Kenneth E. Harrell's Blog: A Writing Journey, page 3
October 23, 2024
Notes On Body of Work “The Enforcer”
The game is always the same...
In my science fiction short story series; Body of Work “The Enforcer,” I explore the investigative activities of the main protagonist Bjorn Altman, a deeply layered and morally complex individual. He works as an Enforcer for the Amber Yume Agency, an organization that operates Companion services in the city of Avalon. His job is to protect the Agency’s reputation, and its Companions, using unconventional and shadowy means to achieve his goals. This usually involves using consciousness transfer technology to take on different Personas as cover for Agency work. As an Enforcer you never judge a person by their Persona, if you do you might just end up dead. Enforcers like Bjorn serve as both investigators when required and muscle when necessary. They specialize in making complex problems go away. Like most enforcers, Bjorn is a military veteran, hardened by years of combat, which is why he approaches his duties with a kind of cold professional precision. Despite this, Bjorn carries the weight of his actions, especially those that involves the lives he’s taken. Killing, for Bjorn, is a necessary evil, but it’s also one that has over time stripped away parts of his humanity.
Major Themes
Human Identity and Personhood
The distinction between the legal Persona model trade and the shadowy black market is often blurred. In some ways they are the same and in others they are entirely different. Bjorn often struggles to reconcile the subtle nuance between the two. The relationship between Bjorn Altman and Tara Akin provides a stable emotional foundation in an otherwise cold and morally ambiguous world. Their connection is one of the few things that provides Bjorn with a sense of comfort and peace amidst the brutality and detachment of his job as an Enforcer. Their relationship works to reveal a side of him that is capable of love and intimacy, despite the fact that he operates in a corrupt world where nearly every choice is cast in some shade of gray. Tara Akin is a Companion, an elite individual trained in the arts of companionship, conversation, seduction, and role-play. Her profession is based on fulfilling the emotional, physical, and psychological needs of her elite clients. Yet, her relationship with Bjorn is both separate and precious to her. While Companions are generally transactional in their interactions with others, Tara and Bjorn’s bond is both genuine and personal.
Morality and Corruption:
At its core, Body of Work “The Enforcer” is about the erosion of morality in a world where power, information, and technology reign supreme. The Amber Yume Agency, and its army of Enforcers uphold the Agencies legal obligations to avoid drawing the attention of governance AI regulators. In the course of their duties this often means operating in legal and ethical gray areas. Bjorn navigates Avalon’s ruthless, backstabbing world by adhering to a personal code of honor. This often means taking actions that are not exactly authorized by his superiors to balance out a world where the powerful are all but immune from the rule of law. Between all the killing, Bjorn seeks to uphold a semblance of justice, especially when it comes to protecting the innocent. Deep institutional corruption in the story reflects real-world instances, where those with wealth and power often exploit their positions for personal profit. The result, at least for the citizens of Avalon is a kind of gilded techno dystopia, where men like Bjorn are left to navigate a world where the line between right and wrong is never clear.
The Commodification of Information
Information is a commodity in The Enforcer. Although laws exist in this world to protect citizens right to ephemeral identity, the laws are perfunctory at best. Much like our own society some on Neoterra are all but immune from the reach of the law. On Neoterra, personal data, memories and skillsets are traded for profit. Not on the open legal networks but on the dark, dangerous, illegal, underground networks where Bjorn often obtains both information and resources to do his job. This I believe resonates with our modern-day concerns around data privacy, surveillance, and the harvesting of personal information. The ever-present danger of what can be done with this data serves as a metaphor for the ways in which individuals are increasingly reduced to a series of transactions in a hyper-capitalist, technologically driven world. The unchecked appetites of the jaded upper tier elite of Avalon reflects contemporary societal concerns, where people seek to fulfill their base desires through illegal and secretive means believing that their wealth and status in society will protect them and in this world, most of the time it does.
Symbolism
Personas as Masks, Facades and Prisons
The use of Personas in the story is a metaphor for the masks people wear in society, both literally and figuratively. These alternate identities, when used illegally to deceive or commit crimes, reflect how people in this world present idealized, curated versions of themselves, while hiding their true nature. For those who can afford it, Personas offer a second chance at life, but for others, they can become more like a prison made of flesh and bone. No matter how many times a person transfers, or what external facade they choose to adopt, the person inside never changes, never grows. They merely reset, starting over with a new Persona. In Avalon, a person’s sense of self is blurred and is ultimately diminished. The technological advancements that allow for the existence of the CT system is ultimately a double-edged sword. While it provides immense advantages, it comes at a significant cost to an individual’s humanity and moral integrity.
At its heart, Body of Work “The Enforcer” seeks to raise questions about unlimited power, human identity, privacy, and the nature of humanity in a world dominated by advanced technology. The story illustrates the dangers and pitfalls of a distant future society where human identity is malleable. Ultimately, it asks readers to consider what remains of the self when everything about who you are can be easily altered, remade, or destroyed.
Body of Work “The Enforcer” is on sale now https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DC5LXWCL
Web: https://books2read.com/KennethEHarrell
Substack: https://substack.com/@kennetheharrel
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kennethehar...
Reedsy: https://reedsy.com/discovery/user/kha...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kenne...
In my science fiction short story series; Body of Work “The Enforcer,” I explore the investigative activities of the main protagonist Bjorn Altman, a deeply layered and morally complex individual. He works as an Enforcer for the Amber Yume Agency, an organization that operates Companion services in the city of Avalon. His job is to protect the Agency’s reputation, and its Companions, using unconventional and shadowy means to achieve his goals. This usually involves using consciousness transfer technology to take on different Personas as cover for Agency work. As an Enforcer you never judge a person by their Persona, if you do you might just end up dead. Enforcers like Bjorn serve as both investigators when required and muscle when necessary. They specialize in making complex problems go away. Like most enforcers, Bjorn is a military veteran, hardened by years of combat, which is why he approaches his duties with a kind of cold professional precision. Despite this, Bjorn carries the weight of his actions, especially those that involves the lives he’s taken. Killing, for Bjorn, is a necessary evil, but it’s also one that has over time stripped away parts of his humanity.
