Rule One and Only: Part 1

Date

2018-06-14

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

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.

Description

Keywords

Genre fiction, Speculative fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Comedy, Obsession, Infatuation, New Adult fiction

Citation

DOI

Collections