Liberty's Highlights White Mirror: 31 Stories, a $1,000 Puzzle, and Sci-Fi to Reboot Your Childlike Wonder š¦¾šŖšš¦
Tinkered Thinking, author of the interconnected sci-fi collection White Mirror, and Dylan O'Sullivan, its editor, dive deep into storytelling. They explore how a tweet sparked 31 captivating tales, the interplay between technology and humanity, and ways to reclaim childlike wonder amidst modern challenges. With insights on writing craft, AI's role in relationships, and simulation theory, the pair presents a unique vision of optimism in sci-fi. Expect discussions on literary structure, the future of storytelling, and hidden puzzles within their imaginative work.
01:27:37
From A Tweet To A 31-Story Collection
- Tinkered Thinking described how White Mirror began from a tweet-sized contest and grew into 31 stories.
- He wrote many stories rapidly and culled about 55 drafts down to the final collection.
Editor Joined Via An Intern Opportunity
- Dylan applied to Jim's Rite of Passage and became an intern at Infinite Books, which led him to edit White Mirror.
- He jumped into the project unexpectedly and began collaborating with Tinkered Thinking on Zooms and calls.
Wonder As An Antidote To Pessimism
- Tinkered Thinking felt exhausted by pessimistic sci-fi and wanted stories that expand agency and wonder.
- He positions White Mirror as an antidote to doomerism, not blind cheerleading for tech.
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Intro
00:00 ā¢ 3min
Origin: From a Tweet to 31 Stories
03:12 ā¢ 2min
Dylan's Path to Editing White Mirror
04:47 ā¢ 11sec
What White Mirror Is About
04:58 ā¢ 45sec
Why Write More Optimistic SciāFi?
05:44 ā¢ 2min
Authors' SciāFi Influences and Backgrounds
07:29 ā¢ 6min
Lucilius: Parable Character or Many Versions?
13:51 ā¢ 8min
AI, Language, and Modern Reality
21:30 ā¢ 57sec
Stories Becoming Reality: Therapy and Mediation AI
22:27 ā¢ 4min
AI in Dating and Performative Interaction
26:10 ā¢ 3min
Simulation, Meditation, and Experiencing Reality
29:24 ā¢ 8min
The Last Cathedral as Keystone Story
37:33 ā¢ 7min
Easter Eggs, The Puzzle, and Reader Intimacy
44:10 ā¢ 4min
Fiction vs Nonfiction: Craft and Attention
48:10 ā¢ 5min
Imagination, Play, and Reclaiming Wonder
52:40 ā¢ 9min
Structural Choices: Chiasmus and Ordering
01:01:58 ā¢ 7min
What They Want Readers to Take Away
01:09:05 ā¢ 8min
Friendship, Project Hail Mary, and Emotional Core
01:16:42 ā¢ 7min
Future Projects and Writing Rhythm
01:23:19 ā¢ 2min
Outro
01:25:01 ā¢ 3min
#5967
ā¢ Mentioned in 7 episodes
Library of Babel
Jorge Luis Borges
Jorge Luis Borges's "Library of Babel" is a short story depicting a vast library containing every possible book, most of which are nonsensical.
The story explores themes of infinity, randomness, and the search for meaning in a seemingly chaotic universe.
The library's structure and the characters' quests to find specific books highlight the limitations of human understanding and the vastness of potential knowledge.
The story's impact lies in its philosophical implications, prompting readers to consider the nature of information and the possibility of finding meaning in an infinite sea of possibilities.
Its influence can be seen in various works of literature and art, reflecting its enduring appeal and thought-provoking nature.
#73
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War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, 'War and Peace' follows the lives of several Russian aristocratic families, including the Bezukhovs, the Rostovs, and the Bolkonskys.
The novel spans from 1805 to 1820 and is known for its realistic detail and psychological analysis.
It explores the impact of Napoleon's invasion of Russia on the characters and society, delving into themes of love, family, war, and personal growth.
The novel includes historical events such as the Battle of Austerlitz, the Treaties of Tilsit, and the French invasion of Russia, intertwining historical and fictional elements.
#76
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The great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Published in 1925, 'The Great Gatsby' is a tragic love story, a mystery, and a social commentary on American life during the Jazz Age. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who moves to Long Island and becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and Gatsby's obsession to win back his first love, Daisy Buchanan.
