Rule One and Only: Part 1
Date
2018-06-14
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MFA in Creative Writing, The University of Tampa
Abstract
Rule One and Only: Part One is the first half of the second novel of a planned
series. A work of Literary Science Fantasy, Rule has to both reference events and
knowledge from the previous novel yet still stand alone as its own body of work. A
number of themes interwork with each other to provide a balance of character-driven and
plot-driven narrative. The primary theme centers on the novel’s title; Rule One and Only
references and spoofs several similar rules of non-interference that have become a staple
of science fiction/fantasy, such as Star Trek’s ‘Prime Directive.’ By referencing similar
works, Rule explores the morality and ethics of such policies, asking not whether to help
or not help but how much help is too much. The novel also functions as a New Adult,
coming of age story for the series protagonist, Joseph Degrep, Archivist Third Class. Still
relatively new to his chosen career, he is sent on a mission to learn from a more
experienced Archivist, who challenges his understanding of the Rule and his own
feelings of inadequacy both as an Archivist and as a man. Through Joseph’s inner and
external conflicts, the novel explores themes of belonging, infatuation, and when to let
infatuation go.
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Keywords
Genre fiction, Speculative fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Comedy, Obsession, Infatuation, New Adult fiction