At times I struggled with how far in the future to place the story. We’d extrapolate where a type of technology would be in twenty years or we’d dream up something really far-fetched, then I’d read that MIT was already announcing something similar was in their labs.
Lois & Ross Melbourne – 20 September 2022
The Back Flap
Dr. Keira Stetson has two passions: ethical artificial intelligence—AI with a conscience—and creating technology that improves children’s lives. Trapped in an earthquake-flattened building with a half-dozen panicked five-year-olds, she fears the worst. When billionaire Roy Brandt leverages his mysterious nanite technology to rescue them, she’s both grateful and intrigued.
Impressed by his prototype technology but alarmed at its potential for exploitation, Keira merges her company with Brandt’s. The merger gives Keira access to much-needed funds for the development of her own tech, and access to Brandt’s powerful minuscule robots. In turn, she and her AI assistant, Elly, embed Keira’s trademark Moral Operating System in Brandt’s nanite SmartDust to rein in its power.
But Brandt’s technology has been kept secret for a reason. Though he’s adamant about using the Dust to improve life, not destroy it, corporate raiders and the military have other ideas. They want to weaponize Brandt’s nanites. Suddenly, everything Keira has worked for is in jeopardy. Exposed to the worst humanity has to offer, she and Elly must fight to use this newfound tech for good and keep it out of the wrong hands…before it’s too late.
About the book
What is the book about?
Keira’s entire reputation is built upon the development of ethical computing. Her AI, Elly, is the testbed and best example using her Moral Operating System. Her absolute dedication to improving kid’s lives could now put all she’s worked for at risk.
Her top two priorities yield dangerous consequences, if she fails. Her new boss’ nanites must be restrained with an upgraded to her MoralOS. The abusers she’s eavesdropping on while using that same SmartDust must be stopped.
Keira thought she and Elly with her ethical framework could keep everything under control. Against conventional wisdom it’s not the moral decision making of AIs that’s the problem. It’s the people.
When did you start writing the book?
Fall 2018
How long did it take you to write it?
The first draft of Moral Code took about nine months. Then the rewrites began, which took another three years to reach the final product.
Where did you get the idea from?
Ross had the initial idea of an AI (artificial intelligence) which could protect all kids from the awful stuff thrown at too many of them. We brainstormed the overall storyline, then I started to write.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
At times I struggled with how far in the future to place the story. We’d extrapolate where a type of technology would be in twenty years or we’d dream up something really far-fetched, then I’d read that MIT was already announcing something similar was in their labs. Several plot lines were trashed or heavily rearranged due to technology. Our desire held fast to keeping the technology plausible. We didn’t want sci-fi that required the reader to believe that some magic happened behind the tech current and they just had to trust me. That wrecks the faith between an author and a reader, too many times.
What came easily?
I love creating the foreshadowing.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
My characters are not based on specific people. However, some activities, traits and phrases I’ve observed in people. I did specifically name my characters based on the meanings of their names.
Keira means “leader of people”
Elly means “a new day or new light”
Roy means “the one who sees”
Loel means “judgement”
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?
Ted Chiang taught me that anything can be made believable and interesting, if you do it right.
Neal Stephenson showed that the story can have technical detail as long as it matters to the story.
Historical fiction writers often include multiple characters which could carry the story or their own story, but they make it clear who leads the story. Very few stories in real life can be pulled off with only one or two people making everything happen.
Star Trek’s screenwriter, Gene Roddenberry, proved that science fiction can be optimistic, while still having conflict in the story.
Do you have a target reader?
Our target reader is curious about the possibilities of AI to change the world. It’s a great book for those that want to debate ethics and technology. Book clubs will find a lot to talk about.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I knew very little about writing a novel when I started writing this one. I’m a life-long learner and dove into courses from resources like Writer’s Digest and Writers Workshops to learn the craft. I’m accustomed to the iterative process of software development, having owned and led a software company through most of my career. I knew writing the novel would be a process of creation and evolution.
