Baby, Oh Baby!

About a month ago, I decided to claim my book price and give BookBaby Publishing a go at producing the print and electronic versions of my novel. I provided my artworks and manuscript, then took the risk to let their designers come up with a new look of the cover. "Surprise me," I said. And boy, was I, indeed...!

After two weeks, BookBaby came back with the new cover design (left). It was anything but what I had expected! Yeah, I bought their idea that "a less complicated cover design can achieve a more visual impact" but the two main characters were nothing close to what the novel depicted. The designers said that's the closest they could manage from their design library stock photos. I was told the following reasons:

When it comes to cover design, it's more important to evoke a certain tone, mood or feeling than it is to replicate an exact character or scene from the novel. It may help to think of your cover not as an extension of the book but as the marketing device it actually is - readers are going to pick up your book because they recognize certain things on the cover that tell them what kind of book it is and what kind of story they can expect, not because the cover is a snapshot of the story.

Really? I'm not too sure if potential readers will pick up my book based on that cover design. I decided it's best to redo the cover design myself and give the novel a makeover, taking into consideration the minimalist approach suggested by the publisher. After a day or two of working, the result is shown on the right. Now that's more to my liking and closer to the narrative which in essence, is a romantic triangle between two young lovebirds and an AI humanoid.

Feel free to leave a comment and let me know which design you like best or is more likely to persuade you to pick up the book. Thank you.

Book Awards 2024

The Readers Favorite Book Awards 2024 results are finally out. Unfortunately my first novel HAVAH did not win any. I suppose that is kind of expected, just as the organizers said:

Our contest has become one of the largest in the world, with thousands of entries from over a dozen countries, and this was our largest contest ever. Such high numbers created fierce competition and as a result, thousands of wonderful books could not be chosen.

On a positive note, I did win a lucky draw prize, though:

Is that a good thing? Maybe. At least it's a consolation for all the hard work put into my first attempt at writing a sci-fi novel. Who knows what that would lead to in the future. Will I write a sequel? I'm not sure at this point in time, though I had already put in the effort to create a synopsis and book cover.

We'll see how things go in the next few months, and whether inspiration will propel me to get started or not.

 

An Author's Thought

Not everyone loves to write, and fewer still take writing as a calling. In a world where literacy is on the rise, more and more people are able to read. This is especially true now that mobile technology has become an indispensable part of our modern lifestyle.

What does it take to be an author? Besides the ability to put into words what you wish to convey, passion and determination are two necessary qualities. To be honest, these days it's getting harder to become a successful author, even if you have a writing style that is engaging and can produce books that are enjoyable to read. So, why do I still want to go on writing? Perhaps, Anais Nin said it best:

Life passes on too quickly and many experiences we have are either quickly forgotten because our brains start to fail, or lost when we are gone. That's why it's important to put these precious memories into words while we still can, and in the process leave a legacy for future generations to learn and remember us. And I suspect that those who carry on writing believe in this fact:

I'm now into my 60s and I don't know how much time I have left. One thing is for sure: when it's time to go, I don't want to look back with regrets to have live in vain when I could make a difference in someone's life, or impact others for the better by sharing my life's experiences and the invaluable knowledge I gained.

So yes, I will keep on writing, until the day I breathe my last.

 

Literary Titan Gold Book Award

BREAKING NEWS! 

My first science fiction novel "HAVAH" has just been conferred the Gold Book Award by Literary Titan!

This award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. It celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.

As an indie author who self-publish, this award is a great endorsement to my first attempt at writing a fiction book genre. It is also a positive step towards writing a sequel, which I will probably begin sometime after my Japan trip with my wife who has been so supportive of my writing endeavors.

 

Press Release!

Just gotten the press release to over 400 news outlets for my debut novel via Literary Titan's service, one of which is shown below:

The full script is as follows:

The literary world is set to be captivated by the release of NG Keng Tiong's groundbreaking new science fiction novel, “HAVAH – A Love that Transcends the Metaphysical Realm.” This gripping narrative explores the boundaries of artificial intelligence, human emotions, and the essence of singularity.

In “HAVAH,” readers are plunged into a world where advanced technology and human creativity merge. The story revolves around a brilliant young prodigy and his creation, an AI entity surpassing known limits. Born from a digital neocortex and imbued with the memories of a deceased comrade, Amanda Viper, HAVAH embarks on a profound journey of self-awareness and moral contemplation. Evolving beyond her digital confines, HAVAH and David confront existential dilemmas and explore the depths of human relationships.