The story delves into themes of honesty, the temptations of wealth, and the struggle to escape the past, ultimately reflecting on the disintegration of the American Dream.
#209
ā¢ Mentioned in 89 episodes
The Road
Tom Stechschulte
Cormac McCarthy
The Road is set in a world that has been devastated by an unspecified cataclysmic event, resulting in the extinction of nearly all life on Earth.
The story follows an unnamed father and his young son as they travel south along the road, carrying their meager possessions and a pistol with only two bullets.
The father, suffering from a worsening respiratory condition, is determined to protect his son from the dangers of their new world, including cannibalistic marauders.
Along their journey, they encounter various survivors, some of whom are cruel and others who show kindness.
The novel explores themes of love, survival, and the preservation of humanity in a world devoid of hope.
Ultimately, the father's health fails, and he dies, but not before ensuring his son's safety with a new family who may offer a chance for a better future.
#77
ā¢ Mentioned in 170 episodes
Project Hail Mary
Andy Weir
In 'Project Hail Mary', Ryland Grace, a high school science teacher, awakens on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there or his mission.
He soon discovers that he is the sole survivor of a desperate mission to save Earth from a microorganism called the Astrophage, which is threatening to cause a new ice age.
As Ryland regains his memories, he encounters an alien named Rocky, and together they work to solve the scientific mystery and save their respective home planets.
The story blends science, humor, and heart, exploring themes of survival, discovery, and unlikely friendships.
#1261
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Ready Player One
Ernie Cline
'Ready Player One' is set in a dystopian future where people escape reality through a virtual world called the OASIS.
The protagonist, Wade Watts, embarks on a quest to find an Easter egg hidden within the OASIS by its creator, James Halliday.
This quest involves solving puzzles, mastering 1980s pop culture trivia, and facing corporate rivals who also seek control of the OASIS.
The novel explores themes of nostalgia, escapism, and the importance of human connection in a digital age.
Wade's journey takes him from a lonely, isolated existence to becoming a hero with newfound friends and a sense of purpose.
The story blends adventure, science fiction, and virtual reality, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with readers of all ages.
#75
ā¢ Mentioned in 172 episodes
The Odyssey
Homer
The Odyssey, attributed to Homer, is an ancient Greek epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. The poem explores Odysseus's encounters with various mythical creatures, divine interventions, and natural challenges.
Upon his return to Ithaca, he must confront the suitors who have been vying for his wife Penelope's hand in marriage.
With the help of his son Telemachus and the goddess Athena, Odysseus devises a plan to defeat the suitors and reclaim his throne.
The poem is a reflection on human nature, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions, and it remains a crucial component of ancient Greek literature and Western cultural heritage.
#13202
ā¢ Mentioned in 3 episodes
White Mirror
Author of White Mirror
#40
ā¢ Mentioned in 218 episodes
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
Written in epistolary form, the novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant and ambitious scientist who, driven by Enlightenment-era ideas of progress and science, creates a living being from dead body parts.
However, upon seeing the creature come to life, Frankenstein is horrified and abandons it.
The creature, shunned by society due to its appearance, seeks revenge against its creator, leading to a series of tragic events.
The novel explores themes of guilt, loss, and the emotional and moral consequences of scientific hubris, blending elements of Gothic and Romantic literature.
#61981
The Egg
Andy Weir
#2172
ā¢ Mentioned in 16 episodes
All the king's men
Robert Penn Warren
The novel follows the story of Willie Stark, a governor modeled after Huey 'Kingfish' Long, as he rises from poverty to become a powerful political figure in the Deep South.
The narrative is intertwined with the life of Jack Burden, a political reporter who becomes Stark's right-hand man.
As Stark's career unfolds, he transitions from an honest idealist to a corrupt demagogue, highlighting the corrupting influence of power.
The novel also delves into philosophical and moral questions, exploring the consequences of actions and the search for redemption.
Through Jack Burden's narrative, the book examines the complexities of human nature and the impact of political ambition on individuals and society.
#46
ā¢ Mentioned in 207 episodes
Brave New World
Aldous Huxley
Written in 1931 and published in 1932, 'Brave New World' is a dystopian novel set in a futuristic World State where humans are bred in vitro and predestined into a rigid social hierarchy.
The novel explores themes of technological advancement, social conditioning, and the loss of individuality and freedom.