Major Themes
Human Identity and Personhood
The distinction between the legal Persona model trade and the shadowy black market is often blurred. In some ways they are the same and in others they are entirely different. Bjorn often struggles to reconcile the subtle nuance between the two. The relationship between Bjorn Altman and Tara Akin provides a stable emotional foundation in an otherwise cold and morally ambiguous world. Their connection is one of the few things that provides Bjorn with a sense of comfort and peace amidst the brutality and detachment of his job as an Enforcer. Their relationship works to reveal a side of him that is capable of love and intimacy, despite the fact that he operates in a corrupt world where nearly every choice is cast in some shade of gray. Tara Akin is a Companion, an elite individual trained in the arts of companionship, conversation, seduction, and role-play. Her profession is based on fulfilling the emotional, physical, and psychological needs of her elite clients. Yet, her relationship with Bjorn is both separate and precious to her. While Companions are generally transactional in their interactions with others, Tara and Bjorn’s bond is both genuine and personal.
Morality and Corruption:
At its core, Body of Work “The Enforcer” is about the erosion of morality in a world where power, information, and technology reign supreme. The Amber Yume Agency, and its army of Enforcers uphold the Agencies legal obligations to avoid drawing the attention of governance AI regulators. In the course of their duties this often means operating in legal and ethical gray areas. Bjorn navigates Avalon’s ruthless, backstabbing world by adhering to a personal code of honor. This often means taking actions that are not exactly authorized by his superiors to balance out a world where the powerful are all but immune from the rule of law. Between all the killing, Bjorn seeks to uphold a semblance of justice, especially when it comes to protecting the innocent. Deep institutional corruption in the story reflects real-world instances, where those with wealth and power often exploit their positions for personal profit. The result, at least for the citizens of Avalon is a kind of gilded techno dystopia, where men like Bjorn are left to navigate a world where the line between right and wrong is never clear.
The Commodification of Information
Information is a commodity in The Enforcer. Although laws exist in this world to protect citizens right to ephemeral identity, the laws are perfunctory at best. Much like our own society some on Neoterra are all but immune from the reach of the law. On Neoterra, personal data, memories and skillsets are traded for profit. Not on the open legal networks but on the dark, dangerous, illegal, underground networks where Bjorn often obtains both information and resources to do his job. This I believe resonates with our modern-day concerns around data privacy, surveillance, and the harvesting of personal information. The ever-present danger of what can be done with this data serves as a metaphor for the ways in which individuals are increasingly reduced to a series of transactions in a hyper-capitalist, technologically driven world. The unchecked appetites of the jaded upper tier elite of Avalon reflects contemporary societal concerns, where people seek to fulfill their base desires through illegal and secretive means believing that their wealth and status in society will protect them and in this world, most of the time it does.
Symbolism
Personas as Masks, Facades and Prisons
The use of Personas in the story is a metaphor for the masks people wear in society, both literally and figuratively. These alternate identities, when used illegally to deceive or commit crimes, reflect how people in this world present idealized, curated versions of themselves, while hiding their true nature. For those who can afford it, Personas offer a second chance at life, but for others, they can become more like a prison made of flesh and bone. No matter how many times a person transfers, or what external facade they choose to adopt, the person inside never changes, never grows. They merely reset, starting over with a new Persona. In Avalon, a person’s sense of self is blurred and is ultimately diminished. The technological advancements that allow for the existence of the CT system is ultimately a double-edged sword. While it provides immense advantages, it comes at a significant cost to an individual’s humanity and moral integrity.
At its heart, Body of Work “The Enforcer” seeks to raise questions about unlimited power, human identity, privacy, and the nature of humanity in a world dominated by advanced technology. The story illustrates the dangers and pitfalls of a distant future society where human identity is malleable. Ultimately, it asks readers to consider what remains of the self when everything about who you are can be easily altered, remade, or destroyed.
Body of Work “The Enforcer” is on sale now https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DC5LXWCL
Web: https://books2read.com/KennethEHarrell
Substack: https://substack.com/@kennetheharrel
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kennethehar...
Reedsy: https://reedsy.com/discovery/user/kha...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kenne...
October 20, 2024
Notes On Body of Work “Man Of Faith”
A meditation on the tension between belief and progress...
In my science fiction short story series; Body of Work “Man Of Faith,” I explore the tension between belief and progress in a world where anyone can have a second chance in life by simply transferring their consciousness into a bio-engineered body called a Persona. The main protagonist, Tomás Aguilar, is a self-described man of faith. The story follows his long journey to a planet called Neoterra where he hopes to visit Avalon famously known as the City Of Dreams and capitol of the Union Of Worlds. It is on this world where he seeks to share his personal story of spiritual enlightenment with others.
While on Neoterra Tomás encounters both individuals and situations that deeply challenge his faith.
So, you may be asking why belief vs progress and not religion vs science? Well, because this story is ultimately about human experience and personal transformation, not religion in the strictest sense. While science and technology are central to the narrative across the entire series, it is used as a tool to explore deeper, more existential questions about what it means to be human in a world where human identity is completely ephemeral. I see science as an externally useful toolset to harness energy, to manipulate the elements, and natural forces that enable us to invent technologies and apply those inventions to solve problems. I am more interested in those questions that go beyond the mere mechanics of scientific and technical advancement in the far and distant future. What interests me is how the existence and usage of these technological tools like Consciousness transfer change what and how we are as human beings. In contrast, belief is more internal in my view. Belief speaks to the essence of our values, purpose, and spiritual identity. When these internal beliefs clash with fast moving external progress, you get conflict. It is my hope that this serves to pull the reader in regardless of their personal positions on belief vs progress or science vs technology and not push them away.
