Interview with Stephen Martino
How did you come up with the story for The New Reality?
One major theme throughout my novel is the potential consequences of interfering with human DNA. While in medical training I saw firsthand how "gene therapy" directly led to the untimely deaths of young patients. Just like in my book, scientists conducted human studies without fully understanding the consequences of their actions. Though the studies were small-scale, it involved a deadly virus and gene manipulation, just like that described in The New Reality.
I also incorporate in The New Reality my frustration with America's current economic and political situation. Over 17 trillion dollars in debt, the vast expansion of government, increased taxes, higher unemployment and an unprecedented assault on our civil liberties all boggle my mind. Though fictional, the novel attempts to highlight some of the pressing issues we face as a nation.
Were you inspired by someone or something to write this novel?
Every time I read the news or watch something on the History or Discovery channel I'm inspired. The world has a wealth of information and endless stories to tell. The difficulty I have as a writer is picking just a few of them to elaborate upon in my novels. As a result, my house is inundated with piles of eclectic books with topics ranging from genetics all the way to megalithic structures of primitive man. I feel as if there is so much out there to learn, yet so little time to do it.