Newton’s Cradle follows Terence who is forced to steal secrets from his boss and finds technology that can change the world. What was the inspiration for the setup to this thrilling novel?
I’ve always been a bit of a science geek, and these are certainly interesting times to live in, having profound consequences for society. Just think of how the Internet and cell phones, in such a short time span, have changed the way we learn and communicate. Now, what if humanity gained access to free, clean and unlimited energy? No need for expensive and polluting oil, coal, or nuclear fission. How’s that for a game-changer? Or a central premise for a novel?
Terence is an interesting and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind his character development?
This might sound pretentious. But I wanted the novel to be a discussion of life itself, as much as a plain thriller story. You know, the trials and tribulations we all face in life while chasing out our destinies. Terence is a vehicle for exploring these issues. I wanted him to be likable, but with character flaws, having consequences for himself as well as people close to him. And then follow his journey into self-actualization.
I enjoyed the mystery at the heart of this story. Did you plan the plot before writing or did it develop organically while writing?
First of all, I’m glad you liked it. As for the question: definitely the latter. I had a vague idea, of course, of corporate struggle, self-interested personalities, and betrayal. But the idea of Cold Fusion as a central theme entered later into the writing. Other plot devices, likewise. Central characters were there at an early stage, sub-plots and minor characters showed up later. It’s a bit like a jig-saw, missing bits and pieces somehow appear and fall into place.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m currently working on a screenplay. Gangsters and heists at the heart of it. Including a discussion of life itself. We’ll see how it goes.
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Los Angeles, summer. Terence Whitfield and his boss Duncan Riley feel the heat in more ways than one. They need to close a deal that could improve the energy industry and save their company. Fortunately, the deal is set. Unfortunately, Terence is blackmailed into infiltrating Riley’s safe, where he finds an intriguing file: Newton’s Cradle.
The file describes a revolutionary technology that would replace fossil fuel with clean, free energy. Given the enormous implications, a backstabbing, no-holds-bar battle intensifies. Terence tries to sell the file on the black market, but Riley tracks him down. He explains that Terence has opened Pandora’s Box. In order to stop New Energy from getting into the wrong hands, they will now have to fight for their lives.