Helen Macdonald, Sin Blaché & Isabel Waidner: Prophet
Nov 8, 2023
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Helen Macdonald and Sin Blaché collaborate on a dazzling science fiction debut. They discuss the genesis of the book, exploring characters and collaboration, and the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters. They talk about writing as a subversive act and the power of love in imagining the future.
The characters in the novel are complex and well-rounded, reflecting the authors' commitment to avoiding stereotypes in LGBTQ+ representation.
The authors approached the writing process with vulnerability and open discussions, allowing for personal growth and mutual support.
The novel combines genre fiction and literary writing, challenging expectations and offering a contemporary twist to science fiction.
Deep dives
Raoul's Power and its Boundaries
Raoul possesses the unique ability to know the truth or falsehood of any statement, which could have made him an all-knowing character. However, the story skillfully contains the scope of his power within realistic boundaries. Raoul's moral sense and desire to help people make him hesitant to use his power excessively. The authors consulted with experts to ensure the believability of Raoul's power, discussing what he would and wouldn't know and the importance of asking the right questions. The character's complex fluidity, non-binary identity, and queerness also contribute to making Raoul a well-rounded and multidimensional character.
Creating a Genuine and Impactful Gay Love Story
The book presents a gay love story that defies common stereotypes. The authors deliberately rejected the implied archetypes that often surround LGBTQ+ characters and relationships in media. Adam and Raoul are portrayed as flawed and relatable individuals rather than being limited to specific gay archetypes. The characters' interactions and banter, including their bumpy journey from misunderstanding to love, add humor and authenticity to their relationship. By staying true to their own vision and creating real people instead of caricatures, the authors crafted a queer story that celebrates the complexity and multidimensionality of LGBTQ+ lives.
The Collaborative Writing Process
The authors successfully overcame the personal attachment and protectiveness that often comes with writing by approaching the process with vulnerability and a shared commitment to creating the best possible book. They had open and honest discussions about their egos, preconceived notions, and the emotional aspects of sharing their work. While hurt feelings did arise at times, the authors addressed them by giving each other space and time to reflect. They found that talking about their feelings the day or two after helped them gain perspective, understand the reasons for their emotions, and fostered an environment of mutual support and growth.
The Power of Love and Subversion in Creating Fiction
The authors discuss how writing their novel was a subversive act and a departure from their respective backgrounds. They emphasize the importance of love as a driving force in the story and how it provides hope amidst the bleakness of the future. They talk about the shared consciousness they developed while writing together, merging their patterns of thinking and creating a cohesive voice. Their collaboration allowed them to learn from each other and expand their individual writing styles.
Creating a Believable Future and Breaking Narratives
The authors touch on the challenge of creating a believable future while also breaking narratives in their novel. They highlight the importance of love as a generative and hopeful force in a future that seems devoid of progress. They discuss the subversive nature of their work, challenging expectations and blending genre fiction with literary writing. They also explore the idea of withholding explanations in science fiction, and how it can intensify the reading experience and offer a contemporary twist to the genre.
Helen Macdonald (H is for Hawk) has collaborated with musician and writer Sin Blaché to write a dazzling science fiction debut. Author Paraic O’Donnell describes Prophet (Jonathan Cape) as ‘a hyperkinetic headrush of a novel that proves its organic bona fides by getting you drunk with ideas before casually and cataclysmically breaking your heart.’ Macdonald and Blaché were at the shop to reading from and talking about their book with Isabel Waidner.
