A.W. Daniels Leads Science Fiction Into Ethical Frontiers
Photo: A.W. Daniels, author of the Genetically Privileged series, crafting compelling narratives that explore the intersection of science, ethics, and imagination.
Exploring Genetic Engineering, Ethics, And Thrilling Characters
A.W. Daniels, acclaimed author of the Genetically Privileged series, reveals his creative process, explores issues of genetic ethics, and discusses the evolution of his characters in an engaging Mosaic Digest interview.
A.W. Daniels is a captivating storyteller whose imaginative mind charts paths into the uncharted realms of science fiction, blending humanity’s greatest ambitions with the ethical quandaries of genetic engineering. Daniels’ books—including the acclaimed Genetically Privileged series—challenge readers not only to embrace complex, futuristic worlds but also to reflect on the societal implications of tampering with the very fabric of human identity. A finalist in 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading, Daniels has an undeniable gift for weaving narratives that are as thought-provoking as they are entertaining.
In this exclusive Mosaic Digest interview, the author provides an intimate glimpse into his creative journey—from his early days pursuing a degree in biology, through a surprising detour into sales, to the powerful inspiration that awakened his talents as a writer. With a flair for crafting intricate characters and thrilling plots, Daniels expertly navigates themes of morality, ambition, and the unpredictable consequences of scientific advancement.
Readers of Mosaic Digest can count themselves fortunate for the opportunity to delve deeper into the mind of A.W. Daniels, whose work not only pushes the boundaries of storytelling but also pushes us to ponder the limits of our own humanity. Through layered narratives and ethically charged dilemmas, Daniels proves that science fiction is more than escapism; it’s a lens through which we can glimpse possible futures and reckon with the choices we face today. We’re honored to celebrate his creativity and intellect in a genre where big questions meet ingenious answers.
A.W. Daniels combines sharp intellect and vivid imagination to create compelling tales that challenge readers’ perspectives on science, ethics, and humanity.
What inspired your transition from a background in biology and sales to writing science fiction thrillers like Genetically Privileged?
Writing has always been a personal release for me. The confining structure of business allows only for a limited amount of elaboration whereas writing fiction opens the mind to new ideas and situations. Though I do try to make my works plausible to the reader.
Your novels tackle complex themes around genetic engineering and societal ethics—what drew you to explore these futuristic and controversial topics?
Can you share your creative process—from the initial spark of an idea to completing a full-length novel?
These two questions have similar answers.
It was in Canada on a sales trip when my writing paramour reared her lovely head. I was reading an article about genetics and how the day of “designer babies” was soon coming to fruition. Was it the science or the writing aspect of the article that planted this seed of script in my thoughts?
How would society accept, or use, these children of manufactured superiority? Will the children allow outside influences to ultimately determine their roles and fate? So many questions on which to contemplate.
A year went by as a story took root. The social aspect of a genetically modified child continued to grow. What abilities could be scientifically born into a human? What would society think of such an engineered being? What would the children think of a society that was populated by humans inferior to his or herself? I found myself sitting at my laptop for hours on end as the story, already developed in my head, spewed onto the pages. The first draft was rough, very rough, but I stood up and felt the composition exhilaration from decades past.
What did being selected as a finalist for 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading mean to you personally and professionally?
Recognition for one’s work is a definite adrenaline rush. Seeing that others would view my writing in a positive light is unexplainably satisfying. Professionally, I have been with hope that it could be noticed in a similar light. Not having contacts in the publishing world has kept me from really polishing the works to a level needed in today’s publishing forum.
Are you currently working on new stories within the Genetically Privileged universe, or exploring entirely new worlds and themes in your upcoming projects?
These two questions also have similar answers.
Character development is relatively simple for me since the works can grow with the characters natural, though accelerated, growth process. Privilegedook, Genetically Privileged, depicts the main characters as children. The second, Genetically Conflicted, depicts the main characters as teenagers.
I have a third in the works currently titled as Genetically Rejected which will depict the main characters as adults. The fourth and final untitled work will show the main characters as taking over. It will have an almost Mary Shelley – Frankenstein correlation though with a somewhat different outcome for the “monster”.