We live in an age that subtly suggests that we are all somehow wiser humans because of our technology, but I don’t think this is true. Our tools have become more sophisticated, our understanding of the universe has expanded, our knowledge has grown, but I think we are very much the same kinds of people we were five thousand to ten thousand years ago. One needs only to look toward the ancient settlements discovered at Göbekli Tepe in southeastern Turkey to understand that the story of humanity is far older than we previously assumed. Now I may be wrong, such discoveries are always changing but that is my intuition. It is my belief that the tools we make both now and in the future will change and challenge us on many levels. This I believe is an inescapable destiny for a daydreaming, stargazing toolmaking species like humanity, this is just what we do.
The Major Themes
Faith vs. Science
One of the story’s central conflicts is Tomás’s struggle to reconcile his deep religious faith with the realities of a technologically advanced society around him. Tomás’s spiritual journey is rooted in the traditional beliefs of his faith. However, the clash between the sacred and the scientific reflects a broader question about what it means to be human in a world where scientific advancements by their very nature have called into question everything. From one’s authentic sense of self, to the soul, from virtual immortality, to the after death state. Tomás views CT as a way to serve god again and again but his experiences on Neoterra challenges this belief forcing him to reconsider everything he once thought to be true.
Immortality and Existentialism
The story touches on the concept of immortality, not just as a scientific achievement but as a spiritual and existential dilemma. In this world, in theory you can be immortal but there is a catch, with repeated use of CT technology one can run the risk of suffering with a condition called “Transfer Nostalgia” a debilitating dissociative psychological disorder that can manifest after a successful transfer. Tomás’s belief that god gives us one life and one chance to live is challenged by the possibility of eternal life through the use of CT. This conflict strikes at the core tenants of his faith.
Human Identity and Memory
Another significant element in the story is the fluid nature of human identity brought about by the existence of CT. As Tomás interacts with individuals like Brianna, who have lived multiple lives in different personas, he is forced to confront the idea that human identity is not static but can be shaped and reshaped by technology. If consciousness and human memory can be treated as data that can be easily created, manipulated, and moved from one Persona to another, what does that say about the memories that make us who we are? This is illustrated when Tomás questions whether his own memories and sense of self are authentic or artificially constructed. The question of “who are you really” becomes central to the story, as Tomás is changed by his exposure to people, situations, and hidden truths about his past in Avalon.
The Burden of Hidden Knowledge
Most prominent in all my stories both the “Body of Work” short story series and my New Novel “Awakening” is the existence of the ancient alien race known as the Progenitors. They symbolize the dangers of unchecked technological advancement. It is through the discovery and reverse engineering of Progenitor technology that humanity has gained the ability to manipulate human memory and consciousness in ways that were not possible before. This power comes at a severe moral and existential cost especially when such capability is misused by powerful individuals in elite Neoterran society and the state. The burden of this knowledge is evident in Tomás’s and other characters’ existential crises, as they grapple with the implications of living in a world where the power exists to reshape who a person is.
Spiritual Awakening and Redemption
Tomás views his mission to Neoterra as a chance to spread his particular brand of spiritual enlightenment to others through his books and university lectures. His spiritual journey parallels his physical one, as he searches for meaning in a world that often feels devoid of it. Redemption becomes an underlying theme as Tomás seeks to reconcile his faith with the complex and often disheartening realities of modern society on Neoterra. Through his encounters with Brianna and other characters, he is challenged to redefine what it means to live a life with purpose and faith in a world where; as Vernon Reid once wrote; “Everything is possible, but nothing is real.” If you haven’t had the opportunity to hear the song “Type” by the band In Living Color I highly suggest you take the time to check it out and pay particular attention to the lyrics of that song. In my opinion, we are now living in the world Reid tried to warn us about. At the time I heard it I took it as a powerful statement about the future and the cyclical nature of time and over the years it has served as an inspiration for my work.
Isolation and Connection
Despite the technological advancements that allow people to live forever and communicate across vast distances in virtual environments indistinguishable from reality, many of the characters experience a profound longing for meaning and for what in life is real. Tomás’s loneliness after the death of his wife is highlighted in his interactions with Brianna a mysterious woman that offers him experiences and moments of human connection that he hasn’t felt in years. This theme of isolation versus connection is heightened by the massive, sprawling metropolis of Avalon where millions of people live out their lives.
The Symbolism of Body of Work “Man of Faith”
Consciousness Transfer (CT)
The technology of consciousness transfer serves as both a literal and symbolic tool in the story. It represents humanity’s desire to transcend the physical limitations of mortal existence and ultimately achieve immortality, but it is a devil’s bargain because in application CT also symbolizes the loss of individual authenticity. In the story, CT is a dehumanizing technology that robs future humanity of life’s natural cycles of birth, life, death and the after death state. For Tomás, CT is a double-edged sword it offers the promise of a second chance at life, but at the cost of his spiritual beliefs and the integrity of his human identity.
The Red Moon
Throughout the story, the recurring imagery of the red moon represents Tomás’s fear of the unknown. The red moon symbolizes both doom and transformation, acting as a metaphor for the broader themes of a coming paradigm shift and the nature of life under the CT system on Neoterra. For Tomás, the red moon is a haunting reminder of his unresolved inner conflict, and it looms over him as he seeks to find meaning in a world that challenges his most closely held beliefs at every turn.
The Planet Neoterra and Avalon The City of Dreams
The exo-planet colony of Neoterra itself is a symbol of humanity’s ability to adapt and reinvent itself, but also of its seemingly boundless hubris. At it’s core Avalon’s technological dominance and economic class stratification have run amok. The stark contrasts within the city of Avalon between the affluent upper tiers of the city and the impoverished Underbelly or “the Lowers” as it is called, highlight the social and moral disparities that exist in this seemingly utopian “City of Dreams.” The city of Avalon represents a complex duality, on the one hand, it is a shining symbol of humanity’s technological advancement, capability, ingenuity, wealth, and power, but also a reflection of its spiritual decay, social inequality, and the tragic loss of authentic meaning and connection in the lives of its inhabitants. Avalon embodies both the promise of progress of a New Tomorrow along with all the many perils that come with it serving as a metaphor across the
Body Of Work series.
