Stephen P. Kiernan
Hi Monica. My apologies for the slow reply. This part of Goodreads is new to me, but now that I see it I pledge to do better in the future.
The Curiosity had two big ideas behind it: One was a fascination with the moral and ethical questions raised by all of our society's new technology with cells: cloning, gene splicing, etc. One of my favorite novels that explores questions like these is Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, which clearly influenced the plot of my book.
The second idea came from the song by James Taylor, "Frozen Man," which humanized the old idea of a time traveler or man from another era alive in today's world. I loved that song and for years thought about enlarging it into a novel.
But really fiction is made of many many seeds, some of which come from research (like learning about early baseball or the city of Lynn, Mass.) and most of which arise out of the imagination (where else could a genius stoner like Gerber come from?).
Thanks for your question.
The Curiosity had two big ideas behind it: One was a fascination with the moral and ethical questions raised by all of our society's new technology with cells: cloning, gene splicing, etc. One of my favorite novels that explores questions like these is Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, which clearly influenced the plot of my book.
The second idea came from the song by James Taylor, "Frozen Man," which humanized the old idea of a time traveler or man from another era alive in today's world. I loved that song and for years thought about enlarging it into a novel.
But really fiction is made of many many seeds, some of which come from research (like learning about early baseball or the city of Lynn, Mass.) and most of which arise out of the imagination (where else could a genius stoner like Gerber come from?).
Thanks for your question.
More Answered Questions
Elizabeth Good
asked
Stephen P. Kiernan:
Loved Universe of Two!! Wonder: -Why did Brenda never return to Chicago to see her brother after her parents died? -Page 85 begins, "The long stalemate broke..in May," yet on 105, later in the story, "It was a gray March day." Did I misunderstand something? -On page 418 Brenda states they had left in 1945, but that was when they moved TO Bay Area so I'm confused by what is meant? Thanks for your reply!
Patricia Mallett
asked
Stephen P. Kiernan:
This question contains spoilers…
(view spoiler)[
My dad passed away just recently. He was part of the 82nd airborne and took part in at least one combat jump in Normandy. So, when Emma asked about the jellyfish in the sky, my heart burst open and tears have been flowing ever since. Dad has always been my hero but I never really thought of him as a hero for others. Thank you, Stephen, for giving life to his story, and to the citizens of France during the occupation?
(hide spoiler)]
Linda C
asked
Stephen P. Kiernan:
I really liked "The Baker's Secret" but there were some scathing reviews that the setting wasn't authentic, i.e. French bakeries would never make cinnamon rolls, and by default, you didn't do the necessary research for a historical novel. How would you respond to those complaints?
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more




