The Interview - TM Kaiser

For decades, Augmented has been my cherished passion project, its roots tracing back to scribbled notes on stray pieces of paper during my high school days. The narrative and its characters possessed a depth that captivated me from the outset, refusing to release their hold on my imagination. I found myself returning time and again, refining and reshaping its contours until they felt flawlessly rendered. The sheer devotion poured into crafting this tale renders it almost tenderly vulnerable now, as I prepare to unveil it to the wider world. Yet, amidst this vulnerability, there exists a quiet confidence born of the belief that others will embrace it with the same fervor.

Penned in the late 90s, Augmented now stands as a testament to the passage of time and the unforeseen twists of fate. Little did I anticipate the resonance of a pandemic within its pages, nor the exponential rise of artificial intelligence, themes that now resonate with an eerie prescience. As the world around us evolves, the narrative's relevance only deepens, infusing its core with a poignant urgency that surpasses even my initial vision.

For aspiring authors, my advice would be to write what you love. If you don't find joy in your own work, it becomes difficult to nurture it into a novel worthy of aspiration. As for my younger self, I would emphasize the importance of trusting your creative instincts and staying true to your passion.

One of my favorite lines from Augmented occurs during a tense exchange between Roger and Sianna. Roger, confessing his past as a spy to Sianna, utters, "Sometimes you don't always have a choice in those sorts of things." Sianna's swift response, "There's always a choice," encapsulates a simple truth often overshadowed by life's competing pressures. This poignant moment serves as a reminder of the power we hold over our own decisions, even in the face of adversity.

Some books that held my imagination and my heart are The Wrinkle in Time series by Madeleine L'Engle, The Giver Quartet by Lois Lowry, and The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury. These books were so delicate and inticed my young mind, offering gentle criticism of societal pressures and serving as a springboard into my love of books into adulthood.

I approach writing organically, immersing myself fully in the process. Often, I find myself discovering the plot's twists and turns as if I'm experiencing the story for the first time. Ideas for the ending unfold naturally as I write, though I'm selective, letting the narrative guide me to the most fitting conclusion. It's akin to the intuitive process of an artist, who works with their medium until the sense of 'finish' settles upon them. Occasionally, that sense of completeness eludes me, but I've come to understand that it's an integral part of the creative journey.

I love writing and have no plans to stop. I currently have several works available on my website at www.tmkaiser.com, including 'The Banished' and 'Reality's Endgame: The AI Insanity Show.' However, there's a lingering feeling that I'll need to revisit the Augmented universe, as there are still more stories to share about those characters.