Character Interview – Naomi #ScienceFiction

CHARACTER NAME Naomi

Tell us a little about yourself.

Generally I am a private person and not too keen to talk about myself. I am from Boston in the UK and for reasons I only disclose to those close to me, I was brought up by my grandfather.

How did you end up in the situation you’re currently in?

You only have to look around to see why it’s vital that we protest against the current state of the world. That’s why I’m an activist.

Is your life now as you envisioned it? If not – then why?

I always had an inclination I’d do some form of activism, probably because of my parents, but didn’t really plan for my life to be so consumed by it.

Do you believe in monsters?

Only the human ones.

Have you committed a crime? What was it? If not, what circumstances would cause you to commit a crime?

Yes, but then haven’t we all, either because the laws aren’t fair or because we’ve knowingly contributed to the climate catastrophe.

Do you have a moral code? If so what might it be

I don’t know. I do what I think is right.

Would you kill for those you love?

Probably, but I’ve never been put to the test.

Would you die for those you love?

I hope so.

How do you think others see you?

I don’t really think about it, but as you’ve asked… probably that I’m physically and mentally strong, but a bit aloof and serious.

How do you define ‘heroism?’

It’s not a term I like, so I don’t.

What is your greatest skill/asset?

My determination. Oh, and not getting distracted by friendships or lovers.

What is your greatest weakness (we won’t tell)?

My inability to pass by an injustice, although I see it as a strength.

For the author

Books in which this character appears: We Are Not Anonymous

Links, short author bio…

STEPHEN ORAM writes social science fiction novels and short stories set in the near-future, exploring the intersection of messy humans and imperfect technology. He is also a leading proponent of applied science fiction, working with scientists and technologists to explore possible outcomes of their research through short stories. Stephen is based in the heart of central London and attributes much of the urban grittiness and the optimism about humanity in his writing to the noise, the bustle, and the diverse community of where he lives.

https://linktr.ee/WeAreNotAnonymous

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228567029-we-are-not-anonymous

Description

A fast-paced near-future science fiction with a warning that our future is up for grabs 

In a near-future England, fractured into three nations and ravaged by climate floods, Naomi, a fiercely determined activist, and Beth, her courageous partner, fight for a better world. Their love deepens as they take on Kai, the ruthless leader of the tech-elite Narcissists, whose experiments on children and government-controlling technology threaten to reshape humanity itself.

 As part of the activist group Resist and Regain, Beth and Naomi battle to subvert Kai’s ambitions and create a more equal and transparent world. But as the stakes rise, Beth must face a harrowing choice: should she try to dismantle Kai’s regime at the cost of her family’s safety—and their future?

‘We Are Not Anonymous is an accessible sci-fi thriller rooted in today’s concerns about AI, billionaire tech barons, climate change, politics and government, personal rights, data ownership and police militarization. But it’s also an inspiring story about the power of activism, community and the resourcefulness of humanity.’ – Housmans Bookshop

About the Author 

STEPHEN ORAM writes near-future science fiction, exploring the intersection of messy humans and imperfect technology. Previously, he has two published novels, three collections of sci-fi shorts and is published in many anthologies, including the award-winning Best of British Science Fiction 2022 (Newcon Press).

Stephen also works with scientists and technologists to explore possible outcomes of their research with the public through short stories and has co-edited four anthologies along these lines. Previously, he was the head of policy for post-16 skills strategic development and innovation at the Department for Education. 

Stephen is based in the heart of central London and, alongside his experience of living inside and outside of the establishment, he attributes much of the urban grittiness and the optimism about humanity in his writing to the noise, the bustle, and the diverse community of where he lives.