Ask the Author: Richard Botelho
Answered Questions (6)
Richard Botelho
Robert Heinlein is a big influence. Philip K. Dick is another writer who inspired me. Although not a science fiction writer, Ernest Hemingway is the greatest master at writing simple yet powerful stories and dialogue. And I believe more science fiction should be written simply and beautifully since many of the concepts in science fiction are complicated enough on their own. The language should not add to the complexity.
But the greatest influences came from non fiction, specifically Jacques Vallee and Timothy Good. The UFO phenomenon is real. The Drake Equation essentially proves we are not alone in the universe. Our galaxy and the universe is most assuredly teeming with intelligent life. So "science fiction" that includes extraterrestrials is not far fetched at all; quite the contrary.
Lastly, an honest examination of Quantum Mechanics proves Consciousness is the ground of all being. Max Planck, one of the greatest minds who ever lived, regarded consciousness as "fundamental" and matter as "derivative from consciousness." The universe is a mental construction. Sir James Jeans wrote: “The stream of knowledge is heading toward a non-mechanical reality; the universe begins to look more like a great thought than like a great machine. Mind no longer appears to be an accidental intruder into the realm of matter, we ought rather hail it as the creator and governor of the realm of matter. Get over it, and accept the inarguable conclusion. The universe is immaterial-mental and spiritual.” The famous double slit experiment proves that consciousness creates atomic and sub atomic particles, the foundation of everything in the universe. The observer creates the reality. Once that was proven, it lead to the inevitability of a first observer, an observer so powerful that through its initial observation it manifested an entire universe. That is The Great Consciousness or God. It appears that the universe is simply God's consciousness come to life. So, although sounding "science fiction" on the surface, Quantum Physics actually proves God. And that is what we can call a real event.
But the greatest influences came from non fiction, specifically Jacques Vallee and Timothy Good. The UFO phenomenon is real. The Drake Equation essentially proves we are not alone in the universe. Our galaxy and the universe is most assuredly teeming with intelligent life. So "science fiction" that includes extraterrestrials is not far fetched at all; quite the contrary.
Lastly, an honest examination of Quantum Mechanics proves Consciousness is the ground of all being. Max Planck, one of the greatest minds who ever lived, regarded consciousness as "fundamental" and matter as "derivative from consciousness." The universe is a mental construction. Sir James Jeans wrote: “The stream of knowledge is heading toward a non-mechanical reality; the universe begins to look more like a great thought than like a great machine. Mind no longer appears to be an accidental intruder into the realm of matter, we ought rather hail it as the creator and governor of the realm of matter. Get over it, and accept the inarguable conclusion. The universe is immaterial-mental and spiritual.” The famous double slit experiment proves that consciousness creates atomic and sub atomic particles, the foundation of everything in the universe. The observer creates the reality. Once that was proven, it lead to the inevitability of a first observer, an observer so powerful that through its initial observation it manifested an entire universe. That is The Great Consciousness or God. It appears that the universe is simply God's consciousness come to life. So, although sounding "science fiction" on the surface, Quantum Physics actually proves God. And that is what we can call a real event.
Richard Botelho
By reading everything I can.
Richard Botelho
I am researching the nature of reality and whether a true reality can even be known. Quantum Mechanics suggests there is no objective reality and that everything is an illusion, that matter and energy only take a form when consciousness observes them. Put another way, consciousness creates reality. So if I can create a protagonist to solve that question, that could be an interesting novel.
Richard Botelho
Writing takes time. Rare is the writer who simply writes and magical words and story flow effortlessly. Those are the literary masters and they are as rare as lottery winners. Most good writing results from hard work and effort. But it's true that the best writing results from passion. That passion, combined with diligence and commitment, leads to quality work the author is proud to produce. Now, most experts say to work on your craft. While true, it can lead to formulaic writing where everything in the category seems the same or very similar. So I would add to work on your craft, but be innovative and unique.
Richard Botelho
You get to be creative. Life should be a creative expression. If the entire universe results from a creative act, then it follows that to be creative is worthwhile.
Richard Botelho
I have always been fascinated by the possibility of extraterrestrial life. I also love philosophy and understand how contact with extraterrestrials will affect us. In short, when humans eventually realize we are not alone in the universe it will change our philosophies. More specifically, it will mean the end of anthropocentrism or humankind at the center of everything. That will be an adjustment. I also love the study of consciousness and its root in quantum physics. Consciousness is preeminent, it's everywhere, and initially there had to be a Great Consciousness or God. Lastly, humans conduct interesting relationships with each other, from personal ones to geopolitics. I figured the combination of the above had to be a novel.
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