In the vast world of science fiction, it takes something special to stand out, and Transference by Brandon Keaton is exactly that kind of novel. Keaton has created a captivating book with thought-provoking themes, emotional depth, and innovative storytelling that challenges readers’ perceptions of the genre and the world around us.

Winner of the Silver Medal for Science Fiction at the 2022 Independent Publisher Book Awards, Transference tells an engaging story that explores deep questions about family, power, and the consequences of tampering with forces we can’t fully understand.

We had the pleasure of chatting with Keaton to discuss his journey as an indie author, the significance of his IPPY win, and what’s next for this talented writer.

What Winning an IPPY Means to Keaton

For Keaton, winning an IPPY was a milestone that represented more than just professional recognition—it was a significant moment of validation. “The IPPY was a nice bit of validation for this somewhat road-weary indie author,” he shares. “I think the IPPY is well respected amongst the self-publishing community, and from what I’ve heard it’s not so easy to snag one. It’s not a participation award by any means.”

This sense of recognition was especially meaningful given that Keaton had never been accustomed to winning awards. He reflects, “I was over the moon, of course! I’m not someone who went through life winning awards. The only thing I was ever really good at was art, and writing.”

Winning an IPPY helped him realize that all the work he put into Transference was worth it. “Entries are judged by their originality, use of language, and social relevance to name a few. Knowing that makes me feel like all the work I put into the novel wasn’t for nothing.”

The Inspiration Behind Transference

When asked what inspired him to write Transference, Keaton reveals a deeply personal connection to the novel. “There’s a handful of inspirations, but the primary one was my father’s love of sci-fi. He loved reading, and he loved sci-fi movies. So I really just wanted to write a book that I thought he would enjoy.” His father’s passing adds an emotional layer to the book’s creation: “At this point in my life my dad’s been gone for many years…and I guess in some ways I’m still just a boy trying to make his daddy proud.”

This heartfelt dedication to his father’s memory shaped the very essence of the book, which blends the excitement of science fiction with intimate themes of family and loss.

A Writing Process Rooted in Spontaneity and Creativity

Keaton’s approach to writing is less about structure and more about following his creative instincts. He admits, “I’m what’s called a ‘pantser’ or someone who ‘flies by the seat of their pants.’ I find a lot of humour in that…probably because I’d say it’s pretty accurate.”

With Transference, Keaton was determined to craft something new within the science fiction genre. “I was trying to come up with something I’d never quite seen in science fiction,” he explains. While he admits he’s “not as well-read as I ought to be,” he aimed to produce something that felt fresh.

Once the first draft was finished, Keaton turned to professional help. He sought out a developmental editor who could refine the story. “When I finished the first draft I reached out to several developmental editors, and the one I wanted to work with most was Pat LoBrutto. He was once an acquiring editor at Tor Books, and so to have him come back to me and say he was keen was really mind-blowing. He was a godsend.”

Overcoming Challenges in Self-Publishing

Keaton’s experience with self-publishing was not without its obstacles, particularly in the financial and promotional aspects. “Self-publishing is very expensive. I had no idea how expensive it could be. If I were to do another novel like Transference, I would be a lot more picky about where I channeled my funds.”

He also struggled with self-promotion, acknowledging how challenging it can be to sell yourself as an author: “Self-promotion is really hard for me as well. You’ve got to find a way to sell yourself that you’re comfortable with. If that means having an Instagram account and nothing else, then do that.”

One of the hardest parts of releasing Transference was dealing with the fear of criticism. “I was so afraid people would hate Transference, and there were haters, but that’s going to happen. There’s people that really hate the Lord of the Rings, so some people are really not going to like your book.” He learned to let go of that fear, realizing that not everyone would appreciate his work, and that was okay. “I had to learn to let go of all that and just throw caution to the wind and say, okay, I’m doing this come what may.”

Themes of Family and Faith in Transference

Keaton is hopeful that readers will take away meaningful reflections from Transference. “Foreword Reviews said ‘a mother’s love could save the world in Transference.’ I thought that was really poignant.” While the novel is set in a science fiction world, Keaton sees the heart of the story as a deeply human one. “Beneath all the sci-fi trappings the story really is about family, both chosen and biological.”

He also highlights the big philosophical themes in the book, especially the consequences of interfering with forces beyond human understanding. “I’d also be lying if I didn’t admit that I hope people close the book and have a few questions about faith and what it means to meddle with power beyond our comprehension.”

Advice for Aspiring Authors

Keaton has valuable advice for those starting out on their own writing journey. “I would never want to steer anyone in the wrong direction. There’s a lot of voices out there in the world screaming hey, why even bother? Nobody cares! You have to push through all that negativity and self-doubt and keep going. Be thankful for the good and the bad and enjoy the ride.”

For those thinking of submitting their work to the IPPYs, Keaton has a straightforward piece of advice: “What’s the Nike slogan? Just do it (laughter).” His enthusiasm shows that, despite the challenges, submitting your work can be a rewarding experience.

What’s Next for Brandon Keaton

Keaton is already working on multiple projects, and his readers can expect a variety of exciting releases in the near future. “It’s odd because I wrote half of the sequel to Transference and then set it aside for reasons unknown. I then wrote four or five children’s picture books which I’m thrilled to bits with, but haven’t been able to get artists for let alone publishers. So yeah, I’ve got quite a wealth of material just sitting around.”

He’s also been busy with short stories and collaborations. “Last year I wrote a piece called ‘Lost Girl’ for my sister, and it was published in a short-story collection called Dusk by Ironclad Creative earlier this year. I have another short story being published this December by SpecFic (New Zealand) about artificial intelligence.” Keaton continues to push forward creatively, with another short-fiction tale set to debut in early 2025 in the Gods issue of F(r)iction Magazine.