Interview with Ed Lukowich

Trillionist Interview Questions

 1. Did any particular scientific or social concepts act as foundational inspirations for Trillionist?

Yes, mostly on the scientific side. There was plenty of science that provided a strong base, such as: the speed of light; the bending and slowing of light; the discovery by astronomers of black holes that still awaited a true purpose; the similarity of spin right from atoms to solar systems to galaxies; the gravity glue that holds things in place; the lack by space of having any real properties as if they had been stolen away. As the reader will discover, my explanations of light, space and time are quite unique. Then you take the orbs (moons, planets, stars and galaxies) and discover how they relate to light, space and time in a whole new way. My new physical universe theory, how our universe was created and operates over many recycles, is indeed ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking. Time will tell if that thinking has a basis? The question will be: Is this new provocative theory believable or just a really good story in ‘The Trillionist?’

 2. What major topics did you have to research for this story? How much did you try to stay accurate to known scientific principles?

Research. Over my years of reading sci-fi, plus hundreds of science and astronomy magazines, I began to formulate my own ideas. Some things I read seemed right to me, but others seemed wrong. In particular, the Big Bang Theory (not the comedy show which I adore), but rather the actual theory depicting creation of our universe, seemed preposterous to me. As far-fetched as the old crazy idea 800 years ago making people think our Earth was flat and they would sail over the edge. Of course we now know Earth is spherical. So, I thought deep and long as to various ways creation may have occurred rather than from a big bang explosion. For some reason, notions began to crop into my thinking, and every time I read a new science or cosmology magazine, I discovered another thread that either fit or didn’t fit into my new universe theory development.

 3. Trillionist possesses a unique cosmology. Is it based on any common mythology, philosophy, or otherwise?

The unique cosmology within the ‘Trillionist’ novel is my own inspiration thoughts developed of two decades of reading, thinking, analyzing and writing. Yes, we still have light, space, gravity, moons, planets, stars, and galaxies, but their functions and methods of operation are greatly expanded beyond current universe theory. The ‘how’ of why our universe is much older than our present 15 billion year cycle, is the essence of my new universe theory.

 4. Trillionist has a massive scope, what with countless lives and universal lifecycles involved. How much detail did you develop behind-the-scenes that we only glimpse through Sage’s eyes?

I wanted this novel to be about the story: ‘Sage Rojan, a boy born different than any human ever. His mind already loaded at birth.’ My motive was to introduce my universe theories in story form with Sage Rojan as the vehicle. The goal of the ‘Trillionist’ novel is to entertain and then also entice the reader’s thinking. That is why the QR codes within the book lead the reader’s cell phone to my website and universe theories. Also, my science book ‘Trillion Theory,’ once made available, greatly expands the ideas behind each new concept and universe theory.

 5. How did you go about taking various religious or supernatural concepts and transform them into scientific mechanisms?

 The ‘Trillionist’ novel makes every effort to steer clear of religion; because there are so many different religions on our planet. However, the novel shows that I do have personal belief in a power greater than us. Within the novel there are concepts borrowed from various ideas, such as: the concept of an Empyrean and Firmament over-looking our universe through our many reincarnations; the concept of our lives being tied by a tether type of invisible apparatus to this Firmament. I find it a fascinating and plausible concept; that our lives are recorded by some apparatus. But in reality, a ‘greater power’ likely does it much different yet than I or others have been able to depict. ‘We are just dusting off the bench, yet to discover the really good parts of our existence.’

 6. What was the biggest challenge this story presented?

Oh my gosh! This novel was trickier than ever. Just imagine, a ‘curler’ turned writer. Now, that’s reinventing oneself. To attempt to write ‘outside –the-box’ of our normal traditional ideas was my goal. Trying to be realistic on the one hand, yet mind-expanding on the other; somewhat believable yet chasing the fanciful.

 7. Did you struggle with making Sage sympathetic even as he makes questionable or terrible choices?

Sage is so complex. Just imagine two totally diverse entities (spirits) sharing one mind. Therein, pure sympathy was difficult for Sage to deliver when there was in fact a spiteful non-caring beast residing within him and sharing his pad.

 8. What prompted you to base the story on Earthlike technology, while transplanting it to another world altogether?

The reason for moving the story to a faraway planet was to keep actual Earth events from confusing the story. Yet, I wanted the similarity to emulate Earth and be close to our hearts. ‘Faraway, yet near.’

 9. Did any major historical figures act as inspiration for Sage’s character?

No. Sage is painted as a character different than anyone who has ever lived. He was born with incredible knowledge already supplanted inside his mind. The rest of us mere mortals came out of the womb naked as jaybirds; in both body and mind – no clothes and no immediate knowledge.

 10. What element did you enjoy writing the most in Trillionist?

I enjoyed each and every attempt to show that our physical universe – and also our spiritual lives – are far more complex than we have ever imagined thus far. In my humble opinion, ‘The Creator or Artisan of our universe used the ultimate in complexity; a complexity marvelously hidden inside of atoms, solar systems, gravities, galaxies, black holes, and the super- power properties of light. Then consider organic life and toss it into the mix. We are just beginning to grasp the wonderment. It was Einstein, and those before him such as Newton and Copernicus (just to mention a few) who unlocked just some of the early secrets. We still have far to go. But, the fun of course is in the journey. My goal is to expand our thought processes as we make that journey.’

 The pen name Sagan Jeffries. Provides the author with a new identity, separated from the curler Ed Lukowich. Ed’s favorite writer was Carl Sagan, so the name Sagan was borrowed. Ed had two teenage cousins by the name of Jeff, so Jeffries is in their memory.

Ed Lukowich Author of futuristic novel by Sagan Jeffries - 'The Trillionist'
http://www.trillionist.com