BookLife Talks with Philip Myles Dane

Dane’s debut novel, the first in a trilogy, was described as a “suspenseful doomsday thriller” and “an imaginative and creepy story of ancient secrets and immortal life-forms” by BookLife Reviews. We spoke with the author and CEO about his inspiration for the boo—which touches on the human condition, Shakespeare, and the information-heavy world we live in—and its characters.

 

 

We live in an unusual world where the relationship between science and culture is very complex. Most of my life, I’ve pondered how science and culture could harmonize to pave the way toward a useful future for the human species. Some people focus on space travel, the moon, or Mars as the next human destination. All the Dark Voices is a story that explores that voyage in our current world, in the current place in which we live. I wanted the story to be relatable and sympathetic to readers. I started with a situation, developed the story, and then would read, rewrite, and improve the prose. I found two remarkable editors who were great partners. William Shakespeare’s quote from The Tempest lit the creative fire in me to write this story: “Hell is empty and all the devils are here.” He wrote The Tempest in the 17th century.

 

 

The inspiration for Shelton was some of the strongest human desires that we as people on this earth value regardless of our race, ethnicity, religion, or nationality. These desires converge at the crossroads of science and culture—for example, our purpose, our meaning, and safety and security for those we love and cherish. The world’s obsession with stardom, gain, and greed rains down on Shelton, but he overcomes it. When he discovers his purpose combined with his need for justice, it changes everything.

 

 

It’s an exploration of the broad human condition, a big picture story, so to speak, with one individual or group situation juxtaposed against another. There is not just one mystery to be solved and understood but many, just as in the real world where we live. The story is a reconciliation of science and culture in our modern-day world.

 

 

All the Dark Voices is squarely happening in our world, here and now. I imagine and hope the setting, the cities, and the state of the world will connect with people. It is a journey through our current world with an interesting character who is looking for a purpose. I think readers will recognize the surroundings. The worldview fits well with our hyperconnected, nonstop lives of information, technology, and opinions. The story resonated immediately with two of the best editors an author could have. Then we went to work on the original long manuscript.

 

 

I would love to say tomorrow. However, fall 2025 is a more realistic goal. Frankly, it depends on the success of All the Dark Voices. Writing is a hobby before it becomes a full-time endeavor. Life is busy. I would love to focus full-time on the next two books in this series of three. Beyond this series, my idea box is plentiful. I have many stories to tell in the years ahead.