Noam Josephides - Heart-Pounding Sci-Fi Mystery

Noam Josephides is an award-winning and bestselling author, screenwriter and director. He is also a serial technology entrepreneur with numerous successful companies founded, and a past as an Airforce Captain. Noam's love for speculative writing and Science Fiction began with the genre classics he read in his childhood - from Asimov and Heinlin to Clarke and Douglas Adams. His scientific enthusiasm for space led him to pursue studies in Astrophysics and aviation, and his prose combines deep technological and scientific knowledge with a unique focus on human drama, values and personal journeys.  Noam spends his time between leading Artificial Intelligence product development at the world's top technology firms, and writing novels, screenplays and fake Tooth-Fairy letters for his 3 young kids. As our Author of the Day, he tells us all about his book, Generations.Please give us a short introduction to what Generations is about.Generations is a space mystery set aboard the Thetis, a generation ship hurtling through space on a two-century-long journey. The story weaves political intrigue, mystery, and human resilience as it delves into the lives of those born aboard. At its heart is Sandrine Liet, an Archivist who uncovers layers of conspiracy and deceit among the Thetis leadership, leading her to question the very ideals that underpin their society.  Generations masterfully combines science fiction with political intrigue and mystery. What inspired the creation of the generation ship Thetis and its unique societal structure?The idea for Thetis stemmed from exploring the dynamics of a closed society in extreme isolation. What happens when generations live aboard a ship where survival depends on unity and shared purpose? The societal structure of Thetis reflects this delicate balance—scientifically designed yet deeply human, with power struggles, ideals, and flaws. Its concept allowed me to explore how humanity evolves when disconnected from Earth, both biologically and socially.Sandrine Liet is such a strong and relatable protagonist. How did you develop her character, and what drew you to her story as the centerpiece of this novel?Sandrine emerged as the perfect lens through which to view the intricacies of life aboard Thetis. Her role as an Archivist places her at the crossroads of the past and the present, giving her access to secrets others overlook. Sandrine’s blend of wit, introversion, and determination made her relatable and engaging—a character shaped by her circumstances but not confined by them. Her flaws and strength reflect the resilience needed to thrive in such an environment.The concept of a multigenerational journey through space is both fascinating and complex. What research or real-world inspirations informed the technological and societal dynamics aboard the Thetis?The science behind generation ships and multigenerational space travel is rooted in current research on long-term space habitation, genetic adaptation, and societal engineering. I drew on real-world experiments like biospheres, discussions about space colonization, and studies on the psychological impacts of isolation. The challenges of sustainability and resource management aboard Thetis mirror Earth’s own ecological dilemmas, making the story as much about our present as the imagined future.The book explores themes like power, sacrifice, and truth. How do these themes reflect your personal views or observations about contemporary society?These themes are timeless and universal. In Generations, they’re magnified by the ship’s closed ecosystem, but they resonate deeply with the struggles I think we all face today—questions of leadership, accountability, and the sacrifices required for collective good. The story challenges us to consider how truth and unity can coexist in a world of competing interests, reflecting my own fascination with the intersections of morality and survival.The conspiracy that unfolds on the Thetis is deeply rooted in its history. Can you share how you approached weaving the ship's historical context into the mystery?The Thetis’s history is almost a character itself. I approached it like an archaeologist, layering the ship’s legacy with political shifts, societal experiments, and forgotten secrets. Each detail—from the origin story of the ship’s manufacturing and Embarkment to the gradual changes in environmental conditions—feeds into the central mystery, creating the backdrop that deepens the stakes for Sandrine and her journey.As a debut novel, Generations has received critical acclaim. What challenges did you face during the writing process, and how did you overcome them?One of the biggest challenges was balancing the technical world-building with the human narrative. The ship and its systems needed to feel real without overwhelming the story. Finding Sandrine’s voice was another key hurdle—her perspective had to anchor readers in this unfamiliar setting. Persistence and feedback from trusted readers helped me hone the story into its final form.Balancing science fiction with mystery requires a delicate touch. How did your background in screenwriting and directing influence your narrative style in the book?Screenwriting taught me the importance of pacing, dialogue, and visual storytelling. These skills translated directly into crafting a novel that feels cinematic and immersive. I wanted readers to see the Thetis and feel the tension in every twist and turn. Directing, meanwhile, helped me understand character development on a deeper level—how to make characters come alive on the page.Many readers have commented on the book’s cinematic quality. Was this intentional, and do you see Generations as a potential film or series in the future?Absolutely! From the start, I imagined Generations as a vivid, living world. Its cinematic elements—detailed visuals, sharp dialogue, and dynamic scenes—were intentional. I’d love to see it adapted into a film or series, where the Thetis could truly come to life and its themes resonate with a wider audience.The book includes profound reflections on morality and survival. Were there moments during the writing process when these philosophical elements challenged your storytelling?Yes, often! Balancing the philosophical with the narrative flow was a challenge. It’s easy to get lost in the "big questions," but they had to serve the characters and plot. Sandrine’s perspective helped ground these ideas—her skepticism and personal stakes allowed me to explore morality in a way that felt natural and engaging.Sandrine’s introverted, sassy, and determined personality resonates with readers. How much of her character was inspired by people you know or aspects of yourself?There’s definitely a piece of me in Sandrine—her introversion and her love of knowledge mirror my own traits. But her sass and resilience were inspired by strong, brilliant women I’ve known. Sandrine’s struggles with authority and purpose reflect universal human experiences, making her a character readers can root for.The political rivalries in the story are intense and sophisticated. How did you approach creating such multidimensional antagonists?Antagonists like Primo Anderson weren’t created to be villains but as individuals with their own motivations and ideals. By giving them depth and humanity, their conflicts with Sandrine become more than good versus evil—they’re battles of ideology, ambition, and survival. I wanted every political rivalry to feel real and relevant, mirroring the complexity of our world.The Thetis itself feels like a character in the story. How did you design the ship’s environment to reflect the society that lives within it?The Thetis was built with remarkable foresight by the mission planners on Earth. They understood that the ship wasn’t just a means of transportation; it was a home—a cradle for humanity across two centuries of interstellar travel. The ship had to balance function and humanity. It couldn’t be a cold, militaristic vessel, as often portrayed in science fiction. Instead, it needed to foster a thriving, multigenerational society.The Thetis includes kindergartens, sports parks, and recreational spaces where people can express themselves and their passions. These spaces were just as vital as the industrial hubs, medical facilities, and agricultural levels that ensure survival. Every detail, from the sensory farms to the community spaces, was designed to make the ship feel welcoming and adaptable. It reflects not only the resilience of humanity but also the creativity and hope that would carry future generations to their new home.How to contact the author:Newsletter signup: https://bit.ly/author-listX: https://x.com/noamjosephidesBlusSky: https://bsky.app/profile/noamj.bsky.socialFB:  https://www.facebook.com/scifinoamWebsite: https://generationsnovels.com