I’m writing a science fiction novel called Must We Not Become. I have always loved reading and writing, and this novel has been in the works for a long time. A few months ago, I decided to put it out there on Substack, one chapter at a time. I know what you’re thinking, and I get it. I wouldn’t want to read a novel that way, either. But it works for me. The process of having a weekly deadline for a chapter is long enough to give me time to sit with it, but not too long that I put it off.

Science Fiction has always been my favorite genre. Not only does it allow for imaginative, beautiful worlds, but it’s also the best genre for exploring the deepest questions about society and spirituality. I remember being a kid, reading Goosebumps and Star Wars books, then, as I got older, more classic sci-fi, like Philip K Dick, George Orwell, and Ray Bradbury. Don’t get me wrong, I love space battles and laser swords as much as the next nerd, but my favorite part of sci fi is exploring the big questions about our existence.

That’s why I chose to write a sci-fi novel. The story has been in me for years, and now, I’m finally bringing it out into the world. I started this website to share it with you. Set in a world where people can upload their minds to computers, Must We Not Become explores the sources of people’s deepest held beliefs, and what happens when those beliefs change. I try to get to the heart of what it means to be human, not only in their world, but in our own as well.

I grew up religious, and lost my faith as an adult. Learning how to live life with an entirely new worldview motivated this novel. A change in beliefs, in my experience, has the biggest impact on how I live. It’s messy, complex, and affects every aspect of my life and relationships. That messiness is what I inject into every page of my novel. Uploading sounds simple. What could go wrong?

Thanks for reading. If you want to connect, check out my social links on the homepage! I love hearing from readers.

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Garrett Strong