Cardinal Zero
Behind the Scenes
Author's Note
Cardinal Zero was written when I was 17 years old and still in high school. Back then, as I feverishly worked to create a chronology of grand proportions, the book was simply called Mairead. At the time, I thought my manuscript was a work of art. Heavily influenced by the Japanese anime franchise/media mix series Gundam, I endeavored to create a far-reaching epic of similar drama but came to learn, as years passed and I entered college, that my writing was not worth publishing. It was tinged with the melodramatic cringe of being a teenager. Everything was soaked in emotion and viewed through the eyes of a teenager. So, I rewrote it in college.
After that initial rewrite, I dropped it. I couldn't understand why it kept falling short in my eyes. Then, in 2019 - nearly ten years later - my gut said, "You know what? Why don't you try again? I think this time will be different." Having been working as an editor for years, I suddenly saw my old work in a new light. It had potential. As a teenager, I had created several threads intertwining to create the plot, but had lacked the skill to bring them all together and cinch them tight. Even in college, such a skill eluded me.
So, I began working on completely rewriting it. I knew I needed to give it a more compelling name. No one (outside of Ireland/Scotland) knows how to pronounce "Mairead" (ma-rade, by the way). I needed to come up with a better title, one that was strong and eye-catching. Thus, Cardinal Zero was created. But what the heck did it mean? I didn't know! I just sensed that it was a good name, so I had to make it fit!
After that initial rewrite, I dropped it. I couldn't understand why it kept falling short in my eyes. Then, in 2019 - nearly ten years later - my gut said, "You know what? Why don't you try again? I think this time will be different." Having been working as an editor for years, I suddenly saw my old work in a new light. It had potential. As a teenager, I had created several threads intertwining to create the plot, but had lacked the skill to bring them all together and cinch them tight. Even in college, such a skill eluded me.
So, I began working on completely rewriting it. I knew I needed to give it a more compelling name. No one (outside of Ireland/Scotland) knows how to pronounce "Mairead" (ma-rade, by the way). I needed to come up with a better title, one that was strong and eye-catching. Thus, Cardinal Zero was created. But what the heck did it mean? I didn't know! I just sensed that it was a good name, so I had to make it fit!
The Nitty Gritty
As a teenager, I wasn't sure if I was allowed to discuss controversial topics - or if I was even qualified to mention them! Concepts like genetic manipulation and engineering, torture, drug use, PTSD, mental illness, and mental/emotional abuse seemed too gritty at the time. After all, I was still a young adult who was assuming and speculating, having had no real experience with any of the above.
Fifteen years later as I sat down to rewrite Cardinal Zero, I knew in my heart that Mairead had to suffer. My teenage self had gone far too easy on her. To my younger self, she was the epitome of strength. Nothing fazed her, nothing got to her. But that's not reflective of real life, is it? So, I rewrote the book, emphasizing not only Mairead's PTSD in the first half, but the emotional and mental damage she sustained under Gearhart's tutelage.
Humans do what they have to to survive. And that's what Mairead did. She adapted, compartmentalized the abuse she underwent, and hung on for as long as she could. Only once she was returned to the relatively stable society of New Wings was it revealed to the reader the extent of the damage done.
To learn more about Project Semicolon, click here.
Fifteen years later as I sat down to rewrite Cardinal Zero, I knew in my heart that Mairead had to suffer. My teenage self had gone far too easy on her. To my younger self, she was the epitome of strength. Nothing fazed her, nothing got to her. But that's not reflective of real life, is it? So, I rewrote the book, emphasizing not only Mairead's PTSD in the first half, but the emotional and mental damage she sustained under Gearhart's tutelage.
Humans do what they have to to survive. And that's what Mairead did. She adapted, compartmentalized the abuse she underwent, and hung on for as long as she could. Only once she was returned to the relatively stable society of New Wings was it revealed to the reader the extent of the damage done.
To learn more about Project Semicolon, click here.
What Do You Know About Piloting a Fighter Jet?
|
Nothing. I knew nothing. Although my father was a pilot for years, knowing a "plane goes fast" and actually operating one are two completely different beasts! Even if you know how one works, how do you convey that information to your audience in an informative, non-expositionary setting? How do you make it compelling?
Well, let me tell you - hours of research. I watched countless videos on YouTube regarding the basics of flight before switching to aerial combat. I studied WWII pilots as well as read up on combat techniques utilized to this day. I watched live feeds from the cockpits of air force jets and at-sea carrier landings. I listened to how pilots spoke over the radio and how they sounded while in combat or even just flying. I also studied pilots' gear and what U.S. air force pilots and what each piece is for. |
|
|
Now, I'm by no means someone well-versed in aerial combat. I did my research, implemented the knowledge at the exact moment I needed it (e.g. the battle over Port Morseby, Papua New Guinea) and then promptly forgot everything.
Of course, piloting in space is something we just have to leave up to the writer's imagination! |
Military Men
Growing up, I always loved listening to my father's old navy stories. They had nothing to do with battle or honor or dangerous events. In fact, they were the complete opposite. His stories always detailed elaborate pranks, humorous mishaps, and petty revenge. Military men - and women, though the women usually had more poise than their male counterparts - often went to great lengths to keep themselves entertained.
With the world literally collapsing around them, the crew of New Wings had to have ways to release pent-up energy and foster a deeper sense of comradery. The ship's pranksters, Lemont and Jean, told me they would spearhead the effort.
With the world literally collapsing around them, the crew of New Wings had to have ways to release pent-up energy and foster a deeper sense of comradery. The ship's pranksters, Lemont and Jean, told me they would spearhead the effort.
A Legacy
Cardinal Zero, known simply as Mairead years ago, was the first book of mine that my husband read. He greatly identified with Kole and his sense of duty and responsibility. Despite being tossed headfirst into military affairs, Kole grew steadily to become an admirable officer. His patience, intelligence, and enduring love for Mairead beckoned to him.
Subsequently, our son is named Kole.
Subsequently, our son is named Kole.
New Wings Regalia
|
Although it is never actually described in detail, New Wings regalia consists of a pair of wings and a series of arrows wrapped in laurels. While the wings portion of the insignia is self-explanatory, the arrows are less so.
The top arrow which appears to be bearing down on the wings represents an outside force trying to deter forward movement. The abstract arrow opposite it signifies a unified force resisting that outside pressure. Laurels symbolize martial victory as they did in ancient Rome. |
|