From Software to Quantum Worlds and Spiritual Journeys
MD Hanley, a software engineer turned author, blends high-tech intrigue, philosophical reflection, and breathtaking adventure across fiction and nonfiction works that inspire imagination, introspection, and environmental awareness.
T o introduce the forthcoming interview with MD Hanley in Reader’s House magazine, one must only glance at his remarkable body of work to understand why his literary voice deserves to be heard. A seasoned software engineer with over three decades of experience, MD Hanley brings an extraordinary blend of technical expertise, adventurous spirit, and creative storytelling to the literary world.
His novels, spanning gripping technothrillers and rich science fiction, are a testament to his ability to nimbly traverse genres with intellectual depth and imaginative flair. Bit By Bit, his debut thriller, throws readers into the world of deception and cryptocurrency—a riveting journey that reflects Hanley’s own background in technology. With Carbon Copy, he crafts a futuristic cyberpunk world where biotechnology meets human ambition, provoking introspection about how progress could redefine or imperil our lives. Quantum Mind, the second book in the Quantum Genesis series, offers a fascinating exploration of quantum physics intertwined with ancient Irish folklore, merging science and myth into a mind-expanding tale. Complementing his fictional works, Hanley’s non-fiction book, Humility: A Spiritual Way of Life, sheds light on self-discovery and mindfulness, offering a gentle yet profound guide for personal growth.
Not only does MD Hanley possess the rare ability to write across different genres, but his adventurous spirit infuses his storytelling with authenticity and vibrancy. Whether it’s flying planes over New York airspace, hang gliding off mountain peaks, or scuba diving in the depths of the Great Barrier Reef, Hanley’s real-life adventures spark the breathtaking settings and action sequences that punctuate his novels.
His fusion of deep technical knowledge, philosophical thought, and a love for grand, sweeping tales reflects his ever-curious mind and ability to weave intrigue, humanity, and innovation into his works. More than an author, MD Hanley is a storyteller with the courage to ask big questions and the talent to answer them in thrilling, imaginative ways.
This interview offers not just an insight into MD Hanley’s writing process, inspirations, and creative philosophies, but also a compelling reminder of how skill and passion, when fused, can create stories that entertain, empower, and enlighten. Prepare to be inspired by his literary journey and the rich worlds he invites us into.
In “Quantum Mind”, Kat and Pat discover their quantum abilities through Alder’s stones. What inspired you to explore the concept of Earth’s sentience and intertwine it with ancient monuments in Ireland and England?
I was reading about a lot of companies investing tons of money in the development and research of quantum computers. I wanted to write a story to explore the fascinating world of quantum physics in an accessible, story-driven way, avoiding heavy math. My mother, a British Literature expert, sparked the idea to delve into Irish folklore, which led me to the powerful figure of the Irish Warrior Queen Boudicca. Super interesting person who is someone you would not want to mess with. The concept of a sentient Earth felt like a natural, ‘cool’ extension of personifying nature. And honestly, if the planet could feel, wouldn’t it be righteously pissed off with our treatment of it?
“Anyone can have a great story, but you need to be a good storyteller to make it real and inspire imagination.” – MD Hanley
Your first book, “Bit By Bit,” emerged from a random story idea. How did your extensive experience in software engineering influence the development of this technothriller?
“Bit By Bit” was an enjoyable book to write and a great learning experience. The inspiration for this story came during a weeklong scuba diving trip to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Your question points out an interesting similarity between the approaches to book writing and software development. Personally, I found that writing a book as a “pantser” wouldn’t get me beyond ten pages. Just like in software development, having a solid plan is crucial for progress. Nowadays, development is often done in iterative cycles, with each one building upon the last. This method proved to be the most effective for me to be able to write that last line – THE END!
“Carbon Copy” is another technothriller in your repertoire. Could you share the central theme of this novel and how your technical background shaped its narrative?
The central theme of “Carbon Copy” delves into the dangerous duality of advanced biotechnology. Drawing from my technical expertise in software engineering, I was able to authentically delve into the forefront possibilities of 3D bioprinting, nanobots, and IoT. However, the heart of this thriller lies in the alarming potential of these transformative technologies being turned into weapons and manipulated through the very interconnectedness they provide. It explores the intersection of cutting-edge innovation with the most sinister depths of human ambition.
In “Quantum Genesis”, the planet Ghia achieves sentience and warns of an impending asteroid collision. What message do you aim to convey through this storyline about technological advancement and environmental consciousness?
In “Quantum Genesis”, the storyline of Ghia achieving sentience and warning of an impending asteroid collision is designed to convey a multi-layered message about the crucial interplay between technological advancement and environmental consciousness. The future generations living on Earth will be cursed with some of the tragic mistakes we have made taking care of our environment.
Your non-fiction work “Humility – A Spiritual Way of Life” explores self-discovery. What motivated you to write on this topic, and how does it complement your previous works on gratitude and acceptance?
Society increasingly promotes disparaging differences, labeling others as “lesser” for thinking or acting differently. We are all unique. Humility is a conscious act of viewing ourselves with “all the lights on”. Looking at ourselves with honesty and courage is difficult. It isn’t meant to be an exercise of feeling weak or vulnerable, it is a key to helping us unlock the love for ourselves and our love for others. Pride and ego can obscure our self-view but can transform into confidence and purpose in our lives. Humility complements gratitude and acceptance, fostering personal growth and leading to a stronger, more realistic sense of self.
“Self-publishing is demanding but rewarding. You wear many
hats—author, designer, marketer, editor, and more.” – MD Hanley
As an adventurer with hobbies like scuba diving, flying, and hang gliding, how have these experiences influenced the vivid settings and action sequences in your novels?
Flying airplanes, hang gliding off a mountain, and scuba diving are undoubtably surreal activities, but to attain these skills I needed to learn and research a lot. I love researching different technologies or skills to write about. In “Quantum Mind” I spent a lot of time researching how giant building cranes work and in “Carbon Copy” I researched the heck out of 3D printers. Creating a story using these areas of research just makes writing a story, including these, even more fun.
Balancing a 30-year career in software engineering with writing, how do you manage to maintain creativity and productivity in both fields?
During Covid lockdown, I finally found time to write stories like “Bit By Bit,” despite years of writing software code, test plans, technical documentation, emails, and budgets. Balancing work and writing is hard. Story inspiration can come at any time, not just early mornings. I always carried a notebook to jot down ideas, which helped me develop my stories when I had time to write.
What key advice would you offer to aspiring authors seeking to navigate the complexities of self-publishing, especially those from technical backgrounds?
Self-publishing is demanding but rewarding. Utilize free or low-cost resources like Canva.com, kindlepreneur.com, and StoryOrigin. Join organizations such as authorguild.org for support. Beware of scams. As a self-publisher, you handle roles like author, publisher, marketer, designer, editor, accountant, social media expert, and agent.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
A beautifully written, insightful guide that gently encourages spiritual growth through humility, self-awareness, and a balanced, purposeful life journey.
