Endo

by D.T. Hopmann

Kevin is planning his future, a new career filled with promise and opportunity as a talented technologist. But that future is still uncertain, and Kevin is already feeling pangs of separation from his friends and from the only life he has known for years. Then a chance discovery changes everything. Endo. A few common laboratory parts, put together just so, generate clean, renewable energy out of thin air. It is a Holy Grail, a game changer with endless commercial applications. But when Kevin and his team start to develop the technology, they make a second someone else wants Endo, and will do anything to get it. Now the race is on to make Endo theirs before someone gets hurt. Or worse. Pushed far beyond his roots, Kevin must learn leadership, business, and more if he is to succeed. But first he must survive.

Genres: Thriller, Science Fiction

266 pages, Paperback

First published September 21, 2010

About the author

I consider myself more storyteller than author. Writing is easier for authors, I think, with precise wording and poetic phrasing flowing effortlessly from fingertips to keyboard. Still, I enjoy telling the story, creating a tale that explores the inner workings of a character while taking the reader on a journey filled with mystery or suspense or intrigue. That's why I like to write in first person. First person lets the reader become the main character, sharing each moment as the story unfolds. That voice has its challenges, of course. The timeline is mostly linear, except for flashbacks, and information presented to the reader is always known to the character. There are no secret subplots lurking in some parallel thread, no chance for the reader to scream "look out, he's just around that corner!" With first person, the reader is as surprised as the character.

An author would find all that easier, too, I suppose.

Authors have special skill and talent, but storytelling is still an art. A story must be plausible and compelling and in some way satisfying. It must involve the reader and give a sense of vicarious adventure. A good story lets readers test themselves, comparing the actions of the characters to what they might do in similar circumstances. A great story lets readers experience those circumstances. If the story is plausible, enough that the reader can relate both logically and emotionally, that visceral involvement can emerge.

I use my background in business and technology as well as places I know to create that all-important realism. I also think that, when I've done it right, the end of the tale resolves more than the immediate conflict. It resolves an inner challenge faced by my characters--Kevin's disenfranchisement; Roger's isolation; others to come.

Few things are as gratifying to me as a good story well told, yet I am tempted to expand into non-fiction, and there are several topics I would like to pursue. Maybe then, an author.

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It's one of those that I wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. My only complaint is that I became attached to the characters and it ended before I was ready for it to end. I still want to know what happened next!

[Nancie Lafferty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lightweight engineering student mystery

An accidental discovery by a University student of a potentially unlimited energy source leads a group of friends into danger and intrigue.