As the highly anticipated latest installment in his Children of Time series, Children of Strife, hits bookshelves, science fiction author Adrian Tchaikovsky sits down with Alison Flood to discuss his inspiration, his love for sci-fi, and the importance of empathy in his writing.
Tchaikovsky’s Children of Time series has captivated readers with its unique blend of science fiction and fantasy, exploring themes of evolution, humanity, and the consequences of our actions. The series follows the journey of humanity as they struggle to survive on a new planet, while also delving into the lives of the planet’s inhabitants – the intelligent spiders and their evolving society.
In Children of Strife, Tchaikovsky introduces a new species to the mix – the mantis shrimp. These colorful and powerful creatures have fascinated Tchaikovsky for years, and he was excited to incorporate them into his story. “Mantis shrimp are such fascinating creatures,” he says. “They have incredible eyesight and can see colors that we can’t even imagine. They also have a unique way of hunting, using their powerful claws to stun their prey. I knew they would make a great addition to the world of Children of Time.”
But Tchaikovsky’s fascination with mantis shrimp goes beyond their physical attributes. “I was also drawn to their social behavior,” he explains. “Mantis shrimp have complex social structures and communicate with each other through a variety of signals. This was a perfect fit for the themes I wanted to explore in Children of Strife – the complexities of society and the importance of communication.”
Tchaikovsky’s love for science fiction began at a young age, when he devoured books by authors such as Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke. “I was always drawn to the endless possibilities of the genre,” he says. “Science fiction allows us to explore the unknown, to imagine what could be, and to question our own beliefs and values. It’s a genre that constantly challenges and inspires me.”
But Tchaikovsky also believes that science fiction has an important role to play in society. “Science fiction has the power to make us think, to push boundaries, and to open our minds to new ideas,” he says. “In a world where technology is advancing at an incredible pace, it’s important to consider the consequences of our actions and to think about the kind of future we want to create.”
This idea of considering the consequences of our actions is a recurring theme in Tchaikovsky’s Children of Time series. “In Children of Strife, we see the consequences of humanity’s actions on the planet and its inhabitants,” he explains. “But it’s not just about the physical impact – it’s also about the emotional impact. That’s where empathy comes in.”
Empathy is a key element in Tchaikovsky’s writing, and he believes it is crucial in creating a connection between readers and his characters. “I want my readers to feel what my characters are feeling, to understand their struggles and their motivations,” he says. “Empathy allows us to see things from a different perspective, to step into someone else’s shoes. And I think that’s an important skill to have in today’s world.”
Tchaikovsky’s ability to create complex and relatable characters has been praised by readers and critics alike. His characters, whether human or spider, are flawed and multi-dimensional, making them all the more compelling. “I think it’s important to show that even in a world of science fiction and fantasy, our struggles and emotions are still very human,” he says. “That’s what makes these stories relatable and meaningful.”
As Children of Strife continues to garner praise and attention, Tchaikovsky is already hard at work on the next installment in the series. “I have so many ideas and stories to tell in this world,” he says. “I’m excited to see where the journey takes me and my readers.”
For fans of the Children of Time series, Children of Strife is a must-read. And for those new to Tchaikovsky’s work, it’s the perfect introduction to a talented author who continues to push the boundaries of science fiction and explore the complexities of humanity. As Tchaikovsky himself says, “The possibilities are endless in the world of science fiction, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us next.”