Body of Work “Man of Faith” asks questions about the nature of the human soul, does it exist or does the ephemeral nature of Humanness under the CT system render such questions null and void? Through Tomás’s journey, the story suggests that while technology may provide solutions to many of humanity’s greatest problems and challenges, it can never fully replace the need for true human interaction and spiritual connections. The story challenges the reader to ponder what it truly means to be human in an age where human identity is entirely ephemeral, and where life and death have been fundamentally redefined by advanced, alien derived technology.
Body of Work “Man Of Faith” is on sale now https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DC53G66P
Mentions:
The song “Type” by In Living Color: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HbF3...
About Göbekli Tepe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXJc-...
Web: https://books2read.com/KennethEHarrell
Substack: https://substack.com/@kennetheharrel
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kennethehar...
Reedsy: https://reedsy.com/discovery/user/kha...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kenne...
In my science fiction short story series; Body of Work “Man Of Faith,” I explore the tension between belief and progress in a world where anyone can have a second chance in life by simply transferring their consciousness into a bio-engineered body called a Persona. The main protagonist, Tomás Aguilar, is a self-described man of faith. The story follows his long journey to a planet called Neoterra where he hopes to visit Avalon famously known as the City Of Dreams and capitol of the Union Of Worlds. It is on this world where he seeks to share his personal story of spiritual enlightenment with others.
While on Neoterra Tomás encounters both individuals and situations that deeply challenge his faith.
So, you may be asking why belief vs progress and not religion vs science? Well, because this story is ultimately about human experience and personal transformation, not religion in the strictest sense. While science and technology are central to the narrative across the entire series, it is used as a tool to explore deeper, more existential questions about what it means to be human in a world where human identity is completely ephemeral. I see science as an externally useful toolset to harness energy, to manipulate the elements, and natural forces that enable us to invent technologies and apply those inventions to solve problems. I am more interested in those questions that go beyond the mere mechanics of scientific and technical advancement in the far and distant future. What interests me is how the existence and usage of these technological tools like Consciousness transfer change what and how we are as human beings. In contrast, belief is more internal in my view. Belief speaks to the essence of our values, purpose, and spiritual identity. When these internal beliefs clash with fast moving external progress, you get conflict. It is my hope that this serves to pull the reader in regardless of their personal positions on belief vs progress or science vs technology and not push them away.
We live in an age that subtly suggests that we are all somehow wiser humans because of our technology, but I don’t think this is true. Our tools have become more sophisticated, our understanding of the universe has expanded, our knowledge has grown, but I think we are very much the same kinds of people we were five thousand to ten thousand years ago. One needs only to look toward the ancient settlements discovered at Göbekli Tepe in southeastern Turkey to understand that the story of humanity is far older than we previously assumed. Now I may be wrong, such discoveries are always changing but that is my intuition. It is my belief that the tools we make both now and in the future will change and challenge us on many levels. This I believe is an inescapable destiny for a daydreaming, stargazing toolmaking species like humanity, this is just what we do.
The Major Themes
Faith vs. Science
One of the story’s central conflicts is Tomás’s struggle to reconcile his deep religious faith with the realities of a technologically advanced society around him. Tomás’s spiritual journey is rooted in the traditional beliefs of his faith. However, the clash between the sacred and the scientific reflects a broader question about what it means to be human in a world where scientific advancements by their very nature have called into question everything. From one’s authentic sense of self, to the soul, from virtual immortality, to the after death state. Tomás views CT as a way to serve god again and again but his experiences on Neoterra challenges this belief forcing him to reconsider everything he once thought to be true.
Immortality and Existentialism
The story touches on the concept of immortality, not just as a scientific achievement but as a spiritual and existential dilemma. In this world, in theory you can be immortal but there is a catch, with repeated use of CT technology one can run the risk of suffering with a condition called “Transfer Nostalgia” a debilitating dissociative psychological disorder that can manifest after a successful transfer. Tomás’s belief that god gives us one life and one chance to live is challenged by the possibility of eternal life through the use of CT. This conflict strikes at the core tenants of his faith.
Human Identity and Memory
Another significant element in the story is the fluid nature of human identity brought about by the existence of CT. As Tomás interacts with individuals like Brianna, who have lived multiple lives in different personas, he is forced to confront the idea that human identity is not static but can be shaped and reshaped by technology. If consciousness and human memory can be treated as data that can be easily created, manipulated, and moved from one Persona to another, what does that say about the memories that make us who we are? This is illustrated when Tomás questions whether his own memories and sense of self are authentic or artificially constructed. The question of “who are you really” becomes central to the story, as Tomás is changed by his exposure to people, situations, and hidden truths about his past in Avalon.
The Burden of Hidden Knowledge
Most prominent in all my stories both the “Body of Work” short story series and my New Novel “Awakening” is the existence of the ancient alien race known as the Progenitors. They symbolize the dangers of unchecked technological advancement. It is through the discovery and reverse engineering of Progenitor technology that humanity has gained the ability to manipulate human memory and consciousness in ways that were not possible before. This power comes at a severe moral and existential cost especially when such capability is misused by powerful individuals in elite Neoterran society and the state. The burden of this knowledge is evident in Tomás’s and other characters’ existential crises, as they grapple with the implications of living in a world where the power exists to reshape who a person is.
Spiritual Awakening and Redemption
Tomás views his mission to Neoterra as a chance to spread his particular brand of spiritual enlightenment to others through his books and university lectures. His spiritual journey parallels his physical one, as he searches for meaning in a world that often feels devoid of it. Redemption becomes an underlying theme as Tomás seeks to reconcile his faith with the complex and often disheartening realities of modern society on Neoterra. Through his encounters with Brianna and other characters, he is challenged to redefine what it means to live a life with purpose and faith in a world where; as Vernon Reid once wrote; “Everything is possible, but nothing is real.” If you haven’t had the opportunity to hear the song “Type” by the band In Living Color I highly suggest you take the time to check it out and pay particular attention to the lyrics of that song. In my opinion, we are now living in the world Reid tried to warn us about. At the time I heard it I took it as a powerful statement about the future and the cyclical nature of time and over the years it has served as an inspiration for my work.
