What if the invention of a gravity speed engine could propel human civilization into a new era of progress and technological advancement? Meet Edward Teslenstein and the TEMPUS, the revolutionary creation that could change everything.
(info)This is the right place for the article published on a different platform on the day of 8th August 2024
Today is the 8th of August, a date that always takes me back to the year 2004 when this dream started. I saw the TEMPUS, and instantly knew I had to tell its story to the whole world. I'd love to invite you for a celebration and reflection of The Age of New Era's birth.
How would the world progress from today to the world known from all the sci-fi movies we enjoy watching today? I wanted to create a story that would become a bridge and connect our age with the new era for all of humankind. In 2004, I had no idea about storytelling nor had the skills to begin. It took me all the way until June 2021.
In the last two decades, my journey led me through exploration and delving into answering these questions as I crafted my novel — The Age of New Era. What began as a spark of an idea in 2004 has since evolved into a multifaceted story that not only reflects my personal growth but also contemplates the very fabric of human progress.
Writing this article scares me to the bone, but it's a fear I've lived with for 20 years. '8 o 8, Twenty o Four' — the date that changed everything, the date that sparked The Age of New Era. Since that day, this novel has been my obsession, my constant companion, and the center of my existence.
Edward Teslenstein and the TEMPUS
The Age of New Era: Edward Teslenstein, TEMPUS — The Gravity Speed Engine is more than just a science fiction story. It's the culmination of a vision I had at 20 years old — a vision of a world at peace and a civilization advancing beyond its past. At its heart is Edward Teslenstein, a brilliant but erratic artist-scientist with diplopia, who invents the TEMPUS and dreams of sharing it with the world.
But how do you tell a story so vast, so ambitious? I was just out of high school, barely beginning to write, when this idea took hold of me. The vision was clear, but the path was anything but. It took me 15 years of searching, learning, and struggling to find the right way to bring this story to life.
I dreamed of a blockbuster movie, a $300 million big screen production that everyone would see. But reality had other plans. After a decade of trying to understand how to make that dream work, I realized it needed to start as a book.
And so, the journey began — a journey that would open a treasure chest and lead me down a path I never expected. A path filled with choices: the right method, style, and voice to bring this vision to life. The responsibility to craft a story that could inspire, challenge, and unite us as a civilization has become my burden.
A Vision Born from the Basement
On that fateful night of '8 o 8, Twenty o Four', the vision appeared from nowhere, and the TEMPUS was suddenly with me. I remember it like yesterday. I was standing in my basement, worried about something so irrelevant today. Since then, every step I've taken, every word I've written, has been in service of bringing this story to life.
For 15 years, I treated this as a distant dream, something I might accomplish in retirement, in a quiet house by the lake. But in December 2017, everything changed. The end of the story came to me, and the urgency to write it down grew heavier with each passing day until it finally became the most important goal in my life.
Suddenly, everything else was trivial, and by October 2018, I found myself writing the first draft, not in a quiet retreat, but in the midst of the most turbulent period of my life.
This is the story of how The Age of New Era came to be — a journey 20 years in the making, filled with struggle, discovery, and an unyielding vision for a better world.
The Genesis of the Idea (2004)
It was 2004, and I had just finished high school. Life was quiet, almost mundane, but then an idea that would change everything struck me. It was as if the universe itself had whispered the concept of TEMPUS into my ear — a lightning bolt in the dark — sudden, electrifying, and impossible to ignore. From that moment on, it was a part of me.
TEMPUS became my constant companion. Each night, as I lay in bed, I would close my eyes and let my mind wander to this imagined world — a world better than our own. This wasn't just an obsession; it became my friend, a normal part of my everyday inner thought process. It was a comforting presence, a vision of what could be — a world where science and imagination combined to create a better future.
From an early age, American stories captivated me. Cartoons, comics, movies — each one opened up new worlds. Superman showed me the power of a single hero, Star Trek taught me about the future of human potential, Batman revealed the complexity of the human spirit, and Dragon Ball was pretty cool too. These stories didn't just entertain me; they inspired me to think about what the future could look like and finally led me to create my own universe — one that would pay homage to the worlds I loved so much.
Before I learned to read, my father would sometimes tell me stories until I fell asleep. His voice would weave tales of adventure and wonder, planting the seeds of my love for storytelling. Those moments with him weren't just bedtime rituals; they were the beginning of my journey into the world of imagination.
These influences, coupled with that fateful moment in 2004, set me on a path I've been following ever since — a path that led to the creation of TEMPUS and the world of The Age of New Era. This was just the beginning of a journey that would define the next 20 years of my life.
