Warren A. Shepherd's Blog

From the moment Arnold Schwarzenneger's Terminator first uttered that ominous phrase, "I'll be back," we all feared that science fiction might one day be science fact. But I'm sure we all hoped that that day would be a long way down the road.

Well, it might be time to check the calendar. AI is learning and growing exponentially, integrating itself into so many facets of our lives; it seems we're just a hop, skip, and a nuclear explosion away from Judgement Day.

But in the meantime, I thought I may as well embrace the future and get on the Chat-GPT bandwagon - while I still can...

As an author, I'm always searching for new ways to expose my work to the world, finding it a constant uphill battle. Since I am so terrible a self-promotion, and since I'm not exactly fending off an abundance of offers from literary outlets for interviews, I thought I'd enlist the aid of my new friend, CHAT-GPT. (It's good to keep on friendly terms... you know, just so that when the day comes, I won't be judged too harshly).

Armed only with the short promotional quote from my website, and the blurb from the back cover of my book, CHAT-GPT let loose with its questions, and the results were... well, why don't you judge for yourself.

Welcome, fellow sci-fi geeks! Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing an exciting author, Warren A. Shepherd, about their [I didn't stipulate my gender] rollicking sci-fi adventure novel, "Sex, Bugs & UFOs." From the blurb alone, it's clear that this book promises a thrilling journey across the galaxy and a protagonist with a compelling backstory. So, Warren, let's dive right in and explore the depths of your imaginative universe.

First off, I have to say that the premise of "Sex, Bugs & UFOs" is captivating. Abandoned by his mother at a young age, Dave Morrissey's life takes an unexpected turn as he finds himself drawn back into the world of UFO investigations. The mysterious death of an old woman in a nursing home sets off a chain of events that leads Morrissey on a desperate quest for truth, one that spans from the streets of London to the far reaches of space. The mix of conspiracy theorists, bounty hunters, and secrets hidden in Morrissey's DNA certainly sounds like a recipe for an intense and action-packed narrative.Tell me, what inspired you to blend elements of UFO investigations, intergalactic mysteries, and a reluctant hero's journey in this novel? How did you develop the idea for "Sex, Bugs & UFOs"?

Also, the title itself is quite intriguing. Could you shed some light on the significance of "Sex, Bugs & UFOs"? What themes or ideas does it convey?

I'm eager to hear your insights on the creation of this thrilling adventure!

Thanks, Chat. First off, the title. I wanted it to be playful, but with a hint of mystery and even a little bit of danger. Of course, it's a play on the phrase, "Sex, Drugs & Rock 'n' Roll". I hope the word sex doesn't put people off as you won't find it in the Alien Erotica section of your bookstore!

As for what inspired me, I think I've always felt like I didn't belong in the world. I was born in England and came to Canada with my family when I was 7. That sense of alienation and 'otherness' has stayed with me until today - one foot in each world, but belonging in neither. Add to that, a childhood fuelled by the original Star Trek, the birth of Star Wars, and later, the struggles of Fox Mulder on The X-Files, and you've got a pretty solid foundation for what drives the creativity behind this story.

Thank you for sharing the inspiration behind "Sex, Bugs & UFOs," Warren. It's fascinating to see how personal experiences and a love for sci-fi classics have influenced your creative vision for this novel. That sense of not quite belonging and feeling like an outsider can often fuel some of the most compelling narratives.

Now, let's talk about your protagonist, Dave Morrissey. He's a former UFO investigator who gets pulled back into the world he thought he had left behind. What can you tell us about Morrissey's character development throughout the story? How does his journey impact his understanding of himself and his place in the universe?

Additionally, you mentioned a shifty tabloid journalist who becomes an unexpected ally for Morrissey. What can you share about their dynamic and how it adds depth to the narrative?

I'm curious to delve into the evolution of your characters and how they navigate the intergalactic mystery at the core of your story.

Without giving too much away, Morrissey's reasons for joining the UFO hotline were driven by a childhood trauma. And although he is no longer with the organization at the beginning of the story, his search for truth has never faded. It's this hunger that drives him forward. As for the tabloid journalist, I can't reveal too much about his relationship to Morrissey without spoiling the surprises. You'll just have to find out for yourself!

Ah, the element of mystery! I understand and appreciate the need to keep certain plot details under wraps. It sounds like Morrissey's character has a deep emotional core, fueled by his past experiences and an unyielding quest for truth. Exploring the impact of childhood trauma and the resilience it can instill in a character adds layers of depth to the story.

As for the tabloid journalist, I'm intrigued by the secrecy surrounding their relationship with Morrissey. It suggests there may be unexpected alliances and complex dynamics at play, which will surely keep readers engaged and guessing.

