Interview with O A Shergold, Author of The Order of the Bedourai (An Alex & Eleanor Tale of Inhabited Space Vol 1)

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Order of the Bedourai (An Alex & Eleanor Tale of Inhabited Space Vol 1)?

As an engineer, I wrote this book for my children, or any teenager trying to cope with the technological revolution we are living through. By creating a future far more advanced than today, I wanted to inspire them about the benefits science and engineering might bring. I also created characters the reader can immediately identify with, because those characters are struggling with the same issues as they do today: issues such as how to prevent technology taking over their lives, or how to challenge social norms if they don’t agree with them. Naturally, through my own children’s influence, the story ended up as a reflection on what they taught me about family, friendship, and true equality in a liberal society – as well as the need for adventure, teenagers changing the world, and a good sense of humor!

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Order of the Bedourai (An Alex & Eleanor Tale of Inhabited Space Vol 1), what would they be?

Eleanor, with her positivity and desire for adventure, would have to be ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen, whilst Alex, who is always questioning authority and wanting to go against the system would probably be ‘Welcome To The Machine’ by Pink Floyd.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I have always loved science-fiction and read many of the classics, and through reading stories with my children gravitated to YA adventure. So, it was natural to combine the two genres for The Order of the Bedourai. I also enjoy fantasy or historical fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Ancillary Sword by Anne Leckie, Percy Jackson And The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan, and The Burning Land by Bernard Cornwell.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I am particularly pleased with the Chapter, ‘A Quantum Dinner with Schrödinger’s Cat’ as it mixes all the key elements of the book; the adventure of the teenage protagonists on a high-pressure surveillance mission, the family dynamic between the twins and their parents, the mum explaining the technology of how they travel between the stars, as well as some light-hearted moments from the dad to relieve the tension.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

In a hectic house with three teenage children, I find the quiet times to write come after meals; that is when the kids play computer games, my wife writes her diary, and I get to work on my novel.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Treat and respect everyone equally, and as I would wish to be treated.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

The future is bright, but don’t let it blind you!

O A Shergold is the author of the new book The Order of the Bedourai (An Alex & Eleanor Tale of Inhabited Space Vol 1)

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