The Vision and Early Challenges
My vision was breathtaking — a future where the TEMPUS engine was not just a theoretical concept but a tangible reality. I imagined myself building the TEMPUS, using it to power a space shuttle that could travel at unimaginable speeds. I saw myself orbiting the Earth, looking at it from space, and realizing that this was only the beginning. One day, I believed, every human would have the ability to do that. But this wasn't just a dream — it was a roadmap for the future. I saw it as more than a story; it was a call to action for humanity.
The only way to truly convey the scale of this vision, I thought, was to turn it into a big-budget blockbuster movie. I imagined it as a $300 million production that would capture the imagination of people around the world and show them the potential future that awaited us.
Right from the start, I faced significant challenges. My friends were skeptical, often laughing at the idea of TEMPUS. Their mockery stung, making me feel isolated and alienated. It wasn't just the loneliness — it was the frustration of having a vision so clear to me, yet invisible to others. They couldn't see the potential I saw, and that made me question whether I was the only one who believed in this future. But despite the loneliness, I knew I couldn't give up. The vision was too important… too vital for the future of humanity.
The Long Road: 2004–2017
Development Process: The Birth of TEMPUS
The journey of developing TEMPUS was long and filled with countless hours of research, imagination, and perseverance. I kept the entire storyline in my head until March 2018, when I finally wrote down the plotline for the first time. But even before that, I was deeply immersed in research, trying to ground the story in the real world while also pushing the boundaries of what could be imagined. I wanted readers to feel that this was our world I was talking about, even as the story transitioned into the realm of science fiction in its third part.
Research became a central part of my life during these years. I delved into politics, religion, technology, governments, conspiracies, health, and even traveled to different regions to understand the world's diverse realities. It wasn't just about building a story; it was about constructing a vision that was as informed as it was imaginative. One of my most significant breakthroughs came when I created a 3D mockup model of the TEMPUS.
This tangible representation helped me visualize the inside of the shuttle, and it took three years to perfect its measurements. These years were also spent trying to build a team and even drafting the first part of the novel with some help, though that didn't last long.
By December 2006, I had an early draft of the first part written. But as I re-read it, I realized I needed to learn more about writing and storytelling. I put it aside for another 12 years, knowing that when I returned to it, I wanted to be ready to take it seriously and give it the treatment it deserved.
TEMPUS: A Symbol and a Metaphor
A crucial realization came when I understood that simply presenting myself as a character who could talk to governments and build a new world wasn't enough. The world is led by old ways, and change wouldn't come just by willing it. I needed something tangible to symbolize what I envisioned, and that's when the idea of TEMPUS as a metaphor and a tool for translating futurism into reality solidified in my mind. As much as the TEMPUS is a cool device, it is just a metaphor to show a possible future, but not really anything necessary to begin making impactful changes. It helps to show how we would unite one day, how our future could look like, but deep down, I know we have all we need to start a similar new era today. After all, TEMPUS means time. I've put some clues about Latin in the first chapter, but the book is full of Easter eggs and references, especially circling around modern productions.
Personal Growth: Shaped by the Vision
Working on this story over the years shaped me into the person I am today. Every decision I made was influenced by this project. I studied journalism, not because it was my passion, but because it was the closest I could get to literature in my city. It gave me a basic understanding of writing and redaction, though it wasn't particularly useful for novels. Later, I studied economics to understand the foundations of our world's financial systems, which played a crucial role in shaping the society depicted in my novel. I even ventured into business development and production management, all the while absorbing whatever I could from the world of filmmaking. I spent time with movie makers, learning by watching or helping out on set, and even tried my hand at acting in theater to understand performance from the inside.
My entire life revolved around this story. Everything I did was in service of making TEMPUS the best it could be. It was a relentless pursuit, a dream that consumed me. There were times when I wondered if I was obsessed - whether this was a kind of Stockholm syndrome, where I was a hostage to my own dream, a dream that demanded everything from me but had yet to give anything back.
Was I a prisoner of my own ambition, or was this the necessary price of bringing a vision to life? It's a question I still grapple with, but one thing is clear: this story is a part of me, and no matter how long it takes, I am determined to see it through.
. . .
The Writing and Publishing Journey
First Draft: The Intense Six Months of Writing
What can I tell you about writing that first draft? It was a whirlwind of creativity, frustration, and discovery. Although I first outlined the plot in March 2018, the actual writing didn't begin until September of that year. My approach was methodical: I had a list of 150 points, each acting as a subject line that guided the narrative. Writing the novel felt like tackling 150 smaller, interconnected tasks, each building on the last. I would focus intensely on one point at a time, often immersing myself so deeply in the story that I felt like I was living the experiences alongside my characters. This immersion, especially in the third part of the novel, was exhilarating - almost like uncovering secrets I had hidden from myself until the moment they manifested on the page.
