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The Orthogonal Bet: Novelist Robin Sloan’s Love for Books with Maps on the First Page

Jun 7, 2024

Novelist Robin Sloan discusses world-building, AI integration, and creativity in his new sci-fi novel Moonbound. He explores the balance between realism and fantasy, the significance of detailed maps, and the impact of series on audience experience. The conversation also touches on AI's role in storytelling, creativity, and the future of writing.

42:31

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Robin Sloan

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Quick takeaways

Robin Sloan's transition from tech-infused novels to far future science fiction with Moonbound signifies a bold evolution in writing style and creative exploration.

Sloan's meticulous incorporation of hard science fiction elements in Moonbound challenges the boundaries of imagination and creativity while grounding the narrative in scientific accuracy.

Deep dives

Robin Sloan's Transition to Writing Far Future Fiction in Moonbound

Robin Sloan, previously known for tech-infused novels set in the present, takes a bold leap into far future science fiction with his latest book, Moonbound. This transition represents an evolution in his writing style and a venture into uncharted creative territories. By exploring a world set 11,000 years ahead, Sloan delves into the realms of speculative fiction, blending fantastical elements with a disciplined adherence to the laws of physics.

Intro

2min

Exploring the Art of World-Building in Science Fiction

8min

The Impact of Series and Trilogies on Audience Experience

4min

Exploring Novel Writing and AI Possibilities

7min

Exploring Creativity Through Recombination and Unique References

2min

Exploring AI Influence on Narratives and Long-Term Thinking

20min

Hello, and welcome to the ongoing mini-series, The Orthogonal Bet, a show that explores the unconventional ideas and delightful patterns that shape our world.

Host Samuel Arbesman, Complexity Scientist, Author, and Scientist in Residence at Lux Capital.

In this episode Sam speaks with Robin Sloan, novelist and writer and all-around fun thinker. Robin is the author of the previous novels, Mr Penumbra’s Twenty Four Hour Book Store and Sourdough, which are both tech-infused novels, with a sort of literary flavor mingled with a touch of science fiction. That’s why Sam was so excited by Robin’s brand new third novel Moonbound, where he goes for broke and writes a sprawling science fiction tale set in the far future.

In this episode, we explore how Robin built this far future and how he thinks about world-building, an exercise regimen for your imagination, science fiction and fantasy more broadly, and of course, novels with maps. And Lord of the Rings obviously makes an appearance as well.

But Moonbound also touches on AI in some really thoughtful and thought-provoking ways, and Robin has also been an early experimenter and adopter of language models. They get into all of that too, talking about AI, the nature of creativity, storytelling, and so much more.

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Christopher Gates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠George Ko⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & Suno