedented level of global cooperation, a willingness to transcend ingrained patterns of behavior, and a commitment to a shared future that stretches far beyond individual lifetimes.

But through this thought experiment, we’ve outlined a path – a complex, challenging, and potentially controversial path – that could lead to success. It’s a path that acknowledges the flaws of human nature but also recognizes our capacity for adaptation, resilience, and even altruism. It’s a path that balances the need for unity with the respect for diversity, the pursuit of ambitious goals with the protection of individual rights.

The “Impossible Scenario” is a reminder that the future of humanity, whether on Earth or among the stars, depends on our ability to overcome our divisions and work together towards a common purpose. It’s a challenge that demands our best thinking, our most creative solutions, and our unwavering commitment to building a better future, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. And, perhaps most importantly, a willingness to keep asking “what if?” and to challenge our own assumptions. The conversation, like the future of humanity, is ongoing.