The process wasn't without its challenges. I often struggled with distractions, especially noise, which forced me to adapt by writing with headphones on, usually listening to instrumental music mixes from YouTube. One particular mix became my go-to, helping me focus and stay in the zone. I found it extremely suitable, especially for writing the third part. You can find it here:
There were technical setbacks, too. My computer broke down midway through writing, and the replacement had issues as well, delaying my progress. These disruptions were frustrating, but I used the downtime to reflect on my process, starting a journal to track my progress and jot down ideas. This journal became invaluable, especially since I followed a strict rule: keep moving forward. No editing, no looking back until the first draft was complete. This philosophy helped me maintain momentum, ensuring that I didn't get lost in endless revisions before the story was fully told.
As the end of the novel approached, I remember feeling a mix of excitement and melancholy. I didn't know all the details of the conclusion until they unfolded in real-time as I wrote them. About three or four days before I finished, I could sense it coming, and I remember telling my wife, "I think it's coming to an end. I need just a few more days, and it will be done."
Editing and Perfectionism: The Painstaking Two-Year Refinement
After completing the first draft, I took a few weeks off before diving into the editing process. This phase was both rewarding and grueling. I assembled a team to help me refine the manuscript, sending it to beta readers and hiring an experienced editor who had worked with Penguin for nearly two decades. I spared no effort in making the story the best it could be. Over the next two years, the novel evolved significantly. It was divided into three parts, then into chapters, and later, those chapters were given special titles that each have hidden or metaphoric even meaning for their part. For the second edition, I'm even considering adding chapter numbers - something I originally thought was unnecessary.
Editing required sacrifices. I poured over every word, making sure it aligned with my vision. I also made some difficult decisions, like choosing a different cover design than the one I initially fell in love with. A line designer suggested a new cover that, at first, felt awkward to accept, but eventually became the iconic image of my book today. I discuss more about these editing choices and sacrifices in a webinar I hosted, which you can check out here:
One of the most difficult moments was realizing that, despite all my hard work, my friends and family didn't fully grasp the extent of my commitment to this project. It was like they didn't recognize the years of effort and learning that went into it. This sense of isolation made the challenges of publishing even more daunting.
Publishing Woes: Setbacks and Triumphs
The journey to publication wasn't smooth. After years of work, I was eager to see my book in print. I ordered the first 21 copies from Amazon, but unfortunately I had them delivered in terrible condition - glue fingerprints smudged across the covers.
The second batch took weeks to arrive, and communication with my editor, who promised a report in two weeks, stretched into three months. These delays were frustrating, but ultimately, they pushed me to ensure that the final product was as polished as possible. That editor's report had a massive influence on the final version of the story, and for that, I'm immensely grateful. I always recommend consulting with a professional before hitting publish or print.
One particularly difficult decision was whether to break the novel into three separate books, as one beta reader suggested. While I've considered this, I ultimately decided that the story needed to remain whole. It's one cohesive narrative, even though the style shifts between parts - part one is a drama, part two has a non-fiction feel, and part three dives into sci-fi.
Despite these setbacks, the moment I finally saw my novel on a bookstore shelf was unforgettable. Finding it there for the first time made all the struggles worthwhile. Here's a picture of that moment - it captures the pure joy I felt that day.
Reflections on 20 Years
Looking Back: A 20-Year Journey
Reaching the 20-year mark with this story is a milestone I never expected to celebrate so soon. When I first conceived the idea, I imagined finishing it when I was retired, but here I am, not only with a completed novel but also with an audiobook - a whole new learning experience in itself. Recording the audiobook was a complex and demanding process, where I had to learn everything from scratch to achieve a professional standard. It took me a year of trial and error, during which I recorded six versions, each better than the last. I even attended voice acting classes to refine my narration skills and learned how to post-process the recordings. It was a journey within the journey, and it added a new layer of connection to the story for me.
These past 20 years have shaped not just the novel, but also my perspective on the world. I've poured all my energy into developing the content, often at the expense of understanding the publishing landscape. I didn't pay attention to the advice on how to publish properly, how to approach traditional publishers, or how to market the novel effectively. This is something I'm still learning, and it's an ongoing process.
However, I'm content with the creative decisions I made while shaping the novel. I had a few guiding principles:
- I minimized the use of names and geographical locations, mentioning only those that were essential to the story. I wanted to focus the reader's attention on the narrative rather than on specific names or places. Initially, I even considered having a nameless protagonist, but I quickly realized that this didn't work well. The character needed a name, even if it only appeared on the cover of the book.
