Page 52 - Reader's HouseMagazine - Issue 62

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MD Hanley is a visionary storyteller whose technical brilliance
and imaginative depth create thought-provoking, thrilling narratives that resonate deeply with modern readers.
This interview offers not just an insight into MD Hanley’s writing process, inspirations, and creative philosophies, but also a compel- ling reminder of how skill and passion, when fused, can create stories that entertain, em- power, 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?
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 inspi- ration for this story came during a weeklong scuba diving trip to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Your question points out an interest- ing 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?
• Combines 30+ years in software engineering with storytelling
• Writes across technothriller, sci-fi, and non-fiction
• Explores quantum physics through accessible storytelling
• Inspired by Irish folklore and historical figures like Boudicca
• Emphasises structured writing similar to soft- ware development cycles
• Advocates environmental awareness through fiction
• Draws from real-life adventures (flying, scuba diving, hang gliding)
• Promotes humility, self-awareness, and personal growth
• Shares practical self-publishing advice and resources
“ANYONE CAN HAVE A GREAT STORY, BUT YOU NEED TO BE A GOOD
STORYTELLERTOMAKEITREALANDINSPIREIMAGINATION.”
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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 interconnected- ness 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 im- pending asteroid collision is designed to con- vey 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 disparag-
ing 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 diffi- cult. 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
T