D. F. Wink - Dystopian Sci-fi With Epic Settings and Historical Battles

Diana Wink is a mountain child from the depths of middle Asia, striving to kidnap her readers into make-believe worlds, blend the borders between past and future, and master her own curiosity. As our Author of the Day, Wink tells us all about her book, Prometheus Rising.

Please give us a short introduction to what Prometheus Rising is about.

The story is set in the near future and revolves around Adama, a medic who has his whole world turned upside down by a chain of events that lead him to question everything he believes in and embark on a quest against an unassailable enemy.

What inspired you to set the story in a future where a digital border divides cities?

The border doesn't actually divide cities. It divides the cities from the Outer Areas. On the one side, we have everything that represents prosperity and progress, on the other side are the ancient human values and poor conditions. Both have their own difficulties, fears and preconceptions.

I was inspired to write this book by several observations I made about the world. Of course, this is a work of fiction and exaggerated in many ways. But I have the feeling that there is a constant battle between values nowadays that on the one hand represent scientific and „moral’ progress and traditional values on the other. I wanted the world of Prometheus Rising to mirror that on a large scale and show the issues that arise from that.

But there’s also more to this world, things I brought in from stories I used to hear at home from both the Russian and German dictatorships my ancestors went through for example. The book is largely based on past events and facts, research about predictions from scientists and developments that are already happening now.

Tell us more about Adama. What makes him tick?

Adama is a man who is looking for more in his life. He’s attractive, talented and absolutely fearless. But he also believes many lies about the world and about himself and on his journey needs to find out who he really is. Like the rest of the world, he is looking for the ultimate ecstatic experience, but unlike the others, he can master this altered state of mind to his advantage ;)

This series is a trilogy. Prometheus Rising can be read as a standalone for sure, but I think to get the big picture and come to a proper conclusion, one needs to read all three of the books. Or better even, four: I’m offering a prequel novella for free on my website to get a taste of the world. In fact, Prometheus Rising is also free right now during the launch of the second book, Prometheus Falling.

Readers say this book grabs their attention and keeps them at the edge of their seats throughout. How did you pull this off?

Hard work and dedication, I guess. I studied storytelling for a very long time, and my experience as a filmmaker certainly helped me. But I also told a story that was close to my heart and fascinated me. There’s a lot of passion in this book. Moreover: research. I did a lot of deep reading and followed the footsteps of my protagonist on a journey throughout Britain, which I documented in this video: http://storyartist.me/2018/04/20/book-research-my-scotland-travel-vlog/

The book contains a lot of twists and turns. Did you plan them all out before started writing, or did some of it just "happen" along the way?

My outlining process is pretty thorough, so I’m definitely an architect. But there are also things that „happen“. Not necessarily in the writing process but during research and editing as well. The characters and themes take you on their own journey and you get the privilege to be the first one to walk this path.

Is there something that compels you to write? And do you find that writing helps you achieve a clarity about yourself or ideas you've been struggling with?

Storytelling is something magical. Unique. Not only in writing, but also in film and theatre. I love the many ways you can enhance and control the experience in: acting, music, camera work aso. But writing is the groundwork for everything. It helps you create new worlds, characters, and while entertaining also communicate something deep and meaningful about life itself. Writing helps me see myself and the world with more clarity, and find answers to questions I didn’t see before.

What is the best writing advice you’ve received?

Do your research.

I find that researching makes my writing much deeper and stronger.

Do you have any interesting writing habits? What is an average writing day like for you?

I get up, get ready with my baby girl and take her to day care, then sit down at the office with a cup of coffee and put in my earplugs. I always listen to soundtracks when I outline or write the first draft, they help me get into the mood, visualize the scene. That’s why I can recognize nearly any movie or TV soundtrack.

What are you working on right now?

The second book of the trilogy, Prometheus Falling, is already out on pre-order and will be released July 5th. Now, I’m researching and outlining the last book, Prometheus Ascending, and I’m so excited! It will definitely be an epic and worthy ending for the series.

Where can our readers discover more of your work or interact with you?

They can find me on my website: https://dfwink.com and also subscribe to my newsletter that is filled with curios facts and stories about futuristic stuff as well as provides the free prequel novella. Also, I have a website where I help authors tell and live their stories in the most fulfilling and strong way by mastering the craft and creating the right habits: http://storyartist.me