He received his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Arizona and his master's in legal studies from Arizona State. He is pursuing a doctorate in public administration, examining workforce development challenges in the commercial construction industry. He lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex with his wife and their two dogs.
Q.1 Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
A. Thanks to my wife, I am a recent Gilmore Girls convert.
Q.2 Do you plan to expand on the world of Eridu in future books? Perhaps a prequel or a continuation?
A. Holindrian and The Human Revolution is to the next book what The Hobbit is to The Fellowship of the Ring. This isn’t the last time we’ve seen Holindrian and Uilliam. The next book, in many ways, is a more classic science fiction adventure. A significant time jump; however, separates the events of Holindrian and what is to come.
Q.3 Holindrian and the Human Revolution is an incredibly detailed and ambitious book. What inspired you to create this world and its mythology?
A. In part because of how my mind works but also because I have read/studied history in developing my larger science fiction saga, I realized I needed to solidify the history and mythology of the world–if only to answer my own questions.
The crux of the matter is that I didn’t want my science fiction to be rooted to Earth as so many works are–especially our present Earth. I wanted a “better” Earth…so I created one, gave it a history, and a hero. How I created the character of Holindrian is presented as clearly as possible in the book’s introduction.
Q.4 How long did it take you to develop the intricate lore of Eridu, and what was your research process like?
A. In the current form of the book, parts two, three, and four comprise the original version of the story. This was written while in grad school over the course of about eight months.
Q.4 How long did it take you to develop the intricate lore of Eridu, and what was your research process like?
A. In the current form of the book, parts two, three, and four comprise the original version of the story. This was written while in grad school over the course of about eight months.
Part one, with its heavy emphasis on the lore of Eridu, was written later and necessitated some reworking of the revolution portion of the story. As for research, I looked at everything from Homer and Herodotus to Tolkien.
Q.5 The book’s writing style is dense and immersive. Did you face any challenges balancing world-building with storytelling?
A. I did. Namely, in deciding ultimately where to place the addition of so much lore that either contextualizes the story or offers readers glimpses of what is to come. I toyed with whether to subdivide it and where to place it. I even weighed the option to include it at the end of the story, almost as an appendix.
Q.5 The book’s writing style is dense and immersive. Did you face any challenges balancing world-building with storytelling?
A. I did. Namely, in deciding ultimately where to place the addition of so much lore that either contextualizes the story or offers readers glimpses of what is to come. I toyed with whether to subdivide it and where to place it. I even weighed the option to include it at the end of the story, almost as an appendix.
In the end, I decided that the history must come first. For readers wary of reading so much history at the start of a novel, I ask that you bear with me–if you cannot, proceed to part two and consider returning to part one at your leisure.
Q.6 Was Holindrian always meant to be the central figure, or did his role evolve as you wrote?
A. Holindrian was always central. In the introduction, I mention that although in future works Holindrian may not be the main character, his arc and his fate are very central to how the larger story is to eventually be resolved.
Q.6 Was Holindrian always meant to be the central figure, or did his role evolve as you wrote?
A. Holindrian was always central. In the introduction, I mention that although in future works Holindrian may not be the main character, his arc and his fate are very central to how the larger story is to eventually be resolved.
The character whose role did evolve was Esh. I continually begrudge myself for what becomes of her because I found myself drawn to her and interested in discovering her story. Though I’ve remained committed to leaving Esh to her fate, I’m actively outlining ways to revisit her character without undermining what has already been done.
Q.7 One of the core themes is the balance between security and freedom. What message do you hope readers take away from this?
A. I dislike absolutes–extremes do not suit my personality and I find the people who advocate for them intolerable. I am much more of a proponent of moderation, sensibility, and responsibility.
Q.7 One of the core themes is the balance between security and freedom. What message do you hope readers take away from this?
A. I dislike absolutes–extremes do not suit my personality and I find the people who advocate for them intolerable. I am much more of a proponent of moderation, sensibility, and responsibility.
In Holindrian and The Human Revolution, Holindrian must contend against security taken to its utmost extreme, but, by the end, there are flashpoints of how unchecked freedom might lead to anarchy and the dissolution of society.
Q.8 Holindrian’s disappearance leaves room for interpretation. Was this intentional, or did you ever consider giving him a definitive ending?
