In today’s world, where the effects of climate change and advancements in technology are becoming increasingly prominent, many individuals, including myself, find themselves grappling with anxieties about the future. As a mother of two children, these concerns weigh heavily on my mind as I strive to prepare my family for the uncertain world that lies ahead. It is this sense of unease and the need to make sense of the evolving landscape that served as the impetus for me to embark on the journey of writing a novel.
Titled “Hum,” my novel delves into a near-future world that is further plagued by the ravages of climate change and the unchecked expansion of corporate surveillance and artificial intelligence. At the heart of the story lies a family navigating the complexities of this dystopian reality, grappling with questions of connection, identity, and resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges.
As I delved into the process of crafting this narrative, I drew inspiration from a diverse array of books that offered insights into imagining the future and exploring the intersections of humanity and technology. Authors like Octavia Butler, with her seminal work “Parable of the Sower,” provided a glimpse into a world marred by environmental degradation and societal upheaval, yet illuminated by the flicker of hope embodied by resilient characters.
Similarly, Arthur I. Miller’s exploration of human-A.I. collaborations in “The Artist In The Machine” challenged conventional narratives of technology as a threat, offering a nuanced perspective on the potential for creative synergy between man and machine. These diverse literary influences helped me shape the character of the “hums” in my novel, imbuing them with depth and complexity.
In Kazuo Ishiguro’s “Klara and the Sun,” the intricate dynamics of human-robot relationships and the blurred boundaries between artificial intelligence and emotion provided a rich tapestry for me to explore in my own storytelling. The ethical dilemmas and moral quandaries posed by advanced technology resonated deeply with the themes I sought to address in “Hum.”
Furthermore, works like Sherry Turkle’s “Reclaiming Conversation” shed light on the impact of technology on interpersonal relationships and the importance of fostering genuine human connection in an increasingly digitized world. Turkle’s insights into the nuances of communication and empathy informed my portrayal of familial bonds and the struggle for authenticity in the face of technological intrusion.
As I delved deeper into the realm of speculative fiction, I encountered works like Jessamine Chan’s “The School for Good Mothers” and Samanta Schweblin’s “Little Eyes,” which further explored themes of maternal anxiety, surveillance, and the evolving nature of family dynamics in a technologically driven society. These narratives served as poignant reminders of the complexities inherent in navigating a world shaped by rapid technological advancements.
Ultimately, my novel “Hum” seeks to provoke reflection on the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead in a world teetering on the brink of environmental and technological upheaval. By drawing on a diverse array of literary influences and engaging with thought-provoking works that confront the complexities of our modern reality, I hope to offer readers a glimpse into a future that is both unsettling and hopeful, challenging us to contemplate the paths we choose to forge in the face of uncertainty.
In a world where the only constant is change, it is through the power of storytelling and imagination that we can begin to make sense of the tumultuous landscape that surrounds us. As we grapple with anxieties about the future and uncertainties about what lies ahead, it is through the act of writing and reading that we can find solace, inspiration, and perhaps even a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.