Writing 'Gearpox'
In the year 2018, the spark of an idea caught fire and led me to craft a novel named 'Gearpox'. This book became the medium through which I expressed my love for the realm of fantasy, with an equally important intent of addressing significant worldly issues like climate change. It was an endeavor to blend the enchanting elements of fiction with impactful concerns of the actual world we inhabit.
Writing 'Gearpox' felt like a voyage into the unknown. The challenge that kindled the entire process was intriguing: could I leverage the allure of fantasy to shed light on something as pressing and intricate as climate change? The answer took the form of a unique blend of medieval fantasy and steampunk elements, with the latter being necessary to address my own personal concerns about industrialism.
World-building for 'Gearpox' was not just about creating spaces and characters; it was about building an entire civilization with its customs, principles, and social structures. The plot is set in meticulously designed cities and features creatures and technological advancements, each having their own backstory. Otherwise, there would be no stakes, in parallel to our own here in earth-land.
Among the array of characters, the psychic link between Lane and Cyrus has been a favorite among readers. Crafting this link was an experience that allowed me to delve into the depths of their individual and shared experiences. This bond not only deepened the narrative but also provided some opportunities to provide some humor to offset the serious nature of the book, without that humor affecting more than two characters at a time, which allowed for the immediate pivot back to more serious situations.
The sense of urgency forms the backbone of 'Gearpox'. The looming threat of the mysterious plague, Gearpox, coupled with the onset of the industrial revolution in the capital city of Owenoak, underscores this urgency. The plague does not label industry as inherently negative but calls out the harms of its overuse and the desperate need for balance. Otherwise, the risk of being too on the nose, and making the allegory go from obvious, to cringe-inducing or preachy, would be too high.
The journey of creating 'Gearpox' was filled with valuable lessons. One such learning was regarding the portrayal of the character Lyle. My attempt was to portray him as ambitious to the point of blinding his sense of judgment. However, the feedback received pointed towards the need for giving him more depth, something I plan to address in the sequel.
One of the challenges faced during the writing process was striking the right balance between world-building and maintaining the flow of the narrative. Despite the need for detailed descriptions, it was crucial to avoid obstructing the momentum of the story, a fine balance I strived to achieve. One of the most fulfilling aspects of writing 'Gearpox' was the creation of magical creatures and their evolution. Borrowing from the concept of evolution in Pokémon, I introduced a unique aspect to the creatures in Gearpox. The close tie-up of these creatures' evolution with their tamers added a fascinating dynamic to the narrative.
To sum up, the process of writing 'Gearpox' was a thrilling ride, a mix of challenges, learning, and triumphs. It allowed me to utilize fantasy fiction as a vehicle for addressing climate change. I hope the journey of 'Gearpox' and the insights gained from it would inspire others in their own writing pursuits. This experience has been about exploration, experimentation, and most importantly, expression. 'Gearpox' is more than a fantasy world; it's a conversation starter, a tool for fostering understanding, and a subtle nudge towards acknowledging the critical issues that our world is facing today.
I’ll see you for book two.
-LP