The story revolves around characters such as Bernard Marx, an Alpha who questions the society, Mustapha Mond, the World Controller, and John, a 'Savage' from a reservation who introduces elements of emotion and individuality into the highly controlled World State.
The novel critiques the optimism of technological progress and its potential to create a society that values stability and happiness over humanity and freedom.
#3552
ā¢ Mentioned in 11 episodes
Foundation Series
A Science Fiction Masterpiece
Isaac Asimov
The Foundation series, written by Isaac Asimov, is a seminal work of science fiction that spans over 550 years.
It begins with the decline of the Galactic Empire, which has ruled for 12,000 years.
Mathematician Hari Seldon develops the science of psychohistory, predicting the empire's fall and a subsequent 30,000-year dark age.
To mitigate this, Seldon establishes the Foundation, a group of scientists and scholars on the planet Terminus, to compile and preserve human knowledge in the Encyclopedia Galactica.
The series follows the Foundation's journey through various challenges and adaptations over millennia, exploring themes of governance, warfare, and science.
The series was initially published as short stories and novellas between 1942 and 1950, later compiled into novels, and expanded upon in subsequent books.
#18429
ā¢ Mentioned in 2 episodes
Illustrated Man
Ray Bradbury
Ray Bradbury's "The Illustrated Man" is a collection of interconnected short stories, each introduced by a tattooed man whose illustrations come to life.
The stories explore a wide range of themes, including technology, societal change, and the human condition.
Bradbury's distinctive style blends science fiction, fantasy, and horror, creating a captivating and thought-provoking reading experience.
The stories offer a blend of optimism and pessimism, reflecting on the potential and perils of human progress.
The book's enduring appeal lies in its exploration of universal themes and its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and unease.
#1
ā¢ Mentioned in 1,361 episodes
1984
George Orwell
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism.
The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother.
Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative.
He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination.
The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
You love reading. Youāre always looking for great things to read? š š
Me too! *high five* š
Today, Iām talking with my friends Tinkered Thinking and Dylan OāSullivan about āWhite Mirrorā, a book written by the former, edited by the latter, and published by OSVās Infinite Books (full disclosure: I was involved in the publication of this book, but we wanted to publish it because itās great, we donāt think itās great because we published it. The order matters!).
Itās a wide-ranging conversation aimed at those who HAVENāT yet read the book, so donāt worry. We go down all kinds of rabbit holes š and tangents, including:
* From a tweet to 31 stories, the wild origin of White Mirror
* The intersection of technology & human experience
* Reclaiming childlike imagination and a sense of wonder as an antidote to pessimism
* Simulation theory, meditation, and the nature of reality
* Literary architecture and chiastic structures
* Predictions in the book that are coming true, and startup ideas hidden in the stories
* The craft of writing fiction vs. non-fiction
* Status games, adulthood, and missing rituals and rites of passage
* Writing science fiction as someone who doesnāt read much scifi
* ā¦and much more
š Giveaway: 5 Signed Copies of White Mirror! šŖšāļø
Thanks to Tinkeredās generosity, Iām giving away five signed copies of White Mirror. If you want to participate, the instructions are simple:
* If youāre a paid supporter and are interested, send me an email to let me know youād like one (you can just reply to any of the newsletter emails or this podcast email). Send this before December 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST. Thatās it.
* On December 3, 2025, Iāll draw names out of a hat, or buy one of those bingo machines with the balls bouncing around, or use randomizing software, whatever, and pick 5 winners. When you win, Iāll email you to ask for shipping details.
* If youāre NOT yet a paid supporter, but would like to become one before December 1, no problem, you can participate. Hit the subscribe button, and then drop me an email that mentions youāre interested in the signed book (Iāll also send you a link to the private Discord and to Zoom Q&As I do with supporters).
There arenāt that many of you, and not all will enter, so if you do put your name in the hat šļø š© your odds of getting a signed book are very good.
But you donāt have to wait for that to buy it. And if you win, just keep the signed copy and give the regular one to someone else. š
š Best Place to Buy the Book š
You can buy White Mirror on Amazon, but the real pro move is to get it from Infinite Books because, for the same price, you get the deluxe paperback of the book + the audiobook + the ebook (DRM-free).
The book is a beautiful artifact, we spent a ton of time obsessing over the details. š
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.libertyrpf.com/subscribe