When He Wakes
"The first time David died, it took him by surprise."
If your mistake could lead to the end of humanity, to what lengths would you go to fix it?
When He Wakes is a speculative fiction set in Australia that follows David, a desperate man who realises a vaccine he created will devastate the world's population. He chooses to be frozen in time and leave his loved ones behind, with the key to his redemption stored safely in his head.
When He Wakes is a speculative fiction set in Australia that follows David, a desperate man who realises a vaccine he created will devastate the world's population. He chooses to be frozen in time and leave his loved ones behind, with the key to his redemption stored safely in his head.
The inspiration behind When He Wakes
Writer's Note
The inspiration for When He Wakes stemmed from my husband’s wish to be cryonically frozen when he dies. Initially dismissed with a laugh, this notion took on a profound weight when he faced a near-death experience, and as I drove to the hospital with my children, his request echoed in my thoughts. I wondered, later, how a person would deal with the inner conflict of a desire to live, but the grief of loss and waking up alone.
In my novel, I delve into this emotional turbulence, as well as the impact that a single individual's choices can set in motion—a ripple effect that disrupts the lives of those intimately connected to David, and resonates across society for years.
Sharing thematic parallels with the movie Passengers, my story is grounded in a scientific backdrop, but the core focus remains on the characters' intricacies, actions, and the emotional terrain they navigate. It will appeal to readers of near-future novels such as The Hush by Sara Foster, and thought-provoking stories such as Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult, which deals with the resilience of an individual in the face of a crisis.
In my novel, I delve into this emotional turbulence, as well as the impact that a single individual's choices can set in motion—a ripple effect that disrupts the lives of those intimately connected to David, and resonates across society for years.
Sharing thematic parallels with the movie Passengers, my story is grounded in a scientific backdrop, but the core focus remains on the characters' intricacies, actions, and the emotional terrain they navigate. It will appeal to readers of near-future novels such as The Hush by Sara Foster, and thought-provoking stories such as Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult, which deals with the resilience of an individual in the face of a crisis.
For Publishers
My novel is complete at just over 100,000 words and I am thrilled to present When He Wakes for publication.
The manuscript culminates my enthusiasm, dedication, and invaluable insights gained from the Novel Writing course with the Australian Writer's Centre, and the selective Edit & Pitch – Advanced Course with Curtis Brown Creative and the Australian Writer's Centre.
When He Wakes is not merely a story; it's an immersive experience that challenges perceptions and resonates with universal themes. Enriched by my learnings from Fiona McIntosh's selective 5-day intensive MasterClass in April 2021 and Fiona's 3-day Masterclass National Conference in August 2023, I am eager to contribute my voice to the speculative fiction landscape.
Please contact me for a full manuscript request. I'm excited to explore how When He Wakes can find its place on your distinguished list of published works.
Contact RachelThe manuscript culminates my enthusiasm, dedication, and invaluable insights gained from the Novel Writing course with the Australian Writer's Centre, and the selective Edit & Pitch – Advanced Course with Curtis Brown Creative and the Australian Writer's Centre.
When He Wakes is not merely a story; it's an immersive experience that challenges perceptions and resonates with universal themes. Enriched by my learnings from Fiona McIntosh's selective 5-day intensive MasterClass in April 2021 and Fiona's 3-day Masterclass National Conference in August 2023, I am eager to contribute my voice to the speculative fiction landscape.
Please contact me for a full manuscript request. I'm excited to explore how When He Wakes can find its place on your distinguished list of published works.
The Genre.
Speculative fiction is an umbrella genre blending science fiction, fantasy and futuristic elements with inherent similarities to real-world culture, history, and traditions. The genre enables the writer to speculate beyond humanity's current understanding of reality, offering imaginative reinterpretations of existence and drawing you into a world that is both familiar and foreign.
Speculative fiction takes us on an adventurous journey through unmapped territories where anything is possible but also highly relatable. Its promise of something new and exciting makes this genre an irresistible read for those who seek the thrill of adventure and the wonder of imagination.
Speculative fiction takes us on an adventurous journey through unmapped territories where anything is possible but also highly relatable. Its promise of something new and exciting makes this genre an irresistible read for those who seek the thrill of adventure and the wonder of imagination.
What is speculative fiction?
Speculative fiction is an emerging genre encompassing a broad spectrum of imaginative storytelling, often blurring the boundaries between realism and the fantastical. Rooted in the exploration of ‘what if’ scenarios, the genre blends science fiction, fantasy, and horror elements. Speculative fiction books can transport readers to alternative worlds, futurist societies, or realms where advanced technology coexists with humans. It challenges conventional norms and encourages contemplation of evolution.
The genre is a creative playground for authors like Rachel Clark, allowing her to delve into technological, philosophical, or scientific ideas by extrapolating them into fictional settings. From dystopian futures to epic quests, the speculative fiction genre invites readers to venture beyond the limits of the familiar, sparking curiosity and contemplation about the potential outcomes of today’s decisions
The genre is a creative playground for authors like Rachel Clark, allowing her to delve into technological, philosophical, or scientific ideas by extrapolating them into fictional settings. From dystopian futures to epic quests, the speculative fiction genre invites readers to venture beyond the limits of the familiar, sparking curiosity and contemplation about the potential outcomes of today’s decisions
Rachel’s affinity to the speculative fiction genre
Rachel is drawn to writing speculative fiction books because she enjoys narratives that teeter on the cusp of reality. Her appetite for exploring near-future realism allows her to explore captivating and thought-provoking scenarios. Through her writing, she enjoys challenging conventional perceptions of how technology, ideals, and societal progression will unfold across generations. By envisioning alternate futures, she prompts readers to question and reassess their present-day perspectives.
For Rachel, speculative fiction serves as a powerful vehicle to navigate the intricacies of the human experience and contemplate the profound impact that evolving technologies and ideals may have on society in the imminent future. Her storytelling becomes a lens through which readers can explore, question, and reconsider their assumptions about the trajectory of our collective journey.
For Rachel, speculative fiction serves as a powerful vehicle to navigate the intricacies of the human experience and contemplate the profound impact that evolving technologies and ideals may have on society in the imminent future. Her storytelling becomes a lens through which readers can explore, question, and reconsider their assumptions about the trajectory of our collective journey.