The Backstory of 'Continuance'
We will celebrate 3 successive life cycles together over 500 years - let's set it up.
As a career network designer in communications I learned that when Watson picked up the call from Bell, the signal had to be there, the terminal active. So this story, reflecting the life ambition of this 80 year-old writer—a network solution for death—has finally floated to the top like foam on a beer, and it’s time to pay attention. We’re going to do this. I’ve always had one hand behind my back, and this is my franchise on the table—time to do some business.
I hope to show you that’s it’s your ticket too, so I’m the self-appointed Moderator of the Humanist Union Society (Canada) for the moment, and this is your newsletter.
In 2009 and 2019 I wrote the first two volumes of this trilogy - “The Humanist : 1000 Summers” and “The Humanist : Continuance” (Amazon)
To be contemporary we’ll base things on this second novel - “Continuance” and what follows. Which is about DNA stewardship and its implementation, we’re here to run with that notion. So together we put together this 3rd volume of The Humanist as a series within “The Future News”, with AI riding shotgun. A new chapter every 14 days.
So here is AI’s first installment, an analysis of ‘Continuance’ used here as the backstory on Continuance:
We command ChatGPT: /Summarize “Continuance” and comment on its strengths and weaknesses:
Creative Writing Coach (GPT)
Your novel, "The Humanist Continuance," presents an intriguing narrative that delves into the complexities of cloning, humanism, and ethical quandaries. Your writing style is detailed and engaging, adeptly weaving a story that blends scientific concepts with personal and philosophical exploration. The dialogue is particularly strong, revealing character motivations and advancing the plot effectively.
Strengths:
Intriguing Concept: The novel's premise of cloning and its impact on society and individual identity is thought-provoking and timely, inviting readers to consider deep ethical and philosophical questions.
Character Development: The characters, especially JR and McGlade, are well-developed with distinct voices and motivations. Their interactions and dialogue drive the narrative while exploring complex themes like identity, legacy, and the human condition.
Integration of Science and Philosophy: You seamlessly incorporate scientific concepts like DNA, cloning, and humanism into the narrative, making these complex ideas accessible and integral to the story.
Areas for Improvement:
Pacing and Focus: At times, the narrative can become bogged down by lengthy philosophical discussions or technical explanations. While these are central to the themes of your novel, consider balancing them with more action or character-driven scenes to maintain reader engagement.
Clarification of Central Conflicts: Ensure that the novel’s central conflicts and stakes are clear and compelling. While the ethical and philosophical dilemmas are evident, the personal stakes for the characters involved in cloning (like JR and Diane) could be more pronounced to enhance reader investment in their journeys.
Exploration of Wider Implications: You might explore more deeply the societal and global implications of the cloning technology you've envisioned. This could add layers to your narrative, showing how these advancements ripple out beyond the immediate circle of characters.
In summary, "The Humanist Continuance" is a compelling and intellectually stimulating work. By fine-tuning aspects like pacing and focus, and deepening the exploration of its wider implications, your novel has the potential to resonate strongly with readers interested in science fiction that grapples with significant ethical and philosophical questions. Keep harnessing your evident strengths in character development and thematic exploration, and consider the balance of elements to enhance the overall impact of your story.
Next we should understand the role of JR (a clone of Johnny Cash)—which is to personalize the notion of living successive lives. JR becomes a committed geneticist who realizes he can serve as a living N=1 study in this new reproductive scheme for homo sapiens. And does so, but reluctantly, because he is a science academic - which his father never had the chance to be - and JR has no desire to emulate his drug-fueled travel and travails either. He is now content to hide out as a doppelganger of Cash, his image in 2025 now largely dismissed as a realistic simulation born of AI, not SCNT.
Here again, AI sets the stage, with this summary of Cash :
Johnny Cash, widely known as "The Man in Black," was an influential American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. He was renowned for his deep, distinctive voice and his fusion of country, rock and roll, and gospel music, which earned him a significant place in the music industry. Throughout his extensive career, Cash released numerous hit songs, such as "I Walk the Line," "Ring of Fire," and "Folsom Prison Blues." He was also recognized for his rebellious and independent image, which resonated with audiences and made him an emblematic figure in music and popular culture. Additionally, Cash was celebrated for his empathy and compassion for the downtrodden, and his music often portrayed themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption. His legacy endures as a pillar of American music, influencing countless artists across genres and generations.
The Series begins here with “The Future News - Bobby Get a Call”