Isolation and Connection
Despite the technological advancements that allow people to live forever and communicate across vast distances in virtual environments indistinguishable from reality, many of the characters experience a profound longing for meaning and for what in life is real. Tomás’s loneliness after the death of his wife is highlighted in his interactions with Brianna a mysterious woman that offers him experiences and moments of human connection that he hasn’t felt in years. This theme of isolation versus connection is heightened by the massive, sprawling metropolis of Avalon where millions of people live out their lives.
The Symbolism of Body of Work “Man of Faith”
Consciousness Transfer (CT)
The technology of consciousness transfer serves as both a literal and symbolic tool in the story. It represents humanity’s desire to transcend the physical limitations of mortal existence and ultimately achieve immortality, but it is a devil’s bargain because in application CT also symbolizes the loss of individual authenticity. In the story, CT is a dehumanizing technology that robs future humanity of life’s natural cycles of birth, life, death and the after death state. For Tomás, CT is a double-edged sword it offers the promise of a second chance at life, but at the cost of his spiritual beliefs and the integrity of his human identity.
The Red Moon
Throughout the story, the recurring imagery of the red moon represents Tomás’s fear of the unknown. The red moon symbolizes both doom and transformation, acting as a metaphor for the broader themes of a coming paradigm shift and the nature of life under the CT system on Neoterra. For Tomás, the red moon is a haunting reminder of his unresolved inner conflict, and it looms over him as he seeks to find meaning in a world that challenges his most closely held beliefs at every turn.
The Planet Neoterra and Avalon The City of Dreams
The exo-planet colony of Neoterra itself is a symbol of humanity’s ability to adapt and reinvent itself, but also of its seemingly boundless hubris. At it’s core Avalon’s technological dominance and economic class stratification have run amok. The stark contrasts within the city of Avalon between the affluent upper tiers of the city and the impoverished Underbelly or “the Lowers” as it is called, highlight the social and moral disparities that exist in this seemingly utopian “City of Dreams.” The city of Avalon represents a complex duality, on the one hand, it is a shining symbol of humanity’s technological advancement, capability, ingenuity, wealth, and power, but also a reflection of its spiritual decay, social inequality, and the tragic loss of authentic meaning and connection in the lives of its inhabitants. Avalon embodies both the promise of progress of a New Tomorrow along with all the many perils that come with it serving as a metaphor across the
Body Of Work series.
Body of Work “Man of Faith” asks questions about the nature of the human soul, does it exist or does the ephemeral nature of Humanness under the CT system render such questions null and void? Through Tomás’s journey, the story suggests that while technology may provide solutions to many of humanity’s greatest problems and challenges, it can never fully replace the need for true human interaction and spiritual connections. The story challenges the reader to ponder what it truly means to be human in an age where human identity is entirely ephemeral, and where life and death have been fundamentally redefined by advanced, alien derived technology.
Body of Work “Man Of Faith” is on sale now https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DC53G66P
Mentions:
The song “Type” by In Living Color: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HbF3...
About Göbekli Tepe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXJc-...
Web: https://books2read.com/KennethEHarrell
Substack: https://substack.com/@kennetheharrel
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kennethehar...
Reedsy: https://reedsy.com/discovery/user/kha...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kenne...
October 19, 2024
Notes on Body of Work “City of Dreams”
In my science fiction short story series; Body of Work “City of Dreams,” I explore the complex social and psychological consequences of advanced technology, in this instance Consciousness Transfer or (CT) as it is called, which allows individuals to move their consciousness between genetically designed bodies called Personas. The story centers around the main protagonist named Tara Akin, who narrates her journey from humble rural beginnings growing up on a meat farm in the remote Wildlands region of Neoterra to her new life in the bustling, technologically advanced city of Avalon, the City of Dreams, where she becomes a Companion to the rich and the powerful. In this future Consciousness Transfer is available to those that can afford it, granting them near immortality. She uncovers the city’s dark side a world where human identity is a commodity, and the powerful control the fates of the less fortunate. Amidst the opulence and corruption of Avalon, Tara must confront her past, her estranged family, and the haunting question of who she truly is. She is soon drawn into a conspiracy that threatens to upend the very foundations of Neoterra.
Human Identity and Transformation
One of the central themes is the concept of human identity in a world where Personas are interchangeable. Tara’s experience of leaving her birth body behind and transferring into a new Persona raises existential questions about what it means to be “oneself.” Can the soul or essence of a person truly transfer with consciousness, or does something ineffable get lost in the process? This is a question that haunts characters across the BoW series. Tara’s sense of who she is shifts dramatically after her transfer. While CT gives her a chance to live a new life, it also creates a disconnect between her internal identity and the various Personas she inhabits to conduct her work as a Companion. This disconnect manifests in the psychological toll it takes, Burnout and Transfer Nostalgia two negative outcomes that plague many in her line of work that requires frequent Persona changes.
Exploitation and Power
The dystopian society of Neoterra is marked by extreme inequalities, where the rich and powerful control access to CT. For many, the system requires submission to exploitation. Tara is simultaneously a product and victim of the CT system. Tara’s decision to become a Companion reflects the extreme economic and societal pressures that leave her and those like her from outside the city with few options. Despite the supposed empowerment and fresh start that CT offers, it is also a tool of exploitation, both financially and psychologically.
Commodification of the Human Form
In this world Personas are everywhere, and they are treated as disposable fashion items, once they are no longer needed or desired they are either discarded, traded, sold, or recycled for their proteins, which can then be used to create new Personas. Body of work “City Of Dreams” presents a society in which the human body is no longer seen as sacred or permanent but as a disposable commodity that can be replaced, upgraded, and customized at will. This leads to profound ethical, psychological, and societal consequences, which are explored throughout the series. Humanness in this world is stripped of any semblance of intrinsic value and is treated as a disposable object.
