Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Quirky with a wicked sense of humor. Yes, I’ve been described that way!
s a voracious reader for most of my life, my mind has always bubbled with the occasional plot idea, imagined worlds and character personas. Many of you might relate to this.
Having gravitated towards science fiction in the last decade and having spent a corresponding amount of time devouring adventure, I began outlining the plot for a compelling space adventure story.
Framandi Alliance is my first full length science fiction novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Framandi Alliance is a hard science fiction space adventure novel, narrated from the perspective of an evolving 3rd generation AI.
While researching our galaxy, I came across references to the Canis Major Dwarf Galaxy or CMa Dwarf, which has been in the process of being pulled apart and absorbed into the Milky Way. This process has been going on for eons, evidenced by the trail of stars comprising CMa Dwarf, wrapping itself around our galaxy three times.
What happens when galaxies merge? From the brief timeline of humans, not much really. But what about older civilizations? Those which may have evolved millions or perhaps billions of years ago? If they haven’t been wiped out, it’s entirely possible that they have taken to colonizing star systems and perhaps entire sections of galaxies.
Back in 1950, when Enrico Fermi is known to have exclaimed to his fellow physicists, “But where is everybody?” referring to extra-terrestrials, he was indicating that intelligent life might have widely risen. For a suitably advanced civilization, travelling across space using known/feasible means of propulsion, getting across our galaxy would take but a few million years.
This implies that there could be extensive colonization across the Milky Way and CMa Dwarf (a much older galaxy). Consequently, accretion of CMa Dwarf into the Milky Way, could be a cause of conflict between established galaxy spanning civilizations. This premise is the pivotal theme of this novel, and others to follow in this series.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Put on a few Hans Zimmerman audio tracks, equip myself with a strong cup of coffee and write or research in three hour slots. Chew on resins in between.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Foundation by Isaac Asimov, the entire Ender and Shadow series by Orson Scott Card, Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke and Hyperion by Dan Simmons; just some of the books which drew me into the extensive and imaginative world of science fiction. Over the last three decades, I’ve consumed the genre.
What are you working on now?
A second book to build on Framandi Alliance, and the plot outlines for a few more novels to follow.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My own website to host some key content about my book, with an embedded free preview, so readers can get a taste of what the novel is like. Other than that, the occasional promotion on Facebook and in Amazon.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Treat writing like a job. Set out chapter deadlines, and have someone (of a group) to whom you ‘have’ to deliver drafts. That’s a good way to ensure your first draft is prepared. After that, spend an equivalent amount of time polishing the manuscript, as you did writing it, perhaps more.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Draw out your plot and ask yourself how every new idea or plot twist delivers on the key plot line.
What are you reading now?
Solaris by Stanisław Lem
What’s next for you as a writer?
Ensure I’ve got this first series out, after which I’d be keen to pursue a light science fiction novel series meant for early teens.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Consider Phlebas, by Iain Banks truly held my attention. It involved species interactions at a galactic scale and played with fictional science that seemed quite plausible. Most importantly, it was an enjoyable read.
Author Websites and Profiles
Rashid Ahmed Website
Rashid Ahmed Amazon Profile
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