- Another decision was to avoid dialogues in the novel - I wanted to save them for the movie adaptation, creating a distinct experience for readers and viewers alike.
- Additionally, I attempted to write the entire novel without using questions or question marks, as I believed the story should prompt the reader to ask questions themselves and find the answers within the text. While this wasn't entirely feasible, I minimized their use, finding that questions could actually improve the pacing and flow of the story.
- One technique I particularly enjoyed using was what I called "tease and grease." I would briefly mention an intriguing topic to pique the reader's interest, only to fully unravel and satisfy that curiosity a few pages later. It was a method of storytelling that I found both challenging and rewarding.
As I reflect on these years, I see how the vision for my novel has evolved, growing more beautiful and intricate like a mother tree in a forest. Each reread, each edit made the text smoother, and while it became easier to let the story carry me away, I had to stay focused on the task at hand, particularly during the editing process.
My personal growth paralleled the development of the story. As the novel matured into a sci-fi tale, I was learning more about the world, refining my thoughts, and maturing in how I talked about the novel. I learned to value subtlety over spoilers and developed a specific set of answers to the inevitable question, "What is your book about?"
Despite the evolution, the initial vision remained intact, and I'm proud that I was able to incorporate even the smallest elements of it into various parts of the novel.
You can also explore reels on my instagram channel- I am sharing there short-videos cut from the 20 years anniversary webinar, which I mentioned earlier.
Lessons Learned: Insights and Advice for Aspiring Writers
Looking back, I can distill some crucial lessons from my experience. Here are the most important insights I've gathered, which could serve as guidance for other aspiring writers:
- Don't Rush the Process: Take your time with your manuscript. After writing, let it sit for a few months before revisiting it. Repeat this process several times, editing in between, and then seek feedback from beta readers. Once you've refined your manuscript with professional help, consider submitting to traditional publishers. Self-publishing is an option, but only if you're committed to the marketing effort, ideally with at least 12 months of preparation.
- Vet Your Team: Whether you're working with freelancers or professionals, always check their backgrounds. Reliability is crucial, and it's important to be honest about whether the working relationship is effective. The right editor, proofreader, and designer can make a huge difference.
- Focus on the First Draft: Write the first draft in one continuous effort. Avoid getting bogged down in edits - those can come later. If you have editing ideas, jot them down separately and address them after the draft is complete.
- Think Before You Write: Spend time thinking through the entire scene or chapter before you write it. Let the ideas marinate until you're confident about putting them on paper.
- Let It Flow: When you feel the story growing, don't hesitate - write everything down. You can always edit or remove sections later, but don't stifle your creativity in the moment.
- Prepare Thoroughly: Writing without preparation can derail your story. Ensure you have a clear plan, but also be flexible enough to let the story evolve organically.
- Use Paper as Film: Think of your writing as capturing moments on film - focus on clarity and precision. Your manuscript is the film that records your thoughts and ideas.
- Seek Professional Feedback: While friends and family can offer support, they may not have the expertise to provide the constructive feedback you need. Keep your manuscript in the hands of professionals who understand the genre and industry.
- Consistency Is Key: Even if you only write one page a day, consistency will help you reach the end. Keep moving forward, no matter how slow the progress might seem.
- Research Publishers Early: Start researching potential publishers while you're still writing. This will help you tailor your submission and understand what each publisher is looking for.
- Don't Expect Immediate Responses: Understand that publishers are often overwhelmed, and it can take months to hear back - if at all. Be patient and persistent.
- Plan Your Plot: Before writing, outline your plot points in sequence. This last step of preparation was crucial for me, and it helped me complete the story's first draft in less than six months.
These lessons were learned through experience, sometimes the hard way. But they've shaped not only my novel but also my approach to writing and storytelling. There's always more to learn, but perhaps that's a topic for another time.
What's Next?
Future Plans: The Journey Continues
Even though the first edition of The Age of New Era was published in 2021, the journey is far from over. I'm currently working on a second edition, which will include a preface by a literature PhD specializing in science fiction. This will add an extra layer of depth to the book. The number 2 holds particular significance within the narrative, making this second edition especially symbolic. It will also feature a list of abbreviations and inventions, along with slight edits to improve the text's flow and clarity.
Expanding the Experience: Music, Videos, and More
This story is more than just a book to me - it's a part of my life. Inspired by the novel's blurb text on Amazon, I spontaneously recorded a one-minute song and created a short music video for it, using AI-generated images as placeholder illustrations. While these images aren't official, they capture the essence of the story. Perhaps that's the world's first blurb song! This project came to life when I first set up my audiobook recording studio, and it was one of those ideas that just popped into my head.