Moving on, let's talk about the universe you've created in "Sex, Bugs & UFOs." From the grey streets of London to the vast expanse of space, what can readers expect when they embark on this intergalactic adventure with Morrissey? Are there any unique or visually stunning settings that you'd like to highlight?

Furthermore, the blurb mentions the presence of an unstable UFO conspiracy theorist, a galactic bounty hunter, and a terrorist for hire. How do these formidable adversaries challenge Morrissey and contribute to the overall tension and suspense of the story?

I'm eager to learn more about the world-building and the thrilling encounters that await readers in your novel!

Setting, indeed, plays a huge role in the story. I wanted the reader to really feel for Morrissey's journey. I wanted them get a sense of being ripped away from everything familiar, to be thrust into the unknown, the incomprehensible. I wanted to instil a sense of wonder and excitement and yes, fear, all at once. If I've done my job right, the reader will see the universe through Morrissey's eyes, experiencing the sensory challenges at every turn. From alien wastelands to dense cities populated by all manner of beings, the readers should (hopefully) be in for a treat! And don't even get me started on what goes on in hyperspace - to paraphrase Han Solo, it really ain't like dusting crops!

As for the conspiracy theorist, bounty hunter, and terrorist, all I can say is that they are just a few of the challenging foils that Morrissey's encounters on his fantastic journey.

The way you describe the settings in "Sex, Bugs & UFOs" truly evokes a sense of immersion and wonder. It's fantastic to hear that readers will experience the universe through Morrissey's eyes and feel the range of emotions that come with being thrust into the unknown. The variety of settings, from alien wastelands to bustling cities, promises to create a vivid and diverse backdrop for the story to unfold.

And it seems like Morrissey will face quite the array of formidable adversaries on his quest for truth. The presence of the conspiracy theorist, bounty hunter, and terrorist suggests that he'll encounter a wide range of challenges that test his mettle and push him to his limits.

Before we conclude, Warren, I'm curious to know if there are any underlying themes or messages that you hope readers will take away from "Sex, Bugs & UFOs." Is there a particular idea or concept that you want to explore within the framework of this thrilling sci-fi adventure?

Thank you for sharing your insights into the world-building and the intriguing characters that inhabit your novel. It's been a pleasure discussing "Sex, Bugs & UFOs" with you!

For sure there are themes of family - the good and the bad and all that entails. But I suppose the driving theme is isolation, loss, and loneliness, and finding one's place in the world - or in this case, the universe. Maybe I'm using this book as a catharsis, to find my own place in the world. I'll let you know how that turns out. (Maybe in the sequel!)

The exploration of themes such as family, isolation, loss, and finding one's place in the universe adds depth and emotional resonance to "Sex, Bugs & UFOs." It's fascinating to hear that the book may serve as a cathartic journey for you as an author, searching for your own place in the world. The personal connection you have with these themes will undoubtedly resonate with readers and allow them to connect with the story on a deeper level.

And who knows, perhaps there will be a sequel where the journey continues, and we can further delve into the intricacies of the universe you've created.

Thank you, Warren, for this wonderful interview about "Sex, Bugs & UFOs." I'm sure readers will be eager to dive into the adventure you've crafted. Best of luck with your book, and may it take readers on a thrilling journey through the cosmos!

So... overall, not too bad! A bit stiff. A bit formal. A bit mechanical. A bit... artificial. But I've read interviews by humans that were worse! I know I could have refined my request to ask it to be a bit more conversational, but I didn't want to run the risk of corrupting my responses.

Interestingly, I had thought I'd have to ask it to pose the questions one at a time, rather than supplying me with a list (as some online bloggers do) in order to allow for organic followups. But I didn't need to ask it - it knew to do that instinctively.

Where it did run into trouble was when I asked it to compile the individual questions into one cohesive interview document. It did do it, but for some reason, it embellished my answers with its own spin, tone, and content.

I asked it once to refrain from modifying my quotes. After apologizing profusely, it made a second attempt. But again, it embellished my responses. So I asked it a third time, this time telling it to include my answers "verbatim". After yet another apology, it tried again, but still, it modified my responses. I ended up having to compile the interview myself, leaving my original responses intact.

I'm not sure why it couldn't understand how to just copy my words into its final compiled interview - that it didn't even seem to understand what it was doing wrong. But I guess it's literally in its infancy.

All in all, an interesting experiment. I'm fascinated to see how CHAT-GPT, and AI in general, evolves over time. But I don't think it will be too long before it will be back...

("Sex, Bugs & UFOs" is ON SALE NOW at your favourite online retail store!)