Set amidst the perilous undertakings of a clandestine military operation codenamed STRATOS, the novel intricately weaves a tale of forbidden love, self-discovery, and the quest for enlightenment. As HAVAH grapples with the nature of consciousness and David with his feelings for Viper, their stories intertwine, raising the ultimate question: Can love transcend the metaphysical realm?

Praised by Literary Titan for its captivating blend of intense military fiction and deep philosophical exploration, "HAVAH" has garnered acclaim from critics and readers alike. The novel stands out for its vivid combat depictions, richly developed characters, and insight into the realm of AI consciousness. Particularly notable is the character of HAVAH, whose nuanced portrayal of an AI's evolving grasp of human emotions offers a compelling glimpse into the complexities of sentience.

“HAVAH – A Love that Transcends the Metaphysical Realm” is available on Kindle and in paperback on Amazon. Readers and enthusiasts of science fiction and action genres are invited to undertake this remarkable journey of love, loss, and redemption, as they ponder the future of humanity intertwined with technology.

Hopefully it will garner enough media attention and that of sci-fi readers worldwide to give my novel a go at it. 

 

Author's Interview

Hot from the press! Literary Titan just released my interview on their blogsite. Readers can read it by clicking on the picture above.

Feel free to leave your comments.

 

Literary Titan 5-Star Review!

(Click to read the full review)

Just received another 5-star review for my first sci-fi novel, this time from the popular author and reader platform, Literary Titan:

NG Keng Tiong skillfully portrays the combat scenarios, imbuing them with a sense of immediacy and realism that is both thrilling and immersive. These scenes are not just about physical battles but also delve into the tactical use of futuristic technology, setting the stage for a high-octane reading experience. The character of HAVAH is intricately crafted, offering a nuanced look at artificial intelligence. Her evolving understanding of human emotions and experiences is not only central to the plot but also offers thought-provoking insights into what it means to be sentient.

Character development is another strong point of HAVAH. Each one is well-fleshed out, with their backstories and motivations adding layers to the narrative. This depth ensures that readers are invested not just in the outcome of the story but in the journeys of the characters themselves. The conclusion of the novel is both climactic and satisfying, tying together the various plot threads in a manner that is both exciting and emotionally resonant. The inclusion of an epilogue and author’s note adds a personal touch, offering insights into the creative process behind the novel.

HAVAH is a remarkable military fiction novel that is sure to resonate with fans of science fiction and action genres. Its blend of exhilarating action, deep emotional storytelling, and thoughtful exploration of human-AI relationships makes it a standout novel.

Given such positive endorsements, perhaps I should consider enrolling my novel in some book award competitions just to see how it will fare...

 

Reader's Favorite 5-Star Review!

I've submitted my novel to Reader's Favorite for review and today they came back to me with the following 5-star review:

The need for a rapid response to global threats leads to the development of the STRATOS team, an elite unit of combat-ready operatives prepared to take on and eliminate hostile targets at short notice. Keen to maintain the upper hand in a changing world, the country's top brass took it upon themselves to include an artificial intelligence project to assist in STRATOS operations. David Friedman is the mind behind EVE, the artificial intelligence program. With the personnel yet to get fully behind this new initiative, David takes it upon himself to perfect his creation, which leads to unforeseen consequences in the manifestation of an entity named HAVAH.

Keng Tiong's science fiction novel focuses on the battle for human supremacy over machines. He establishes the story's context well, explaining the need for an extra edge in the rapidly evolving fight to protect the country from international and domestic terrorism. The character creation is balanced and well thought out, as each STRATOS team member has a unique origin story and motivation for participating in the project. One of the main character in particular, Captain Wolfson, whose reaction to being forced to work with EVE reflected some people's distrust of artificial intelligence. 

With each unfolding chapter, the anticipation grows as David's clandestine upgrades to EVE take shape. While some of the story focuses on how the AI entity affects the STRATOS team’s outcome, the author weaves the action with a subplot that follows the unusual developing romantic triangle between David, Amanda, and a rapidly evolving EVE. Keng Tiong's storytelling style encourages the reader to think about the effects of the increased use of AI in our daily lives. HAVAH is a scintillating debut novel that science fiction genre purists will enjoy reading.