You can watch and listen to The Age of New Era Blurb Song here:
The Website: Interactive Exploration
I've recently started learning programming, which led to the creation of a website dedicated to exploring the world of The Age of New Era. The website features an interactive map where you can delve deeper into the characters, locations, and key plots of the novel. After exploring, you can take a quiz based on the novel. If you answer all 12 questions correctly, you'll receive a code to send to me, and as a reward, you'll win The Age of New Era e-book along with a promo code for the audiobook. The website also includes a reading progress tracker that highlights where you are in the story, shares interesting facts related to each chapter, and provides quotes that offer further insight into the novel. Currently I'm planning how to add it to the TEMPUS Author Platform.
Building an Author Platform and Publishing House
Looking ahead, I'm planning to establish my author platform. Although this will take time to develop properly, I'm excited about the future. Even though I qualify as a self-published author, I went through a rigorous editing, reviewing, and design process, just like any traditionally published book. This makes me an independent publisher, and I plan to formalize this by launching my own publishing house, Valleyberg Publishing. The website is currently in development and will initially focus on The Age of New Era. As the publisher and producer of the audiobook, Valleyberg Publishing will also feature a "Works in Progress" section, where you can stay updated on new projects. -- This part is actually what you are looking at right now.
The Sequel and Beyond
As for a sequel to The Age of New Era, the idea is already on my mind. However, it's still very early days, and given that the first part took nearly 20 years to complete, it's too soon to discuss the details. I do have some ideas, but for now, they're just that - ideas. Additionally, there are other stories I began as workshops while writing this novel, and I feel a strong pull to finish those too.
The Movie Dream
Turning The Age of New Era into a movie is something that's always on my mind. A definite next step is writing the screenplay and finding a studio willing to take on this production. I've always appreciated the work of major American companies like Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Skydance, Warner Brothers, and Paramount. I care deeply about the quality of cinematography, storytelling, effects, music, and audio - every element of filmmaking. This project is my way of giving back to an industry I love and making my own contribution to it.
Engagement: Connect and Explore
I'd love for you to engage with the world of The Age of New Era. Start by exploring the interactive map and taking the quiz. You can also listen to The Age of New Era Blurb Song and experience the story in a new way.
I'm also in the process of creating a mailing list. By subscribing, you'll receive exclusive live content directly from me, including updates on the website, new articles, and upcoming projects. This is a chance to stay connected with the evolving journey of The Age of New Era and beyond. You can register easily on the website or simply sign up for a newsletter in the navigation bar at the top of this page.
Closing Thoughts: A Journey of Transformation
As I sit back and reflect on this 20-year journey, I can't help but feel a profound sense of accomplishment. When I first started working on The Age of New Era, the path ahead seemed filled with uncertainty, fear, and excitement. But now, looking at everything that has unfolded - the creation of this article, the building of the website with its interactive map and quiz, and the release of the audiobook - I realize how far I've come. This celebration is not just about the story reaching its 20th anniversary; it's about recognizing the evolution of a dream that has been nurtured for two decades.
Writing this article has been both a challenge and a joy, and it feels like by reading it, you've become a part of this celebration. I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks for joining me on this journey and for taking a moment to step into the world I've created. Your presence here means more than words can express.
The core message of The Age of New Era is that we have the power to build a better tomorrow, and the best time to start is today. This belief is something I hold close to my heart, and it's what has driven me to write this story. It's been simmering within me for years, and finally, I've had the chance to bring it into the world.
Join the Journey
I hope you've enjoyed reading this article as much as I've enjoyed writing it. If you found it helpful or interesting, I'd love to hear your thoughts. This isn't just my story - it's something I've created to share with you, and your engagement is a part of its ongoing journey.
If you're curious to explore The Age of New Era further, I invite you to dive into the novel itself. Whether it's through the paperback, e-book, audiobook, or even the interactive quiz on my website, there's a way for everyone to connect with the story. You can find my novel in most online bookstores, or you can try the quiz and potentially win a copy from me.
For everything related to The Age of New Era - including the interview I gave at the Stockholm Writers Festival - you can visit my Linktree, where all the relevant links are neatly gathered. You can find the Linktree and social media links in the footer just below on the right
Thank you once again for being here, for celebrating this milestone with me, and for believing in the power of storytelling. Here's to the next 20 years and beyond!
Happy 20th Anniversary!
This is the right place for the article published on a different platform on the day of 8th August 2024
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