Beyond the Page 16: Liam Begley on Broken Interstellar, Sci-Fi & Worker Solidarity

In this episode of Beyond the Page, Steve sits down with author Liam Begley to discuss Broken Interstellar, a science fiction space opera that approaches humanity’s future among the stars from a very different perspective: the workers who keep everything running.Liam describes the novel as a “union workers space opera,” following a cargo worker stranded on a deserted planet who must find his way back to his crew and career. That premise opens the door to a much larger conversation about worker solidarity, interstellar trade, economics, technology, and the kinds of societies humanity might build as it spreads beyond Earth.We also explore Liam’s influences, including Ursula K. Le Guin, Iain M. Banks, Lois McMaster Bujold, and The Lord of the Rings, along with the challenge of balancing detailed worldbuilding with an engaging story.Later, Liam shares his experience pursuing traditional publishing before choosing self-publishing, the difficulty independent authors face finding the right audience, and why good marketing isn't about reaching everyone, it's about reaching the readers who actually want your book.We also get into AI and creativity, the importance of human perspective and imperfection in art, Liam's work in the film industry, and what an early job cleaning out a family home taught him about work as a form of service.It’s a wide-ranging conversation about science fiction, labor, storytelling, publishing, technology, and what happens when ordinary workers, not emperors or military heroes become the center of an interstellar adventure.Find Liam: https://www.liambegley.ca/Page Chewing BlogPage Chewing ForumAffiliate Links that support the show:Audible Standard Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4z1iKnsAudible Standard Monthly Membership: https://amzn.to/3S6vaddKindle Unlimited Free Trial: https://amzn.to/4wqkYdDAmazon Prime Free Trial: https://amzn.to/3UptxI9Join Captivate.fmSend a message via SpeakPipe