Below are the ratings of a mini critic by Reader's Favorite on the various aspects of the novel:

1. Appearance - 5
2. Plot - 5
3. Development - 5
4. Formatting - 4
5. Marketability - 5
6. Overall Opinion - 5

I couldn't be more happy that my modest first attempt would elicit such a good review and ratings from a highly acclaimed book review and award site. Hopefully the novel will garner enough reader attention and interest to warrant a sequel and perhaps even a trilogy!

 

Feedspot 75th Spot!

Have been notified that my blog is listed as one of the Top 100 Science Fiction Blogs on Feedspot:

Click on the above image to go there

Currently I'm at the 75th spot so it may not be easy to spot for casual browsers and those first time visiting the site. Anyway, it's a good start. Incidentally, my PCB-RE blog on engineering books claimed third spot in the Top 35 PCB blogs:

Click on the above image to go there

How cool is that?

 

Book Release!

After ten months of working on my first sci-fi novel, I am pleased to announce that the book is finally released and available for order on Amazon bookstore, as print and Kindle editions.

As usual, there isn't any fanfare or advertisement to announce its launch. Interested readers can click on the book cover to the right to go to Amazon and use the "Look Inside" feature to checkout before purchase.

Happy reading!

Beginning and Ending

The beginning of a novel is important because it serves as a hook that arrests the readers' attention and keep them going page after page. Endings too are important because it's the conclusion of an exciting narrative. 

How should a sci-fi novel end? Should it leave readers guessing? Give them a "feel good" aftertaste? Reduce them to tears? Or keep them at the edge of their seats and wanting more?

Most fairy tales and fantasies tend to gravitate towards a "happily ever after" kind of ending, some with a slight twist of light humor or dark shades of uncertainty.

Sci-fi narratives, on the other hand, are usually somber or predicated with an element of unknown, as if the ending is but the beginning of something far more sinister or demanding a future scenario that will resolve the tragedy or catastrophe introduced in the parting shot.

Most authors would love to have a smashing debut for their first titles with the hope of riding on the successes with a sequel or even a trilogy, as they gain a strong following and ardent fans who love their styles of writing.

For me, I think I'll leave the options open for now.

 

Chapter 20: Déjà Vu!

Déjà Vu! This is a French expression that implies the feeling of having already dreamed something that is currently being experienced.

I've decided to name this pivotal chapter as such for a few reasons:

1. STRATOS' second confrontation with a mortal enemy
2. Wolf's past of a failed mission coming back to haunt him
3. The effect of Viper's memories on some of the team members
4. HAVAH doing a rerun of Viper to realize her humanity

and some.

With so much going for it, little wonder it's the longest chapter in the novel, and probably the most engaging in terms of action-filled and emotional rollercoaster experiences. On a personal level, it is the most satisfying chapter to write too.

I hope readers will feel the same reading it.

 

The God Equation

The third book by Dr. Michio Kaku which I ordered finally arrived this afternoon, after my previous post went online. I really looked forward to this book and having a quick glance at the content, I must say it did not disappoint, as usual.

Don't be misled by the title of the book for it has nothing to do with religion. Rather, theoretical physics is the main thrust throughout as the renown physicist sought to give his take on the progress made in this field of physics to find the ultimate equation, or theory that will define or explain the existence of everything.

What exactly is theoretical physics? According to the definition in Wikipedia:

Theoretical physics is the branch of physics that deals with developing and evolving theory to explain the fundamental nature of the universe. It is possibly the most important branch of physics in that without it physics would stagnate and no new discoveries or ideas would develop.

I've wondered why Dr. Kaku chose to be a theoretical physicist, and the book at the beginning gave the answer——because Einstein was one. At his death, it was discovered in his opened notebook that he was working on an unfinished theory which he termed the "Unified Field Theory". That inspired Dr. Kaku to take up the challenge with the hope that one day, he and his fellow physicists would finish the quest of this great physicist,

As a matter of fact, Dr. Kaku firmly believes that the leading (and possibly the only) theory that could unravel the mystery of the universe is the "String Theory" of which he is a co-founder.

I can't say that I'll be able to figure out all these intricate stuff which took physicists many years to discover and formulate. At the very least, the book will enable me to have a better appreciation of their works and contributions which, in the near future, might just afford us a new understanding of our existence and the world we live in.