The Loss of Individual Dignity
The commodification of bodies leads to a loss of dignity and identity. For Tara, the Persona she inhabits for work is not her “real” self, but a tool for survival. Her birth body, which she left behind, symbolized her original identity, a past self she had to shed to escape her old life of paralysis and poverty. However, her new body, which should represent freedom, is quickly transformed into a commodity through her contract as a Companion. This system forces her to trade her dignity for economic and personal survival. Both Companions and their clients alike over time lose their sense of who they are. Tara mentions that her clients have swapped Personas so many times they no longer know who they truly are. Their Personas have become mere vessels for experience and pleasure, devoid of any real connection to their true selves. This reflects the story’s larger theme; by commodifying the human form, society has erased the very concept of an authentic self, giving rise to an unspoken sense that something is terribly wrong with society on Neoterra.
Society and Class Structure in the city of Avalon
Access to CT technology is determined by one’s wealth, creating a stark divide between the elite and the underprivileged. The wealthy in the city of Avalon can afford to live in idealized custom designed Personas indefinitely, extending their lives and enhancing their social status. The gap between those who have access to CT and those who don’t is symbolic of the broader inequality in society on Neoterra.
Psychological and Existential Consequences of Consciousness Transfer
Consciousness Transfer also has deep psychological ramifications. As people continually transfer into new Personas, their relationship between their physical form and their sense of self becomes tenuous. For Tara, this is reflected in her dissociation from the work she does as a Companion. She tells herself that it’s not really “her” performing the acts but the Persona she is inhabiting. This dissociation is a coping mechanism, but it also illustrates the dehumanizing effect of living in a world where the body is no longer sacred or constant. For many characters in the series, the existence of CT leads to a crisis of identity. Without a stable, permanent Persona to anchor their sense of self, individuals struggle to understand who they truly are. This is symbolized in the series by the existence of a condition called “Transfer Nostalgia” a debilitating dissociative psychological disorder that can manifest even years after a successful transfer.
Body Of Work “City of Dreams” is a critique of a future society where technological advancements have transformed human beings into mere commodities. The human form is no longer personal or sacred; they are products, that are bought and sold based on market demand. This system of commodification dehumanizes individuals, alienating them from their sense of self and reducing human experiences to mere transactions. Through Tara’s journey, the story explores the ethical and psychological consequences of living in a world where anyone can become whoever and whatever they want, the question is how can anyone ever know who they truly are?
Body Of Work “City of Dreams” is on sale now. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D...
Web: https://books2read.com/KennethEHarrell
Substack: https://substack.com/@kennetheharrell
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kennethehar...
Reedsy: https://reedsy.com/discovery/user/kha...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kenne...
Human Identity and Transformation
One of the central themes is the concept of human identity in a world where Personas are interchangeable. Tara’s experience of leaving her birth body behind and transferring into a new Persona raises existential questions about what it means to be “oneself.” Can the soul or essence of a person truly transfer with consciousness, or does something ineffable get lost in the process? This is a question that haunts characters across the BoW series. Tara’s sense of who she is shifts dramatically after her transfer. While CT gives her a chance to live a new life, it also creates a disconnect between her internal identity and the various Personas she inhabits to conduct her work as a Companion. This disconnect manifests in the psychological toll it takes, Burnout and Transfer Nostalgia two negative outcomes that plague many in her line of work that requires frequent Persona changes.
Exploitation and Power
The dystopian society of Neoterra is marked by extreme inequalities, where the rich and powerful control access to CT. For many, the system requires submission to exploitation. Tara is simultaneously a product and victim of the CT system. Tara’s decision to become a Companion reflects the extreme economic and societal pressures that leave her and those like her from outside the city with few options. Despite the supposed empowerment and fresh start that CT offers, it is also a tool of exploitation, both financially and psychologically.
Commodification of the Human Form
In this world Personas are everywhere, and they are treated as disposable fashion items, once they are no longer needed or desired they are either discarded, traded, sold, or recycled for their proteins, which can then be used to create new Personas. Body of work “City Of Dreams” presents a society in which the human body is no longer seen as sacred or permanent but as a disposable commodity that can be replaced, upgraded, and customized at will. This leads to profound ethical, psychological, and societal consequences, which are explored throughout the series. Humanness in this world is stripped of any semblance of intrinsic value and is treated as a disposable object.
The Loss of Individual Dignity
The commodification of bodies leads to a loss of dignity and identity. For Tara, the Persona she inhabits for work is not her “real” self, but a tool for survival. Her birth body, which she left behind, symbolized her original identity, a past self she had to shed to escape her old life of paralysis and poverty. However, her new body, which should represent freedom, is quickly transformed into a commodity through her contract as a Companion. This system forces her to trade her dignity for economic and personal survival. Both Companions and their clients alike over time lose their sense of who they are. Tara mentions that her clients have swapped Personas so many times they no longer know who they truly are. Their Personas have become mere vessels for experience and pleasure, devoid of any real connection to their true selves. This reflects the story’s larger theme; by commodifying the human form, society has erased the very concept of an authentic self, giving rise to an unspoken sense that something is terribly wrong with society on Neoterra.
Society and Class Structure in the city of Avalon
Access to CT technology is determined by one’s wealth, creating a stark divide between the elite and the underprivileged. The wealthy in the city of Avalon can afford to live in idealized custom designed Personas indefinitely, extending their lives and enhancing their social status. The gap between those who have access to CT and those who don’t is symbolic of the broader inequality in society on Neoterra.
Psychological and Existential Consequences of Consciousness Transfer
Consciousness Transfer also has deep psychological ramifications. As people continually transfer into new Personas, their relationship between their physical form and their sense of self becomes tenuous. For Tara, this is reflected in her dissociation from the work she does as a Companion. She tells herself that it’s not really “her” performing the acts but the Persona she is inhabiting. This dissociation is a coping mechanism, but it also illustrates the dehumanizing effect of living in a world where the body is no longer sacred or constant. For many characters in the series, the existence of CT leads to a crisis of identity. Without a stable, permanent Persona to anchor their sense of self, individuals struggle to understand who they truly are. This is symbolized in the series by the existence of a condition called “Transfer Nostalgia” a debilitating dissociative psychological disorder that can manifest even years after a successful transfer.
