Authors Interviewing Characters: JJ Cook & AL Cook

JJ Cook & AL Cook, MD in conversation with Ophelia Sasaki: The Percivious Trilogy, Author/Character Interview

About PERCIVIOUS:

Every day, society seems to step closer and closer to becoming a world straight out of a dystopian novel. Throughout the series, the Percivious trilogy has pushed against this path by showing the world a more utopian route that can be followed to take better care of the planet and all those who live on it. Through its rigorously-researched, scientifically-plausible plotlines to the trilogy’s selfless core, husband-and-wife author duo JJ Cook & AJ Cook, M.D., have worked to create an affecting chronicle that brings compassion to turbulent times. 

In book one, Percivious Insomnia, readers were introduced to an otherworldly mystery that could completely unravel civilization — an insomnia pandemic with no discernible cause, or cure. As this inexplicable pandemic continues to tighten its grip on society, readers take a journey through space and time in book two, Percivious Origins, to discover another species that once called Earth home. The XYZ live in abundance and value shared knowledge and emotional connection above all else after being forced to leave Earth millions of years ago. But after failing to find a new planet to inhabit and their ship taking severe damage, they are forced to return to their ancestral home, setting into motion events for which there will be an unfathomable price to pay.

Packed with engrossing language and scientific knowledge, Percivious Escape brings the fragile existence of two species and their civilizations crashing together under the ticking time bomb of this deadly pandemic. Together they form an unlikely alliance to discover the mystery behind the insomnia’s true origin and embark on a last-ditch effort to save both species from complete annihilation. But is it already too late for an escape? 

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It seems fitting to meet at the Champagne Bar. A lavish multipurpose sanctum, one can’t resist upon setting foot in The Plaza. Overlooking Fifth Avenue and the Pulitzer Fountain, it is open for breakfast, lite fare, cocktails and sought-after interviews with world saving heroines.

We wait, briming with excitement, on the edge of our oatmeal velvet seats. And as she walks towards us, no head is left unturned in her wake as her 4-inch Gucci stilettos seem not to touch the floor.

Interviewing the now famous geneticist who refused interviews with Time, The Washington Post, Wall Street Journal and Oprah leaves us in awe and as she approaches. We stand to greet her still in shock at our good fortune.

AJ: Thank you so very much for taking time out of your busy schedule to see us. It’s been far too long.

Ophelia (laughing warmly): You know I would never do this for anyone else.

AJ: We know that all too well. So, first things first. How are you feeling? No complications?

Ophelia: Never better! You are the only surgeon I would trust with something so intimate. You know that. I would think that the number of patients I referred to you would speak for itself. You have made quite the reputation for yourself as I understand.

AJ: It’s a rewarding career for certain. But we didn’t come to talk about me today. We are here to talk about you.

JJ: Yes, that’s right, Ophelia, we could not be more interested in what you have to say. Thank you for meeting with us.

With all of us comfortable and reacquainted, just having toasted Dr. Cook and Ophelia’s reunion status post gender-affirming-surgery with bubbling glasses of vintage Krug, we are ready to begin.

AJ: You seem quite buoyant considering the recent traumas you have endured. What was the thing that kept you going through it all?

Ophelia (laughing): Whatever do you mean? No….but seriously….the kidnapping, the attempt on my life, witnessing a murder, or the torture? Where to begin. You know what? Regardless…the answer would all be the same. It’s the hybrid XYZ, it’s the same as for anyone, they are my family. I would die for them a thousand times over. And I realize that technically they are my magnum opus, but it’s the opposite of that, they are my life, pure and simple, truly percivious.

JJ: So, tell us. More appropriately, tell the world. What lives beyond the gender markers of XY and XX?

Ophelia: Yes, you are right, we need to back it up for a moment. I’m responsible for the most significant evolutionary discovery the planet has known. The identification of a present-day intelligent species beyond just a binary of XY and XX. The existence of the XYZ.

JJ: And for those of us, such as myself, who are looking for the Coles notes version of this discovery?

Ophelia: The hybrid XYZ today are a mix of human and ancient hominid DNA. They are a new intelligent human species, evolved from whales. Beyond unique genetic markers are their unique abilities to transfer thought without verbal communication, to see through each other’s eyes and to feel each other’s pain. Most importantly however, they exist in perfect harmony with each other and their surroundings, in a world without greed, pride, ego and the ultimate consequences of those uniquely primate deficiencies. So they are just like us…only much, much better.

AJ: What future do you see now that the original XYZ have come back to Earth?

Ophelia: The answer is I finally see “a” future now that the original XYZ are back. Let’s be clear I wouldn’t be alive if it were not for them. While I am being cast as a hero let’s be clear. There is more than one in this story. And without the intervention of earth’s first hominid species, I would not be talking with you today, frankly, none of us would be. 

AJ: So, what about your future specifically. What is next for you Ophelia?

Ophelia: Well, that is a blank slate. It’s unwritten and I could not be more excited to do the things I have never made time for. That’s the thing about almost losing everything, you are left afraid of nothing. You know what…I may even take a stab at love.

JJ: Do tell. What is dating like 10 years from now?

Ophelia: What is it like for anyone? Full of romance, heartache, beauty, danger and anticipation. It’s just faster than ever before because the online dating sites are face recognition and display only. So at least you know what you are really signing up for from the beginning.

JJ (laughing): How do you make it look so easy, after all you have been through.

Ophelia: I’m not sure I have all the answers. I just get up and do me every single day. It’s about not giving a %?!@ what anyone else thinks about you at any giving moment. As long as you are authentic, not hurting anyone and giving more than you are taking, how can you really get it wrong. Also….a closet to kill for goes a long way. Some days, I just need to work from the outside in if you know what I mean.  

AJ: You are known to be a truth teller, at all costs. Tell us the truth, is your reference to a potential future romance, that special someone, possibly relating to another character.

Ophelia (laughing): This interview does not cover that. I may be a truth teller, but I’m a private one. You’ll just have to wait and find out.

JJ: Well, listen Ophelia, we couldn’t be happier for you or more grateful that you took this time out to talk to us, above everyone else.

Ophelia : It is absolutely my pleasure. Please keep in touch. This is not the end for me. I see a future with more. In fact, I plan take a vacation. And it may even be off planet!”

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

J J Cook’s background in marketing across a spectrum of industries—technology, finance, and the arts—brings insight and depth to characters spanning an array of disciplines, ages, countries, and cultures.

A J Cook, MD’s current role as a pediatric urologist and director of fellowship education at the Alberta Children’s Hospital has allowed him the opportunity to author and contribute to numerous published studies and hone his writing skills, while his experience as a surgeon—as well as the relationships he’s developed with his young patients and their guardians—has contributed credibility and realism to the narrative.

Connect with the authors on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Goodreads.

Check out the trilogy HERE

 

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: Contemporary Women Writers, On Writing