Contrary to popular belief, you can judge a book by its cover. Since the dawn of mankind, we’ve been hardwired to judge, as in, “I wonder if that sabre-toothed tiger looks hungry,” or “my, that fellow has an awfully big club.” It’s how we’ve survived this long as a species. And while currently sensibilities wisely insist that we look beyond a person’s outward appearance and into their character, a book is an entirely different matter.

In today’s fast-scrolling, social media-driven, short attention-spanned world, eyes don’t linger too long on any one point of stimulus for fear of missing out on the next big thing. That’s why the cover of your book is one of the most important marketing features you can employ and why, after weeks of searching, soliciting, and scrutinizing, I’m very excited and proud to reveal the cover of my Science-Fiction Adventure, Sex, Bugs & UFOs (release date: July 17th through MIRROR WORLD PUBLISHING). Capturing the essence of wonder, mystery, and adventure that my story offers, I hope you all find it an enticing lure into the deep recesses of my imagination. Enjoy.

Amazon Mirror World Publishing Indigo/Chapters Kobo Barnes & Noble

Thrilled to have joined the Mirror World Publishing team to bring you my exciting space adventure Sex, Bugs & UFOs!

Subscribe for all the updates - you don't want to be left behind on this epic journey. Besides, I could use all the company I can get.

Buckle up!

If the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, then I have felt every one. At times it’s seemed as if I was walking on air. Others, as if I’m tap dancing on Lego. But today… today it feels as if every stubbed toe, every blister, every rusty nail through the foot has been worth it. For today, I signed on the dotted line: that’s right, I put my name to a traditional publishing contract. And boy, does it feel great!

The Covid Years have been rough on everyone, no doubt. Combining that with a long concussion recovery period has cursed me with time enough to suffer a significant existential crisis; the relentless crush of time has a sobering effect on one’s dreams.

But then just as 2021 was coming to a close, I received a request for an interview from a small press publisher I’d submitted to. They’d previously asked to see my full manuscript, but history had conditioned me not to expect miracles. The interview (conducted via Zoom) was very positive. They really enjoyed my story and said I had a great, natural voice, something every author yearns to hear. The only fly in the ointment, was that they had a pretty rigorous publishing regimen and would expect me to deliver roughly three books a year. This took me somewhat aback. While I do have a series planned, my debut novel has taken much more than that to see completion (granted there has been a significant learning curve). So it was no surprise that my confidence that I could perform to such a schedule was sorely lacking.

We left it on a positive note, with a request from the publisher for me to contact them again when Book 2 was finished, in the hopes that we could revisit a plan to work together. Don’t get me wrong, I was dead chuffed that I’d gotten this far, farther than I’d ever been down the publishing road before. But at the same time, it seemed like defeat dressed up in finer clothing.

So imagine my surprise and elation that not a week later, I received an email from another small press who had previously requested to see my full manuscript. Again, my Pavlovian conditioning warned me off reading the email at first, fearing the inevitable rejection. But finally, I summoned the courage. I don’t think my brain fully understood what I was reading at first. It was very matter of fact, as if they did this sort of thing every day, obviously unaware that I was far from used to reading this sort of thing every day. Phrases like, “we’d like to offer you publication,” and “attached you will find your contract,” followed by, “we look forward to working with you” seemed like the chittering of an alien tongue.

Finally, my universal translator kicked in and I realized that I’d actually been offered a publishing deal. After years of toiling in the darkness with no promise of light, my world had suddenly gone supernova. To be honest, it still all feels very surreal.

And even though I know that there is much work ahead and the path may not always be a smooth one, I know that finally, I am on the right path. Someone appreciates what I have to offer, sees potential in my words, and wants to go on that journey with me. And between you and me, it’s going to be a hell of a ride!

I was seven when I first realized that the world didn’t fit me quite right. Two sizes too big or two sizes too small, I wasn’t quite sure. As a child you’re too consumed with growing up to stop and analyze the mechanics of it. But retrospect, as they say, is 20/20.

Being uprooted from the streets of London, England to the streets of Toronto, Canada is a pretty big jump for such a young mind. The youngest of four (at the time) I felt very much like the tail end of a very long snake, unsure where the head was leading.

Arriving in Canada was a little bit of a culture shock, let alone a climate shock. We were unprepared for Canada’s weather, the early April winter taking its last bite into our tender British skins. But aside from that, it was clear from the start that the locals perceived me as an other. With my mixed heritage (British and East Indian — what is known as Anglo-Indian) and strong English accent, there was no mistaking that I was different. Anyone who knows me knows that I don’t like to draw attention to myself so, I did what any cunning seven year-old would do when dropped behind enemy lines — I tried to blend in.

There wasn’t much I could do about my heritage. Being spit on and called a paki is something I’ll never forget. But I also know that racism will always persist until we stop dealing in labels altogether. There is good and bad in everyone — you just have to focus on the good.

