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Jude Houghton, Author of AUTONOMY, Talks About Novel Inspiration and More! (with a giveaway!)



Talk about your inspiration for this novel…

I wanted to write a book that anticipates where the world is headed in the next twenty years, and in doing so, had many sources of inspiration ranging from large macro issues such as global warming, over population, terrorism, the ubiquity of corporate interests in every aspect of government, to more idiosyncratic but equally pervasive trends; smart screens and technologies designed to both limit and enhance our minds, the willingness to abdicate real life experiences for instant gratification and the insidious manipulation of various media.

Who was your favourite character?

My favourite character is, of course, the hero of the book – Balmoral Murraine. From a writing perspective, she practically wrote her own lines, navigating the desperate life into which she was born. I love the way she evolves during the novel. I love how strong she is, despite how much is thrown at her, and how she struggles to find humanity within herself despite knowing there is very little in the world around her.

What were the stumbling blocks? 

I knew how the book had to begin. I knew how it had to end. It was the other 150,000 words that were the problem. The way I write is in intense bursts, but if the story is not coming, I can sometimes spend a long time doing very, very little. Balancing erasers on pencils usually. Fortunately, the blocks didn’t last too long, and the characters were pretty good at getting themselves out of scrapes and getting on with where they needed to go.

Author Bio:

Jude developed a love of fantasy from a relatively early age after realising an innate talent for making stuff up could result in something other than detention. Working across the globe in fields as diverse as journalism, data entry, sales, management consultancy and babysitting, Jude has partially succeeded in putting an English and History degree from Oxford University to good use. A somnambulist, insomniac, lover of letters, Jude writes late into the night, most nights, tumbling down the rabbit hole to dream of other lives. Jude currently lives in Pennsylvania with an over-enthusiastic family and absurdly entitled dog.

Autonomy
Jude Houghton
Published by: Grimbold Books
Publication date: July 29th 2016
Genres: Dystopian, New Adult, Science Fiction

Balmoral Murraine works in a Battery, assembling devices she doesn’t understand for starvation pay. Pasco Eborgersen is the pampered son of an Elite, trying to navigate the temptations of the Pleasure Houses, the self-sacrifice of the Faith, and the high-octane excitement of Steel Ball. They are two strangers, who never should have met, and now they will rip apart the world.

What happens when ninety percent of the world lives on skaatch – a jellyfish and insect composite?

What happens when mankind spends more time in alternative life sims instead of in the “real” world?

What happens when economic interest is the sole determinant of global decision making?

What happens when a single secret is discovered that calls into question everything we have ever believed?

Welcome to the Autonomy. Welcome to your future.

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