A. Definitely intentional. The spoiler is, that readers will see Holindrian again. Within the world of the Eridu, however, I did want to convey Holindrian’s fate as somewhat of an open question.
Q.8 Holindrian’s disappearance leaves room for interpretation. Was this intentional, or did you ever consider giving him a definitive ending?
A. Definitely intentional. The spoiler is, that readers will see Holindrian again. Within the world of the Eridu, however, I did want to convey Holindrian’s fate as somewhat of an open question.
What did or didn’t happen at the end of the novel lends itself well to the historical and mythological underpinnings present throughout the book. Readers and characters alike are left to ask themselves what really happened to Holindrian?
Q.9 Holindrian undergoes a major transformation from Maramurru to a revolutionary leader. What was the most challenging part of writing his arc?
A. Honestly, I don’t recall writing any part of Holindrian being difficult. The story flowed, almost fully formed from the outset. What I can say is that I consciously did want to ensure Holindrian was an admirable character, a paragon of virtue. Through his example, he should be someone others (namely those whom he inspires in the novel) aspire to emulate.
Q.10 Many secondary characters play crucial roles in the revolution. Do you have a personal favourite among them?
A. It would be a lie to say any name other than Maaschuel. There isn’t much humour or lightheartedness to be found in Holindrian and The Human Revolution, but what little there is, is due to the inclusion of Maaschuel. He is simply too good-natured to not like.
Q.11 If you could spend a day with one character from the book, who would it be and why?
A. My initial impulse is to say Holindrian, particularly for the reasons outlined in the introduction. However, a better answer is undoubtedly Esh. I feel that I know Holindrian and where his journey ultimately leads. Esh, on the other hand, is still a mystery.
Q.12 What is your writing schedule while working?
A. As often as I can. I typically set aside time in the evenings to work through an editor’s notes, compile research, outline, and (if ready) write. Weekends–especially mornings–are more forgiving to getting some number of words written.
Q.13 How do you stay motivated to write, especially when you encounter writer’s block?
A. My wife is very supportive of this hobby/interest and offers plenty of encouragement for me to find the time to write. That helps. Otherwise, if I don’t know yet where a plot thread, character or scene should go, I may delve back into more research or sketch conflicting outlines tracing different paths…but I also sometimes just step away and let my subconscious deal with the issue until some iota of a solution is discovered.
Q.14 Your writing is deeply philosophical. Do you have any favourite authors or thinkers who shaped your perspective?
A. Particularly when writing the lore portion of the novel, some of my personal feelings and thoughts about life–and more broadly the universe–found their way into the story. This was never my intention at the start. The political philosophy, especially the restoration of democratic governance, was quite intentional.
Q.9 Holindrian undergoes a major transformation from Maramurru to a revolutionary leader. What was the most challenging part of writing his arc?
A. Honestly, I don’t recall writing any part of Holindrian being difficult. The story flowed, almost fully formed from the outset. What I can say is that I consciously did want to ensure Holindrian was an admirable character, a paragon of virtue. Through his example, he should be someone others (namely those whom he inspires in the novel) aspire to emulate.
Q.10 Many secondary characters play crucial roles in the revolution. Do you have a personal favourite among them?
A. It would be a lie to say any name other than Maaschuel. There isn’t much humour or lightheartedness to be found in Holindrian and The Human Revolution, but what little there is, is due to the inclusion of Maaschuel. He is simply too good-natured to not like.
Q.11 If you could spend a day with one character from the book, who would it be and why?
A. My initial impulse is to say Holindrian, particularly for the reasons outlined in the introduction. However, a better answer is undoubtedly Esh. I feel that I know Holindrian and where his journey ultimately leads. Esh, on the other hand, is still a mystery.
Q.12 What is your writing schedule while working?
A. As often as I can. I typically set aside time in the evenings to work through an editor’s notes, compile research, outline, and (if ready) write. Weekends–especially mornings–are more forgiving to getting some number of words written.
Q.13 How do you stay motivated to write, especially when you encounter writer’s block?
A. My wife is very supportive of this hobby/interest and offers plenty of encouragement for me to find the time to write. That helps. Otherwise, if I don’t know yet where a plot thread, character or scene should go, I may delve back into more research or sketch conflicting outlines tracing different paths…but I also sometimes just step away and let my subconscious deal with the issue until some iota of a solution is discovered.
