Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Welcome to the FAQ section! Here, I aim to answer some of the common questions I receive about my work, my inspirations, and the intricate worlds I’ve built. If your question isn’t here, please feel free to reach out via the Contact page!
General & About the Author
Is Aster Keen your real name, or do you write under a pseudonym?
Aster Keen is my author pseudonym. My real identity is known to my publisher and allows me a degree of creative freedom and focus on the work itself.
When is your birthday?
I was born on March 8, 1980.
What is your background, and how does it influence your writing?
My background spans various technical fields, including electrical engineering, automation, mechanics, construction, and IT. This diverse experience allows me to craft worlds and technologies that are not only imaginative but also grounded in scientific and engineering principles. It helps me explore complex systems, whether mechanical or societal, with a unique precision.
What inspired you to become a writer?
My primary motivation for writing is to express and communicate my ideas. It’s a way to connect with others who might share similar thoughts, and through that connection, to expand my own understanding and knowledge. Writing allows me to explore concepts that resonate deeply with me.
Where do you find inspiration for your stories and ideas?
My inspiration often comes from new things I learn, whether through scientific discoveries, historical events, or observing the current state of society. My existing thoughts and experiences blend with these new insights, forming a “new state of mind” that I then translate onto paper. It’s a continuous process of observation, learning, and synthesis.
How can I connect with Aster Keen?
You can follow me on my social media channels (links usually found in the footer or Contact section) or join my mailing list for direct updates. I love hearing from readers!
Can I send you fan art or fan theories?
Absolutely! I deeply appreciate the creativity and engagement of my readers. You can send anything via the Contact page or share it on social media and tag me.
How can I find out if you'll be doing any book signings or public appearances?
All information regarding book signings, virtual appearances, or other public events will be announced through my official newsletter. It’s the best way to stay informed!
I received an email that appeared to be from your site, but it seemed suspicious. What should I do?
The only emails you should receive directly from me or my website are those related to my official newsletter, if you have subscribed. If you receive any other suspicious email claiming to be from me or my site, please be aware that it is likely an imposter. Do not click on any links and delete the email. Your security is important!
About My Beliefs & Views
What are your thoughts on censorship and book banning?
I believe strongly in free expression. Restricting access to information or ideas, or banning books, comes at a significant cost to society. Free expression is fundamental for a society to progress and understand itself fully.
What is your personal political affiliation or stance?
I don’t adhere blindly to any single political dogma or affiliation. My perspective is that what is truly needed changes with the circumstances. If a “ship” (society) is going the wrong way, the route must be fixed, regardless of who is at the helm. Pragmatism and a focus on effective solutions for society’s challenges are what matter most.
Do you follow any particular religion or dogma?
While I don’t follow any specific religious dogmas, I deeply believe there is more to existence than what we perceive. This conviction is a continuous source of exploration in my work, particularly in the Eos series.
Is the Eos universe optimistic or dystopian?
It’s a blend of both. While humanity has survived catastrophe and is guided by a powerful AI towards a seemingly utopian Neo-Hellenistic ideal, it constantly grapples with its inherent flaws, internal conflicts, and external threats. It’s a future forged in struggle, where hope and despair often intertwine.
Are the 'Creators' purely evil, or is there more to them?
The ‘Creators’ are complex entities with their own motivations and internal divisions. While their actions towards humanity have often been controlling and destructive, their ultimate purpose is tied to a larger, cosmic quest for knowledge about existence itself. If you think about it, humanity is doing the same today for its purposes in other species…
About the Books
Which book should I read first? Where do I start?
I always try for my books to stand alone, so you won’t need any other information, or to read the previous or next book in a series, to understand the story. Of course, reading the Eos series saga by its internal chronological dates – as the story unfolds within the universe itself – is the optimum experience.
How many books will be in the Eos series?
The Eos series is envisioned as a multi-book saga. As of now, three books are planned: The Road To Freedom, The Return of the Creators, and Athenais Eos 2407. The full scope of the narrative is still unfolding, and more installments may follow as the story dictates.
Are there any specific philosophical or scientific concepts that deeply inform your work?
Absolutely. Concepts like free will versus determinism, the nature of consciousness, the ethical implications of advanced AI and genetic engineering, and the cyclical nature of power and human conflict are central. Ancient Greek philosophy, particularly concepts of the soul, human excellence (aretē), and the pursuit of knowledge, profoundly influence the underlying ethos of the Eos universe.
Will there be other books outside the Eos universe?
While my current focus is on expanding the Eos saga, I have many other stories brewing in different genres and settings. Stay tuned to my News section or social media for announcements!
How much of the science and technology in Eos is based on real-world concepts?
A significant portion of the technology and scientific principles in Eos is inspired by current theoretical physics, cutting-edge biotechnology, and emerging AI research. Concepts like quantum entanglement, advanced genetic engineering, and neuro-interfacing are pushed to their speculative limits, but always with an eye towards plausible scientific extrapolation.
What role does mythology play in the Eos series?
Ancient myths and historical events are woven into the fabric of the Eos universe not as mere fantasy, but as distorted echoes of past interactions with the supernatural. They serve as veiled historical records, revealing hidden truths about humanity’s origins and its place in the cosmos.
What is the significance of the quotes at the beginning of your books?
The quotes serve as guiding principles or thematic anchors for each book. They are carefully chosen to encapsulate a core philosophical idea or a central tension that the narrative will explore, inviting readers to reflect on deeper meanings beyond the plot.
The future may arrive sooner than expected...
…the wheels have already begun to turn. Are you ready for it?
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