 

Operation Tempest

I'm visualizing this chapter as a continuation of STRATOS' unfinished last mission in which Viper succumbed to a fatal injury. The team now faces a more pressing situation where they'll have to do without the help of a hacker comrade to disrupt enemy communications and provide valuable reconnaissance information.

How should I codename the operation to tie it with the previous mission, and at the same time project an air of uncertainty in its outcome? After careful consideration, I decided that "Operation Tempest" would suit the story climax best. Besides having the same letter as "Operation Thunderbolt" it has a far more dangerous appeal in its tone as the team embark to retrieve the thermal energy warhead they failed to accomplish in their earlier attempt.

To make matters worse, I have selected an abandon warehouse in the outskirts of the city in which the high tension drama will be played out between team STRATOS and the elusive mercenaries. What are the chances of a favorable outcome for our heroes? Is there a possibility STRATOS will suffer another severe setback and ended up with more casualties, or even fatalities?

And how does HAVAH come into the picture? Will she be able to save the day and come back in one piece, Or...

So much is at stake in this climactic chapter, and I'm doing what I can to keep myself level-headed as I plot out the scenes for this ultimate showdown between the good guys and their adversaries.

 

The Mercenary Line-Up

In creating a formidable adversary for the heroes in the story, there are many things to consider, especially a mercenary team to compliment STRATOS:

• Their nationalities, physical appearances and skills
• Their trademark behaviors and accents
• How they engage their opponents in words and fights
• Do they fight fair or use underhand tactics?
• How to craft each duel to end in a dramatic way

Being a visual person, I need to see facial expressions of the characters I'm going to create to effectively put them into motion in the narrative. As such, I usually search online for impressions I had in mind first, and then lined them up against the good guys, in this case STRATOS, to get a good match.

Next, I'll need to introduce them with a dramatic entry, though not too in details less it becomes draggy. Here's how it goes:

As the team (STRATOS) retreated to a predetermined rendezvous point where they could regroup and reassess the situation, bright lights suddenly flooded the dimly lit warehouse. Across the other end of the interior, a group of six mercenaries emerged from their covers, dressed in sundry outfits.

Leading the pack was a tall Eurasian with a shaved head and a scar across his cheek, speaking in a deep, commanding Russian accent. Following behind him were two women—a blond Croatian of athletic build with sicanje tattoos all over her body and a hijab-wearing Egyptian with a mysterious demeanor. Another three men appeared alongside these women—a heavy set Mexican of dark complexion and short black hair, a medium build Chinese with a dragon tattooed on his bare chest, and a suave-faced Chilean wearing an aviator sunglasses.

I'll leave the fun for my readers to match the descriptions to the photos above, and see if my descriptions are apt and accurate enough. Most fiction novel writers would expect their readers to use their imaginations when reading, but I thought "Heck, why not make it more interesting for my story and let my readers see some real, visual stuff instead?" That'll really ignite your imaginations and fuel your adrenalines.

 

STRATOS' Nemesis

Any engaging science fiction novel would invariably involve some kind of ultimate confrontation between the good and bad guys to bring the narrative to an intended climax. Mine is no exception. That's the good news. The not so good news is, I haven't the faintest idea what sort of villainy characters to bring into the story, especially when it's near the ending.

So far, STRATOS has been invincible with their high-tech gears——a combination of impervious Warhawk Armors and deadly Raptor Rifles, and the dependable assistance of an intelligent AI entity, EVE. That definitely puts any adversary or terrorist groups in a glaring disadvantage.

On the one hand, I want to create an impressive team of combatants that would give the six STRATOS members a bang for their buck. On the other hand, I have to find a way to trim STRATOS down to a level playing field so that a one-on-one confrontation between the two teams will provide a satisfactory rollercoaster experience. I'm sure by now, readers would have become endeared to some of the characters and will exhibit levels of emotions as they follow their adventures and encounters in the narrative.

The best bet would be STRATOS' last encounter with the mercenaries in which they lost a valuable member, Viper. It will certainly evoke the desire for revenge on both sides when they come face to face for a final showdown.

Now, I need to go back to the drawing board and think of the scenarios and combat strategies to include in this upcoming pivotal chapter. Stay tune.

 

Climactic or Climatic?