Q.14 Your writing is deeply philosophical. Do you have any favourite authors or thinkers who shaped your perspective?
A. Particularly when writing the lore portion of the novel, some of my personal feelings and thoughts about life–and more broadly the universe–found their way into the story. This was never my intention at the start. The political philosophy, especially the restoration of democratic governance, was quite intentional.
I don’t know that my political leanings need to be explicitly stated, but they are nonetheless deeply held. Those ideas didn’t find themselves in the story by accident. A democratic government should be a forum for people to come together, solve problems, and make the lives of ordinary people a little better.
Q.15 What advice would you give to aspiring writers who want to build complex worlds like you have in Holindrian and the Human Revolution?
A. Take the time to think it through. Even if you’re intention is to never publish the notes and lore, they are still foundational elements to the world you’re creating. They provide the rules, in a sense, to how the people, cultures, languages, and events in that world unfold. The worst I think that should come of this is that you will have amassed a richly detailed history that may then guide the story you truly want to tell (and share).
Q.15 What advice would you give to aspiring writers who want to build complex worlds like you have in Holindrian and the Human Revolution?
A. Take the time to think it through. Even if you’re intention is to never publish the notes and lore, they are still foundational elements to the world you’re creating. They provide the rules, in a sense, to how the people, cultures, languages, and events in that world unfold. The worst I think that should come of this is that you will have amassed a richly detailed history that may then guide the story you truly want to tell (and share).
Q.16 What are you currently reading?
A. Heroes by Stephen Fry, book two of his Mythos series.
Q.17 If your book were to be adapted into a film or series, who would you cast as Holindrian?
A. There isn’t an actor that I’ve seen that strikes me as being Holindrian–that said, Dhaffer L’Abidine has the look and presence while Rahul Kohli could be an interesting choice.
Q.18 How do you handle criticism or feedback on your book? Does it impact your writing?
A. I don’t think anyone who has put something artistic out into the world doesn’t have an immediate, instinctive, defensive reaction to a negative comment. That’s human nature. You’ve invested so much time and creative energy into something and then dared to release it into the wild, it’s completely normal–expected even–to recoil when the reaction from others isn’t what you hoped for. I’m no different. Not all art is made for everyone’s tastes.
Holindrian and The Human Revolution will not appeal to everybody but it also isn’t written for everybody. Remember, it is a novel heavily influenced by ancient Greek historians and Homer–the asides to reflect on architecture, philosophy, politics, and even armour harken back to an older tradition.
The pacing of the novel is varied–perhaps even to its detriment at times. If reviews of the novel have piqued your interest, I ask you to bear this in mind should you choose to purchase a copy. I hope it will be something you enjoy (if you do, a review of your own is deeply appreciated). If it isn’t, that is perfectly all right, too.
Q.19 Who designed your book cover? What were the selection criteria for finalizing the cover and artist?
A. The cover was made in conjunction with Travis Hasenour, who is responsible for some of the artwork. Generally speaking, the elements reflected on the cover are what is most important once the novel ends: Holindrian (with his name in bold and his face through time), the world of Eridu (including a constellation pointing the way back to Earth), and, lastly, the Human Revolution (an event begun here but not truly resolved). My name is intentionally subdued. I am not what is important. The story is.
Q.20 What has been the most rewarding experience of being an author so far?
A. (Finally) getting the story out of my head, off my computer, and out into the world.
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Q.19 Who designed your book cover? What were the selection criteria for finalizing the cover and artist?
A. The cover was made in conjunction with Travis Hasenour, who is responsible for some of the artwork. Generally speaking, the elements reflected on the cover are what is most important once the novel ends: Holindrian (with his name in bold and his face through time), the world of Eridu (including a constellation pointing the way back to Earth), and, lastly, the Human Revolution (an event begun here but not truly resolved). My name is intentionally subdued. I am not what is important. The story is.
Q.20 What has been the most rewarding experience of being an author so far?
A. (Finally) getting the story out of my head, off my computer, and out into the world.
Share your social account links -
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/macaulaychristianauthor
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mlchrist1241/
Threads - https://www.threads.net/@mlchrist1241
Website - https://www.macaulaychristian.com/
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