As the years wore on, I became more comfortable with my true self, my British self. Turns out the Canadian kid was just a role I was playing to get by. Who knows what damage that double life has done to my psyche but I try to focus on the positive lessons it has taught me.

That profound sense of #alienation only seemed to heighten my self-awareness. Yes, I’m an #introvert, but I know my inner mind — both my strengths and weaknesses — intimately. As an observer, I am necessarily more of a listener than a talker (I find you can learn more that way) but I am infinitely inquisitive about the world around me and the people who inhabit it.

So as a #scifi #writer, these traits - and countless more coursing through my veins - serve to fuel my imagination, driving me to create new worlds to explain the one that I often cannot. When I see all the things that humankind is capable of, both the good and the bad, I imagine what it must be like out there and feel those stories must be told. And who better to tell them.

After all, it takes an #alien to know an alien…

In a (hopefully) not too distant future, when I’m being interviewed for a highly regarded literary magazine (if they still exist in that future) I will be asked how I knew, all those years ago, that I was perched on the precipice of a long and fruitful literary career. And my answer will be a firm and resounding, “I didn’t.”

Let’s start with a simple truth that you’ve hopefully already realized: writing is hard. If it weren’t, everyone would be doing it. (Though it sometimes seems as if everyone is.) Splaying your heart and soul for all to see is not for the faint of heart and requires a thick skin, an open mind, and heaps of discipline. It forces you to confront your weaknesses but it also allows you to revel in your strengths. Hold on to that thought because you’re going to need it to get you through what lies ahead; rest assured, you will be judged.

And it is that judging that brings me to my own goals. If you were paying attention in my inaugural blog post, you’ll know why I write. So the question remains, how do I wish to be published? This is a debate that rages on social media within the myriad writing communities. There are many pros and cons to both sides of the argument and I know that self-publishing is a viable solution for many aspiring novelists. But it’s a path I’m not quite ready to travel down.

For me, part of getting published is having your work championed by people who know the business inside out. Maybe it’s my fragile ego that needs that kind of approval, to be accepted by a relatively exclusive club in order to feel validated; I’m willing to own that weakness. But for better or worse, I’ve set my sights on the traditional publishing industry so I give them fair warning: I am coming for you.

At the same time, I wish you all luck with whichever path you choose. It’s clear we all come to this craft with different goals and different objectives. From the amateur hobbyist to the hopeful rising star to the seasoned veteran, I offer you my encouragement, my good wishes — and my sympathies; this is not an easy road we travel and we shouldn’t travel it alone.

Well, I suppose if you're going to be spending any time with me, you should probably know what you're getting yourself into. Don't worry, I'm not going to start with the story of my birth - which was a harrowing adventure in itself, by all accounts. (Is blue a good colour for a new-born?). But I imagine you're here because you're at least a little bit curious about who I am as a writer. So let's start with the genesis of the creature we now know as, The Lone Monkey.

I have been many things to many people in my life: a son, a brother, a friend, a lover, a philosopher, and a dreamer (possibly even a nuisance to some). I am more than the sum of my experiences though I’m not quite sure what to do with the leftover bits. I am a lifelong observer of humankind and am therefore more of a listener than a talker - a proud introvert. I am in touch with my sensitive side and I’m not afraid to use it. I am a logical thinker who often flirts with the absurd. I have a black belt in sarcasm and dabble in tomfoolery in my spare time. While some see the glass as half full, and others see it as half empty, I just tend to wonder who’s been drinking my bloody drink. I am a movie buff whose head is crammed with useless entertainment trivia. I view films through a critical creative lens but can be just as happy watching an epic ‘popcorn’ pic or a whip-smart comedy as I can an arthouse gem. In essence, I enjoy quality in all media. Which brings us to the heart of the matter…

I love reading but have a hard time finding books that capture my undivided attention. While that may be due to some serious mental malfunction on my part, it also fuels my lifelong ambition to be a published author.

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact spark that lit the fuse of my creativity, launching me on the journey of a thousand stories. Was it my mother, who read to us from a very early age, planting the seeds of wonder in my fertile young mind? Or was it a youth spent devouring books and gaping in awe at the movie screen, dreaming that one day, I could tell those tales?

Whatever the case, the drive to create worlds that I, and hopefully others, would want to inhabit is a powerful drug. It’s not the notoriety I crave; though let’s be honest, the approbation would be delicious. It’s more that I might leave something permanent behind for future generations to share and enjoy.

So as I rage against the prevailing currents in an attempt at a life less ordinary, I invite you all into the kaleidoscopic swirl of chaos that rules my head. Follow me, share me, hopefully enjoy me. Subscribe to stay tuned to updates on my literary emergence. Maybe one day you’ll be able to say that you knew me when...