Body Of Work “City of Dreams” is a critique of a future society where technological advancements have transformed human beings into mere commodities. The human form is no longer personal or sacred; they are products, that are bought and sold based on market demand. This system of commodification dehumanizes individuals, alienating them from their sense of self and reducing human experiences to mere transactions. Through Tara’s journey, the story explores the ethical and psychological consequences of living in a world where anyone can become whoever and whatever they want, the question is how can anyone ever know who they truly are?
Body Of Work “City of Dreams” is on sale now. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D...
Web: https://books2read.com/KennethEHarrell
Substack: https://substack.com/@kennetheharrell
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kennethehar...
Reedsy: https://reedsy.com/discovery/user/kha...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kenne...
What is it About the Muse?
Writing often feels like a collaboration, even when I’m the only one at the table. Throughout history, there’s been an ancient idea of the muse divine beings of inspiration, sources of knowledge that spark poetry, music, literature, science, and art. When I sit down to write, I usually have a rough map of where I want to go, but then something else takes over, something elusive and powerful. I don’t know exactly what the muse is, but I know it’s real. I believe the most important part of writing is learning to listen to it.
Over time, I’ve realized the only way this collaboration works is through complete, unwavering trust. The story always seems to come down from some mysterious place, and my job is to be quiet enough to hear it. When I let the process flow naturally, without second-guessing or trying to wrestle control, the story unfolds in ways I could never have planned. It feels less like creating and more like discovering.
I remember one night in particular, while I was writing a scene in “Awakening,” where the character Nir-RoDan testifies before the Ardent High Council. I had spent about a week studying the speeches of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Why those men? Well, quite frankly, because despite what one may think of their politics or policies, both were able to speak to the hearts of people and remind them of the ideals we strive for, even if we don’t always achieve them. In this scene, Nir-RoDan speaks about the traditions and values of the Ardent people and how those values have recently diminished, replaced by suspicion and fear. If you want to read it, this scene is from Chapter 28, “Battle Master Nir-RoDan.” Here is an excerpt from that moment:
“The time-honored Ardent tradition of hospitality was once a virtue among our people. For thousands of years, stories have been passed down tribal lines generation after generation. Stories of cooperation with strangers, friendship, and peace with alien beings and other newcomers. But today this great Ardent tradition has been replaced with suspicion and fear of all things Un-Ardent. We are persecuted and judged for extending the open hand of friendship. We are marked as unclean by Priests; our honor is constantly challenged, our friends and guests in our own homes are themselves marked as abominations fit only to be cleansed! As a result, we Ardent no longer bother to approach the stranger or the newcomer with an open hand. Our Priests in their ignorance and fear demand that a closed fist accompany every encounter!”
“This is not who we are as a people. As you are surely aware, I served in the Rim Wars most of my young life, and in that time, I came to know both friendship and fear. My house guests sitting in custody are not abominations, they are my friends, my guests, whom I sit around the pit fire with, and drink sweet ferment under the stars and the moons above. When we Ardent greet each other, we do so with a dagger held by the blade to signify friendship, strength, and peace. That is Ardent, and that is who we are!”
Chapter 28 is a pivotal point in the story, and I wanted the reader to feel and believe that this was a society at a breaking point. From time to time, people and nations need to be reminded of the values they hold dear. When those values are abandoned, it takes humility, honesty, critical self-examination, and determination to recapture them. This scene in my view is a perfect example of the muse at work. When I began writing it, I had absolutely no idea how to structure the arguments or even what angle to take. So, I calmed my mind, used my various techniques to get into the right headspace to write, and started listening. I simply wrote down what I heard. On the best nights, when I’m undisturbed and fully immersed in the flow, it’s like riding the crest of a golden, celestial wave. The words spill out effortlessly on to the page, and the result feels like it came from somewhere else entirely. Those are the nights where what emerges on the page surprises even me and that’s when I know the muse is at work.
My advice to anyone considering writing is to read as much as possible, experience life as much as possible and most importantly learn to listen to whatever inspires you call it the muse call it whatever you like. Once you do that you may find that the stories you want to write will come to you, all you have to do is listen for them.
Other Author Links
Web: https://books2read.com/KennethEHarrell
Substack: https://substack.com/@kennetheharrell
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kennethehar...
Reedsy: https://reedsy.com/discovery/user/kha...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kenne...
Over time, I’ve realized the only way this collaboration works is through complete, unwavering trust. The story always seems to come down from some mysterious place, and my job is to be quiet enough to hear it. When I let the process flow naturally, without second-guessing or trying to wrestle control, the story unfolds in ways I could never have planned. It feels less like creating and more like discovering.
I remember one night in particular, while I was writing a scene in “Awakening,” where the character Nir-RoDan testifies before the Ardent High Council. I had spent about a week studying the speeches of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Why those men? Well, quite frankly, because despite what one may think of their politics or policies, both were able to speak to the hearts of people and remind them of the ideals we strive for, even if we don’t always achieve them. In this scene, Nir-RoDan speaks about the traditions and values of the Ardent people and how those values have recently diminished, replaced by suspicion and fear. If you want to read it, this scene is from Chapter 28, “Battle Master Nir-RoDan.” Here is an excerpt from that moment:
“The time-honored Ardent tradition of hospitality was once a virtue among our people. For thousands of years, stories have been passed down tribal lines generation after generation. Stories of cooperation with strangers, friendship, and peace with alien beings and other newcomers. But today this great Ardent tradition has been replaced with suspicion and fear of all things Un-Ardent. We are persecuted and judged for extending the open hand of friendship. We are marked as unclean by Priests; our honor is constantly challenged, our friends and guests in our own homes are themselves marked as abominations fit only to be cleansed! As a result, we Ardent no longer bother to approach the stranger or the newcomer with an open hand. Our Priests in their ignorance and fear demand that a closed fist accompany every encounter!”
“This is not who we are as a people. As you are surely aware, I served in the Rim Wars most of my young life, and in that time, I came to know both friendship and fear. My house guests sitting in custody are not abominations, they are my friends, my guests, whom I sit around the pit fire with, and drink sweet ferment under the stars and the moons above. When we Ardent greet each other, we do so with a dagger held by the blade to signify friendship, strength, and peace. That is Ardent, and that is who we are!”
