Interview with Cynthia Kumanchik, Author of Automation Nation

What can you tell us about your new release, Automation Nation?

Automaton Nation is a coming-of-age novel that relates to anyone who has experienced the excitement and difficulties of a first love. The story transcends time and place where the characters must overcome insurmountable odds.

Automaton Nation is perfect for fans of Twilight and Hunger Games, where the stakes are high, love is unexpected, and characters survive in a dystopian world. Val Tate, daughter of a prominent scientist, falls in love with robotic Dat against her parents’ objections.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I’ve always liked sci-fi and YA genres. I’m intrigued with future worlds and characters that adapt and change to evolving societal values.

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

Divergent series

Becoming

Game of Thrones series

Kindred

Small Great Things

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask

George RR Martin would be my first guest. How did you develop the badass character Tyrion who conquers all odds and is still very relatable?

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

Escaping to other worlds through the magic of words and images.

What is a typical day like for you?

The morning starts with coffee, a walk and meditation. I dedicate a block of time for book promotion, editing and writing copy. Then in the evening I watch a good sci-fi movie for new ideas.

What scene from Automation Nation was your favorite to write?

I enjoyed writing the first chapter where Dat is introduced as one of the new Model 500 series at the governor’s Gala, showing his robotic and human tendencies. The reader is inside his mind as he becomes attracted to a young woman, the daughter of the prominent scientist who created him, yet disgusted by the influential people who inspect him like an object. Dat charms his prospective buyers by speaking French and is quickly purchased. But he shows his true colors when robot terrorists invade the Gala and he rescues the beautiful Val from death and mayhem. Their attraction is ignited and from then on, they are destined to be together. The suspense of the terrorist attack with the spark of love at first sight, was a great and fun way to start the novel.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“Live the actual moment. Only this moment is life. “

Thich Nhat Hanh

Cynthia Kumanchik is the author of the new book Automation Nation.

Connect with Cynthia
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