J.W. Jarvis is the author of the new novel Artificial Agent. His other books include the young adult novel The Phantom Firefighter.
Q: What inspired you to write Artificial Agent, and how did you create your character Michael Cooling?
A: Ever since the late ‘70s, I've been infatuated with bionics. The Six Million Dollar Man was the start. I mean, who wouldn’t want powers like that? I have always been super interested in technology, even taking a robotics class in college. The Terminator movies were another interesting take on cybernetics.
I have always wanted the entertainment industry to come out with a modern-day bionic man movie, but it never manifested. I wrote a novel that included 50 years of technology advancements, hoping it will inspire production companies, like Cyborg did for Martin Caidin.
The character Michael Cooling is an All-American military man who would do
anything for his country, following in the footsteps of his father who
abandoned him when he was younger.
His father put his country in front of his family instead of balancing both. He never understood why, but the book's story explains it. Michael’s patriotism gets the best of him when his successful military career makes him a target for the bad guys.
I wanted the main character to be strong, but vulnerable like actual humans. However, technology can bridge the gap in that vulnerability.
Q: Did you know how the novel would end before you started writing it, or did you make many changes along the way?
A: I am always plotting, even as I write the book. When I start a book, I have a general plot and ending, but I also want to make the book a page-turning thriller with twists and turns.
So, essentially, if I can surprise myself with a plot change, then hopefully it will also surprise the readers. The editing process can also change the book’s ending depending on the type of feedback I get from my editing team.
Q: Did you need to do any research to write the book, and if so, did you learn anything that especially surprised you?
A: Yes, a ton of research on military politics and technology, sustainable technology, and materials science. I wanted the AIonicTM man to not only have superior strength prosthetics but also something much better than the rubber-looking skin of the Six Million Dollar Man. I learned more than I could even put in the book.
One thing that surprised me was that spider silk can be 10 times stronger than Kevlar, the material used in bullet-proof vests. Nature is amazing.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from the book?
A: I hope the reader contemplates the lines between fiction and nonfiction in this technothriller. With enough modern-day resources, the Artificial Agent could become a reality, not just fiction, and it might happen sooner than you think.
I also want them to have a book that will keep them on the edge of their thriller seats as they keep wondering what happens next.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I am finishing up the last book in my YA magical fantasy First Responder trilogy. That book will release a couple weeks after Artificial Agent. Once that book is in the editing process, it will be time to write Michael Cooling’s next mission.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok using @authorjwjarvis. I try to put content up their weekly that is both entertaining and provides my readers updates on my book’s progress.
Readers can also join my VIP Reader Club by visiting my website https://www.authorjwjarvis.com. I only send newsletters once a month, but they have a bunch of details on my writing, contests, free books, and promotions.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with J.W. Jarvis.
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