After determining the purpose and high-level elements of a chapter, I often throw concepts of action, clips of dialog or descriptions of location or tech on the page. At times this led to writing the full chapter. Other times the buildup of possible content was layered under the chapter header for months before I could write the scene in its entirety.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
Yes, we outlined. The outline is the major joint activity between Ross and myself. I did the writing for Moral Code, but the outline was brainstormed between the two of us. It started one Sunday morning at breakfast and lasted most of the day. That original outline changed a lot from the what-if’s discussion to the real outline that could support both the technology we were bringing to life and the dramatic storytelling.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I can’t say I’m terribly consistent about when I edit. I definitely don’t wait until an entire draft is done before editing. I describe my process as: dash out a chapter; refine it a little; remember that it could all change as the story unfolds; edit; revise; edit.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I’ve had a few professional editors during the process. Some have been more detailed than others. Occasionally they’ve contradicted each other, so that’s been fun. I have learned from each and every one of them.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I didn’t listen to music while writing Moral Code, unless I was drowning out teenagers or public place distractions. I have been listening to a little music with my current project. Pink!, Meghan Trainor or Maroon 5 are most common work soundtracks.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I learned a lot from some of the agents I pitched. The first round of pitching proved to me the need to cut the word count of the manuscript. I learned that the industry often feels like our current media market, by which I mean controversy is often perceived as the needed path for success. They wanted dystopian, which is not my vibe.
I was also surprised that my determination to describe my characters with attributes that didn’t involve hair and eye color or body weight descriptors was a deal stopper for some. We have a body-type obsessed society, which I don’t want to contribute to. My characters can be a casting agent’s dream. They won’t disappoint readers because they cast someone that doesn’t fit the description in the book. I’m aiming high. I’d love for the book to be realized in film.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
The publishing process takes a long time with the traditional model. Moral Code’s story is powerful and pertinent today. The creation of ethical computing and the abuse and safety challenges facing our kids are important questions now. I didn’t see the reason to wait. The pace of technology innovation far out races the speed of getting a book to market the traditional way. We need the ethical discussions now.
I’m not afraid to invest in the marketing and promotion of the book. I’ve hired professionals to make sure the quality of the book’s production and distribution is top notch.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I hired Book Fluent to manage the production of the book. Their designers took the description of our cover vision and created this beautiful and compelling book cover.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I have a marketing plan which includes advertising, social and public relations. My background running and promoting a tech company gave me insight into the importance of promotion and planning. The plan is evolving as I add event opportunities to be considered.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
I’ll know more a year from now. My kid’s books greatest success has been through bulk sales to corporations conducting “Take your Daughters and Sons To Work Day” events because they are about career exploration. I hadn’t expected that when they were first published. I’m guessing experience will tell me more about selling a novel too.
I do encourage everyone to invest in good editing. I also encourage them to really study the industry. Listening to podcasts like Red Sneaker Writers, Friends & Fiction, or taking courses from Writer’s Digest are investments in craft and industry knowledge that can be life changing.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I grew up first in Iowa, then in rural Missouri.
Where do you live now?
I moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area while still in college. I wanted to try city life and have better career opportunities. It was a brilliant decision. I’m living the life which is best for me.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I will write and publish more books. They won’t always be in the same genre. I really want to engage with my readers. I hope they will make that possible.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a story about the power of women elevating each other. I’m blessed with an amazing network of women and few true Super-Friends. None of them are the basis of the story, but the energy of these relationships greatly inform the message.
End of Interview:
For more about Loir and Ross Melbourne’s new book, Moral Code, you can visit the website for the book. Lois and Ross each have their own websites you can visit as well as following each of their Twitter accounts. For Lois the links are website here and Twitter here. Roy’s website is at this link and his Twitter account can be found here. You can also follow Lois’ Instagram account at this link.