Q&A on "Memloots - The Exposition"

Here's a Q&A for those who would like to know more about Memloots - The Exposition. 

What genre is it?

'Philo, I can see that you're shaken to the core, but believe me, it's all real; not fairy tales, speculative fiction, fantasy, or the like. All these phenomena have existed on the Petrichor for numberless eras...' - Sonder 

Set in a dystopian world, Memloots - The Exposition's central theme is the human condition. Its science fiction and fantasy elements are mainly storytelling tools that serve to offer a fresh perspective on many issues of our time. In addition, the main character goes on a bumpy spiritual journey in which he explores different religions and sacred texts (all of which are fictitious).

In terms of technique, the novel relies upon playfulness, subtleties, and beauty—the reader will decide how well this is done.

Is it Young Adult?

It is so many things! Except for the first few chapters, the main character is seventeen. He is a student who has to deal with a shadow empire of demonic creatures. So, young readers will be able to relate to him and enjoy the story—no romance, though, sorry! 

However, the book also touches on certain topics—such as the fallacies of the education system and charity organizations, farming techniques and climate change, spiritual awakening and religious conflicts—that often appeal to a more adult readership. But it never gets too technical or difficult to understand for young readers.

What's the pacing like?

Whether we are in the middle of a gruesome fight, a tortuous hike, or a spiritual conversation, the story, along with the main character's transformation, unfolds quickly. The world-building is revealed in bits throughout the story. Generally speaking, I find that too much action in a novel runs the risk of desensitising the reader, so I liberally peppered and layered the narrative with literary devices that aim at making the story more absorbing and thought-provoking.    

Influences

Creativity works in very mysterious ways, and it's difficult to tell who or what might have influenced me—I'm a very eclectic reader, by the way. Also, writing this novel taught me that writers, and I'm sure any other kind of artist, should not consider themselves as the true owners, or creators, of what they give birth to. I consider Memloots: The Exposition a story that just had to be written. It's like it was already there in the realm of stories, and someone had to roll up his sleeves and write it down. 

Is it part of a series?

Memloots - The Exposition can be read as a standalone novel, the last chapter giving a sense of ending and resolution. But it also leaves ample room for sequels, and there are very many good ideas already taking shape.