Chapter 28 is a pivotal point in the story, and I wanted the reader to feel and believe that this was a society at a breaking point. From time to time, people and nations need to be reminded of the values they hold dear. When those values are abandoned, it takes humility, honesty, critical self-examination, and determination to recapture them. This scene in my view is a perfect example of the muse at work. When I began writing it, I had absolutely no idea how to structure the arguments or even what angle to take. So, I calmed my mind, used my various techniques to get into the right headspace to write, and started listening. I simply wrote down what I heard. On the best nights, when I’m undisturbed and fully immersed in the flow, it’s like riding the crest of a golden, celestial wave. The words spill out effortlessly on to the page, and the result feels like it came from somewhere else entirely. Those are the nights where what emerges on the page surprises even me and that’s when I know the muse is at work.
My advice to anyone considering writing is to read as much as possible, experience life as much as possible and most importantly learn to listen to whatever inspires you call it the muse call it whatever you like. Once you do that you may find that the stories you want to write will come to you, all you have to do is listen for them.
Other Author Links
Web: https://books2read.com/KennethEHarrell
Substack: https://substack.com/@kennetheharrell
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kennethehar...
Reedsy: https://reedsy.com/discovery/user/kha...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kenne...
October 17, 2024
My Writing Process…
Getting into the right mood to write doesn’t always happen instantly for me. In fact, it can take up to an hour or more just to create the right atmosphere. Usually, I start with an idea or a fragment of a scene. I know the key elements I need to cover and the goal I want to reach by the end of that scene, but that’s just the beginning.
From there, I immerse myself in the details. Where is this scene unfolding? Who’s present? What time of day is it? What’s the weather like warm, cold, somewhere in between? To help bring these moments to life, I often turn to generative AI, using it to create imagery that aligns with what I see in my mind. On other occasions, I study the work of talented visual artists to help inspire new ideas to shape the world I’m building. Visualization, for me, is the crucial first step, I also need music to create the perfect writing atmosphere. Ambient music, usually something soft and calming, that just plays in the background, helping me stay in the zone.
With a bit of imagination, visualization, AI-generated images, science fiction art and the right soundtrack the story begins to unfold. It’s as if, when you’re truly listening to the muse, the story starts to tell itself.
Here are some tools, music and images that helped to inspire my writing.
Writing Tools:
ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com
Publishing and Distribution: https://www.draft2digital.com/r/Y3EJpg
Physics Tutor: By Roys: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-mY0OUrZah-phy...
Ambient Music:
SpaceWave: https://www.youtube.com/@spacewavecr/...
Celestial Domains: https://www.youtube.com/@CelestialDom...
Focus Soundscapes: https://www.youtube.com/@FocusSoundsc...
Obsidian Sound Fields: https://www.youtube.com/@OBSIDIANSOUN...
My Favorite Artists:
JonasDeRo: https://www.jonasdero.com
Jon McCoy: https://www.artstation.com/jonmccoy
Duskie-06: https://www.deviantart.com/duskie-06
Yuriy Mazurkin: https://www.artstation.com/mazurkin
Adam Burn: https://adamburnart.com/collections/s...
Mark Kolobaev: https://www.artstation.com/mous/store...
Other Author Links
Web: https://books2read.com/KennethEHarrell
Substack: https://substack.com/@kennetheharrell
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kennethehar...
Reedsy: https://reedsy.com/discovery/user/kha...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kenne...
From there, I immerse myself in the details. Where is this scene unfolding? Who’s present? What time of day is it? What’s the weather like warm, cold, somewhere in between? To help bring these moments to life, I often turn to generative AI, using it to create imagery that aligns with what I see in my mind. On other occasions, I study the work of talented visual artists to help inspire new ideas to shape the world I’m building. Visualization, for me, is the crucial first step, I also need music to create the perfect writing atmosphere. Ambient music, usually something soft and calming, that just plays in the background, helping me stay in the zone.
With a bit of imagination, visualization, AI-generated images, science fiction art and the right soundtrack the story begins to unfold. It’s as if, when you’re truly listening to the muse, the story starts to tell itself.
Here are some tools, music and images that helped to inspire my writing.
Writing Tools:
ProWritingAid: https://prowritingaid.com
Publishing and Distribution: https://www.draft2digital.com/r/Y3EJpg
Physics Tutor: By Roys: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-mY0OUrZah-phy...
Ambient Music:
SpaceWave: https://www.youtube.com/@spacewavecr/...
Celestial Domains: https://www.youtube.com/@CelestialDom...
Focus Soundscapes: https://www.youtube.com/@FocusSoundsc...
Obsidian Sound Fields: https://www.youtube.com/@OBSIDIANSOUN...
My Favorite Artists:
JonasDeRo: https://www.jonasdero.com
Jon McCoy: https://www.artstation.com/jonmccoy
Duskie-06: https://www.deviantart.com/duskie-06
Yuriy Mazurkin: https://www.artstation.com/mazurkin
Adam Burn: https://adamburnart.com/collections/s...
Mark Kolobaev: https://www.artstation.com/mous/store...
Other Author Links
Web: https://books2read.com/KennethEHarrell
Substack: https://substack.com/@kennetheharrell
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/kennethehar...
Reedsy: https://reedsy.com/discovery/user/kha...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kenne...
Exciting News: "Awakening" Now Available in Paperback Worldwide!
I’m thrilled to announce that my latest book, "Awakening", is now available in paperback at even more retail locations around the world! Whether you’re a longtime reader or new to my work, this is the perfect chance to dive into the story.Grab your copy today and join the adventure! https://books2read.com/b/4DNkvr
A Writing Journey
Welcome to My Writing Journey
In this blog, I share the creative process behind my storytelling, from those first sparks of inspiration to fully realized scenes. Whether you’re a fellow writer or someo ...more
In this blog, I share the creative process behind my storytelling, from those first sparks of inspiration to fully realized scenes. Whether you’re a fellow writer or someo ...more
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