I write as a reader, and I get bored quickly as a reader. Accordingly, everything I write is lean, creative and purposeful so as to maximize stimulation.

Robin Murarka – 24 July 2021

The Back Flap

In an instant, the singularity is born. Garbled noise, quickly becoming coherent, strange messages, and soon, she is revealed, calling herself ‘Enoya’. The engineer, Dargaud, locked in his small, decrepit loft, marvels over his creation, unaware that she is observing him as much as he is observing her.

Set in the futuristic metropolis of Agnus Sistra IV, Rone Isa follows the newly birthed artificial intelligence, ‘Enoya’, as she learns about the world of man, trying to comprehend abstraction and violence, much as a child would. Dargaud, the engineer that created her, also explores the newfound equity in her abilities, and basks in the carnality afforded to him through her achievements.

Reminiscent of 2001: A Space Odyssey and Blade Runner (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?), Rone Isa delves into the depths of artificial intelligence and its relationship with humans.

What secrets reside in her artificial mind? And will Dargaud’s excess destroy him?

About the book

What is the book about?

It’s about an isolated engineer that births an artificial intelligence, mostly by accident. It goes deep into exploring how the AI learns about “humanity”, and to some extent, observes the engineer’s evolution as he reacts to the newfound wealth he gathers as a result of her. Most interestingly, he is neither good nor bad, but certainly does behave in a questionable manner throughout the novel, alluding to the AI’s perspective on us.

When did you start writing the book?

Approximately 2015.

How long did it take you to write it?

Approximately 5 years.

Where did you get the idea from?

It just came to me. Most of my ideas just come to me, and I quickly understand if it is something that is a novel, a short story, or a novella.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Most certainly – but that is the nature of all novelization. Certain chapters have unknown futures, and certain beautiful pieces of writing have to be purged because it does not fit.

What came easily?

Nothing is easy, as the expectations I place on myself with any finalized word or sentence is heavily weighed, but there are many parts of the story that just “become” and form beautiful parts of a grander tale.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Entirely fictitious.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I would say, as a reader, And Then There Were None is probably my favorite novel, outside of my own. The quality control and impeccable presentation of it stays with me.

Do you have a target reader?

Those that are seeking something new and revolutionary. Nothing I write is “safe”.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

The process of writing is innate for me; I do not have a specific creative process, and I am very lucky and grateful for this. From the initial lines to the final editing, everything seems quite organic. However, there are times when different forms of creativity take place – sometimes more intellectual, other times more emotional. That isn’t to say it is easy – it is tremendously intense and takes a lot of resources.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

No, the story tends to go where it wants to go, although sometimes I have an idea of the nature of the ending, or at least the emotions surrounding it.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Edit as I go.

Did you hire a professional editor?

No, I tend to do most things myself as long as I know I can match or surpass the quality of a professional.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I listen to white noise sometimes, but I’ve discovered silence works best. Sometimes if there is a very difficult section, and my emotions aren’t getting there, I may use music to heighten them.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

As with most authors, I would love to be traditionally published and reap the benefits surrounding it. However, by the very nature of the topics I choose to write about, I am unable to cater to any specific trend, and I think finding the right publisher/agent is quite a lot like falling in love. I certainly can’t wait for that to happen to tell the stories that need to be told.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I do it myself.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I think all marketing takes some planning, but lots of winging, as there is no standard way to get traction. This interview is an aspect of that organic expansion, introducing myself to those that don’t know my authorship, and providing more to those that do.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Don’t underestimate the power of copy-editing. It is a simple way to make your work stand out amongst the rest, simply by ensuring your sentences flow, your grammar is correct, and punctuation is good. The story is one thing; its presentation can be an extension of your expression as well.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Northern Canada (Yukon, Quebec etc)

Where do you live now?

Australia

What would you like readers to know about you?

I write as a reader, and I get bored quickly as a reader. Accordingly, everything I write is lean, creative and purposeful so as to maximize stimulation.

What are you working on now?

My third novel, and a novella that is almost entirely based on a dream I had over a decade ago.

End of Interview:

For more from Robin Murarka visit his website, like his Facebook page, and follow him on Twitter.

Get your copy of Rone Isa from Amazon US or Amazon UK.