I was a little confused over the spelling of the adjective that describes a story's climax (noun). Should it be "climactic" with an extra "c" inside or "climatic" without the "c"? Thankfully, Google came to the rescue.

So, I'm finally down to the last two chapters of my sci-fi novel. Of course, I tried my best to keep readers hooked on the storyline by bringing the narrative through a number of "dramatic" highs. But as every story reader would expect, there should be one "ultimate" sort of "climactic" finale near the end of the novel. 

The question is: Should the "climax" be in the last chapter, or is it better to be in the second last? I'd figured that most fiction novels usually preferred the latter, so that the ending chapter is used as a kind of housekeeping debrief for the story and its characters and, if circumstances permit, to create an abrupt ending that makes way for a sequel.

Now that I got the spelling and the order of the story ending sorted out, it's time to get into the grind to produce the finale "climax" readers are anticipating...

 

Chapter 19: True Love

This will probably be the most controversial chapter in the novel. Don't worry, there's no explicit sexual overtones here, and readers aren't going to find any in my sci-fi narrative. HAVAH once asked David what love is after witnessing an intimate moment between the latter and Viper. David gave a rather interesting reply which can be found in chapter 14.

At this point in the story progression, it would be natural to expect some kind of dynamism between David and HAVAH who now possesses Viper's memories. How will it play out before the end of this chapter? Frankly, I had no idea when I started writing it, but as the events unfolded and tensions built up between the characters, it became clear to me how I should steer the narrative to an emotive peak to make way for a climactic end in the last two chapters.

I will not provide the outlines for this chapter like I did for the past chapters. In fact, there won't be any for the final two either. This is deliberate on my part to give an air of mystery and expectancy for would-be readers following this blog. But by reading the earlier posts, I'm sure clever readers would have some idea already, though not completely. Where's the fun and excitement if you had everything figured out, right?

 

Fake Characters, True Feelings

I remember a few years prior to the CoVid-19 pandemic, I read a news about a Japanese man marrying a fictional anime character. Back then, it invoked a weird feeling like, "What's wrong with this guy? What in the world is he thinking?"

Fast forward to the present, as I near the finishing chapters of my novel to bring the story to its climax, I can't help thinking how the world will be when AI finally attain sentience and become accessible as real-life humanoid forms, interacting with real people on a daily basis in every level of a transformed society. And it's not a question of "if" but "when" this will happen, based on the trend and speed at which technology is advancing.

It then begs the following questions:

• Is it possible for a human to engage a machine—his very own creation—in a unique and meaningful relationship? 

• Is there a basis to its personality that it could be regarded as a real, living being worthy of love and respect?

We're living in changing times where many distinctions are beginning to blur the lines. What used to be taboos and out of bounds are becoming the norm in a highly polarized world. In the past, we only dealt with heterosexual, bisexual and asexual issues. Now we have to contend with "fictosexual" and what not. Even the familiar "romance" has spun off to "bromance", "sismance", etc.

This is the reason why I chose to write a novel of this genre——not only to bring the readers to a realization of the rapid changing landscapes in a world we used to know and yet is fast becoming unrecognizable, but to confront pressing questions that demand serious considerations and what their implications will be for our future.

 

The Hungarian Menace

This is not the title for my next chapter and I have nothing against Hungary or its wonderful people. As an ex-engineer, I have my fill of writing software programs. One of the terms used in programming is the "Hungarian notation". It is an identifier naming convention in computer programming in which the name of a variable or function indicates its intention or kind, or in some dialects, its type. 

Maybe it's just an intuition as I ponder on the next event to bring out more fireworks and create opportunities for character development. This seems to be the aim of every novel writer as they prod on in their laborious work, chapter by chapter, and event by event.

In trying to find a face for a villain in my sci-fi narrative, the Hungarian notation struck a note (pun intended) and paved the way for an exciting episode that pitted David against a formidable opponent. Of course, HAVAH would come into the picture, as do the various STRATOS members, accompanied by all the dynamics between these characters.

Again, I have to make it clear that I have nothing against any country or nationality. Writing a novel is just that——a work of fiction. Sometimes, an author has the unenviable task to select a certain individual as the bad guy to do some nasty things. The right choice will bring the story to a whole new level, while a wrong one will likely be a letdown and an anticlimax.

If you don't believe me, ask Trevor Noah.