Beyond What Separates Us by R.A. Morris
Adult fiction 18 yrs +, 277 pages
Genre: Dystopian, Sci-Fi
Publisher: Iguana Books
Release date: September, 2020
Synopsis
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.
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Interview
Which scene in the book is your favourite and why?
Without giving too much away there is a scene in one of the last chapters following Aashi, where she has overcome tremendous loss and has finally found a place in the world. She finds herself in an idyllic setting witnessing some of the most majestic creatures on this planet. Finally safe, Aashi immerses herself in her newfound breathtaking surroundings.
Do you think Ecofiction (or Climate Fiction) deserves its own genre?
There are more and more books these days that would be classified in this sub-genre that is not a traditional category in terms of where books are marketed or promoted. For example, my book is being classified as science fiction on sites where it is available for purchase simply because Ecofiction is not a standalone genre. It could also be classified as dystopian, which itself is a wide-ranging category with varying criteria. An expanded list of genres that is widely recognized within the publishing industry would make it easier for authors to market and promote their books, especially with the increase in independent and self-publishing. Additionally, I think with the increased awareness and concern around environmental issues, it is time the publishing industry expand the traditional genre categories to be more descriptive of environmentally themed fiction.
What is the most difficult part of writing for you?
In three words, showing not telling. On earlier drafts of this novel, my editor explained that for some of the introductory chapters I was explaining context and situation too much, rather than letting the character tell their story and show it through actions to the reader. Since all my previous writing had been in an academic or government setting, I was used to a certain formula of what is the point being made and what is the supporting evidence. Writing fiction is a different formula where the reader needs to gain an understanding of the world being created through actions, dialogue, and events. In the end, a lot of the introductory chapters for each of the main characters were rewritten to show not tell.
If you could choose three people (living or deceased) to invite for a dinner party, who would they be and why?
J.R.R Tolkien to simply chat about how he created Arda (the world) and all its inhabitants. I can’t think of anyone with a greater imagination and it would be a pleasure to just listen to his stories and understand his process.
David Suzuki to ask him how he continues to find the passion to fight for the environment, when it seems like necessary societal change is just not happening.
Malala Yousafzai because she is such a courageous and passionate young woman.
I’d also ask each of them what their ideal society looks like. It would be a profoundly interesting dinner party.
Favorite book when you were a kid
There was not one book, but I fondly remember Berenstain Bears and Dr. Seuss books.
About 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.
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Giveaway
Win 1 of 3 ebooks of R.A. Morris’ BEYOND WHAT SEPARATES US (3 winners) (USA & Canada) (ends Sep 29)
