Spotlight: Dystopian & Sci-fi Writer Gillian Fletcher.
Learn more about the author of the Algorithm of Life series in today's spotlight!
Welcome back for another Spotlight, everyone! This week is a little weird as I’m actually running behind on these Spotlight posts. So this one is only being posted a couple days after the last.
However this time we’re diving in deep into a Dystopian & Sci-fi writer, Gillian Fletcher! Author of The Algorithm of Life series, Gillian has been an active writer for around three years. And you can discover more of their work over on their website, or their Substack.
Are you ready to learn more about Gillian? Let’s get started!
Gillian Fletcher is more than just an author; Gillian is an idea—a voice uniquely positioned in the realm of dystopian science fiction. The Algorithm of Life series sheds light on the dangers of unbridled capitalism and a free market that favors corporations over people.
Despite the tumultuous changes in the indie publishing industry, Gillian Fletcher Books remains dedicated to providing readers with an alternative that avoids the pitfalls of feeding the same kinds of propaganda machines depicted in the books.
To that end, you can find the story of Clementine Jones and the Conglomerate on big bookselling platforms but there a portion of your payment goes towards further funding the billionaire class—buying directly from the author saves you money and cuts out the middle folk. As the world seems darker than ever, the story of Clementine Jones offers a light!
Below are several questions Gillian answered for the Spotlight.
What is the writing process like for you?
I'm the world's worst pantser. When I'm working on a book, I have a goal in mind but all too soon, the characters have piped up with the direction they want the story to go, surprising me every step of the way. I divide the drafting into phases: filling the bucket with sand, shaping the turrets and towers, and then polishing the finest of the detail work. I prefer to write in 1-3 hour blocks, daily until I complete a phase of the drafting, making short stories and essays a wonderful diversion between books.
How do you get inside your characters' heads?
The main characters in my novel series are each parts of myself, so there's already in my head--crowded though it may be. My heroine has my wry sense of humor, the fussy lab technician faces the same struggles I have in letting go of control. Sitting alone in my writing chair, I make the faces and swing my arms trying to find the words to exactly describe what I'm seeing in my mind.
What drew you to your genres?
The unfortunate truth of the world around me, and the fact that no one would like to listen to insane ramblings about the news. Instead I put together a fictional world where I could explore the issues that concern me.
What does your relationship with "Writer's Block" look like?
I don't believe in it. Writing isn't like a faucet where you can reliably expect the flow anytime you turn the tap. When the ideas aren't spilling forth, I focus on editing, revising, or the myriad of other writing-adjacent tasks that accompany the business of creating new work.
Below is an excerpt from Gillian’s book “CALLED.”
When you're writing difficult or emotional scenes, how do you prop the mood?
I'm not sure I understand this question. I will admit to hearing my character's voices and most often, their dialogue comes to me right from their mouths. That said, a great many times the difficult or emotional parts of my stories are some parts of a struggle I am or have personally faced, giving me a chance to process and let them go.
What was the most difficult part of getting a book published or self-published?
Just one!? Not knowing what I was doing except that I wanted to self-publish it was the hardest part. Making it up as you go along is asking for learning experience after learning experience. I don't regret my choices as they've helped me get better but I sure do wish I had remembered to put a synopsis on the back of my first print edition...
How do you process and handle receiving negative reviews or comments?
What and how you read is an intensely personal decision and everyone is entitled to an opinion. I've been fortunate enough to receive generally positive feedback, but when I see a review that's less than glowing, I remember how many things other people have worked to create where I had criticisms and then I take a deep breath. If that doesn't work, I tell myself that jealousy of talent inspires the worst in people ;)
What is a piece of advice you've received which has helped propelled your writing forward?
Sometimes you have to write a chapter that's just for you to know what's going on and your reader doesn't really need it. Instead of feeling like I lost footing towards the completed novel, I found myself with enough background to write many more chapters!
Without spoiling your books, is there a character you've written you relate to most? How has it evolved your writing?
I must say my lab tech Jumaline has helped me step back from my aggressive need to control and know everything. Placing her in situations that challenge her confidence and upset her order has given me perspective to embrace a different way of thinking.
Is there anyone whose inspired you to write your books?
The man who inspired me to actually start writing after years of thinking about it and telling myself that I couldn't was a total stranger who looked me in the eye and said, "It's high time you wrote that book you've been thinking about."
Do you have any book recommendations?
All-time favorites: Deborah Harkness' All Soul's Trilogy, Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials, and the Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoffman.
This section goes over the Author’s books, where to find them, any upcoming releases, and all of their links. Synopsis are pulled directly from the book/series.
The Algorithm of Life Series
Book One - CALLED: “When Clementine Jones discovers a message from her long-lost father, her world turns upside down. Join her in the quest to learn who she is and what it is she is meant to do all without drawing notice from the Conglomerate Government.”
Book Two - TAUGHT: “Following the heart-pounding adventure of CALLED, the second installment in the Algorithm of Life series finds Clementine Jones with more unanswered questions. In great need of allies but unsure of whom to trust, she comes to understand the avalanche of history that has led to this moment.”
For Upcoming Releases, here’s what Gillian gave us.
In addition to working on book three in the Algorithm of Life series, FED, I’ve launched a magical realism cozy mystery serial, The Lost & Foundry, on Substack. Of course there’s also flash fiction and my “lightly fictionalized” immigrant diaries…plus more on the world of Clementine and the Conglomerate happening there as well.
And there you guys have it, like referenced, Gillian has their own Substack you can subscribe to. However, you can also check out their author website or lulu, too! Thanks so much for allowing me the opportunity to showcase your work, Gillian!
If you enjoyed reading through this spotlight and want to see more content like it in the future. Consider supporting me and subscribing to BookStack. I post spotlights, book reviews, and other content. Thank you so much and see you next time!
Thank you so much for this honor, for your hard work in creating this series, and for elevating other indie authors!!
Can I nominate an author here on Substack? Kate Tremills writes fantasy. She is the author of The Great Lands trilogy (the first book is Messenger).