E. D. Jones chats about his upcoming novels and how SF can combat authoritarianism

SFP: With the world the way it is in 2025; what role can spec fic play in combatting authoritarianism, bigotry and nationalism?

E. D. Jones: I think there are a few things we can do. One: Be advocates. Writers who have any kind of public platform need to use that to vocally denounce fascist policies and rally people to take action. Two: We can write satire or dystopian stories that show the possible end game consequences of things like MAGA fascism. Three: Escapism. We can give people a needed outlet where they can step away from all the awful things for a time and recharge before plunging back into the fight. Four: Even if we normally only write fiction, we can also write op-eds, editorials, and think pieces to educate people.

SFP: Which writers are you inspired by?

E. D. Jones: I have a whole list. The first author who really got into my head was Douglas Adams, who I first read when I was at the ripe old age of 10. The Hitchhiker’s Guide series is just so funny and so unique, and it has significantly influenced my personality and sense of humor. About the same time, I was also devouring all the sci-fi masters: Asimov, Bradbury, Clarke, Philip K. Dick, Frank Herbert. As I got older, I also looked for more funny genre writers like Douglas Adams, reading Sir Terry Pratchett, Christopher Moore, and, most recently, A. Lee Martinez. I also have to mention Ursula K. Le Guin – Lathe of Heaven, in particular, is a masterpiece.

Finally, I can’t talk about sci-fi without mentioning Star Trek, because that has also been a huge influence on me. I discovered weird/slipstream fiction when I first read Perdido Street Station by China Miéville. The way Miéville uses language to build worlds is so unique and so beautiful, and I have since read everything I can get my hands on by the man. I’m also influenced by cosmic horror, particularly H. P. Lovecraft (who I acknowledge was a terrible racist). Finally, I can’t talk about authors who influenced me without talking about poets – Allen Ginsberg and Walt Whitman in particular.

SFP: What are you working on at the moment?

E. D. Jones: I’m writing a novel with the working title Neon Cryptkeeper and the Guardians of the Strange. It’s about a heavy metal band who has to save the world from a very weird apocalypse. It’s funny (I hope) and bizarre, and I’m having a lot of fun writing it. I hope to have it finished and ready to start publishing on Substack by the time I’m done serially publishing my first novel, which should be towards the end of 2025.

SFP: What are your top 5 SF novels and why?

E. D. Jones: 1. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. Like I said above, without this trilogy of five, I wouldn’t be a hoopy frood who knows where his towel is. 2. Dune by Frank Herbert. Another book I read at a young age, this novel’s exploration of religious extremism and social engineering contains a message that continues to be vital, especially now. 3. Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin. I could pick anything by Le Guin here, because her sharp social commentary and beautiful prose shine in everything she wrote. However, Lathe of Heaven was the first book I read by Le Guin, and I think it’s an absolutely brilliant novel.

4. Embassytown by China Miéville. This is Miéville’s only “pure” sci-fi novel. It’s a story about communication between humans and aliens, and a fascinating exploration of ideas in linguistics and sociology. 5. A three-way tie between Fahrenheit 451, Brave New World, and 1984. Especially right now, these three foundational dystopian novels contain critical lessons for us about the dangers of totalitarianism, thought control, and mindless consumerism.

SFP: Have you got any advice for aspiring writers?

E. D. Jones: Start, then keep going. Find your voice. Read everything you can get your hands on, especially things that challenge you and make you think about the world in different ways. Put yourself out there and don’t worry too much about what people think. There’s an audience for you. I’m still trying to find mine.

SFP: What do you think the future of LGBT and neurodivergent representation in sci-fi looks like?

E. D. Jones:  I hope there’s a lot of it. I haven’t read or seen much sci-fi that centers neurodivergent voices. I’m sure it’s out there, and I’d love some recommendations. Star Trek has had some characters that exhibited neurodivergent qualities – Tilly (Mary Wiseman) in Discovery, for example. Star Trek has a long history with queer representation, for good and bad. For a long time, the writers of Trek were reticent to include queer characters, but the most recent crop of Trek shows and movies have been replete with queer representation, which is fantastic. Discovery, in particular, has centered several queer characters – Culber (Wilson Cruz) and Stamets (Anthony Rapp); and Gray Tal, (Ian Alexander) the first trans character in Trek — although one could also argue that the Trill represent trans characters, especially if you look at the DS9 episode Blood Oath, where Jadzia (Terry Farrell) meets a Klingon (John Colicos) she knew when her symbiont was in a male Trill named Curzon.

The Klingon greets her: “Kor: Curzon, my old friend! Jadzia: It’s Jadzia now. Kor: Jadzia, my old friend!” This kind of unquestioning, unblinking acceptance of identity was a rare thing back in the ‘90s. Shows like The Expanse and Doctor Who have also centered queer voices – especially the new Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa (Jodie Whittaker ’s Doctor also explored the idea of a lesbian love interest), and characters like Captain Jack (John Barrowman) I think (and hope) representation will increase, and especially right now, accurate and empathetic representation of queer and neurodivergent voices is critical to moving public opinion.

SFP: And finally, if you could write for any major sci-fi property, what story would you tell in that universe and why?

E. D. Jones: I’d love to take a crack at rewriting Mostly Harmless, the fifth book in Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide trilogy. The book isn’t bad, per se, but it’s darker, more cynical, and it’s a bit of an unsatisfying ending to the series. I also know that Adams wasn’t happy with the book after he wrote it. I’d love to see a more hopeful or at least funny ending to the series (which Eoin Colfer tried to do with And Another Thing). Of course, even suggesting that I could emulate or improve upon Adams’ writing is absurd on its face, but it’d be a fun exercise to try rewriting that novel. I was devastated by Adams’ sudden death in 2001, and I miss all the books he’ll never write.