Lois Melbourne
Author Interview - Lois Melbourne
Author of Moral Code
Dr. Kiera Stetson created Elly, an ethical artificial intelligence, running within the parameters of her Moral Operating System. When the new owner of her company introduces her to SmartDust, surveillance nanites, what she hears turns her life sideways. Her personal commitment to help and protect kids is also embedded within Elly. As they covertly challenge child abuse in their city, some may question if they are playing inside their ethical boundaries. Others, just want to control the technology.
Author Interview - Lois Melbourne
Author I draw inspiration from: Ted Chiang, he can make anything believable
Author Interview - Lois Melbourne | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book: Covered back porch with my dogs nearby
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: I would like to be stuck in an elevator with Duchess Goldblatt from "Becoming Duchess Goldblatt". She's a fictitious character in a nonfiction book, by an anonymous author. Her wit is astounding. What's not to love?
Author Interview - Lois Melbourne | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: When I realized how many of the students I mentored could have benefited from career exploration as a child, I knew I had to write kids books to start kids asking career questions early. After publishing two of those books, I realized my passion for storytelling should expand to novel length. Moral Code is my first novel. It will not be my last.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: Every genre has a format best suited for the story. I get through the most books via audiobook, because I listen while walking the dogs, driving and doing housework.
The last book I read: Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Author Interview - Lois Melbourne | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer: Computer for writing, anything available for capturing ideas
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Charlotte Holmes, The Study In Scarlet Women, by Sherry Thomas. Charlotte IS Sherlock Holmes. Well, she solves all the crimes while her non-existent brother, Sherlock, gets the credit.
Author Interview - Lois Melbourne | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a: Speechwriter
Favorite decade in fashion history: 60's minus all the brown.
Place I’d most like to travel: Amalfi Coast, the scenery, wine and the craftsmanship are all a draw
My signature drink: Brut sparkling wine
Favorite artist: Musical artist: Pink!, Theatrical artist: Patrick Stewart,
Number one on my bucket list: I just checked off the top of my bucket list: Attending the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix. I guess now the top of my bucket list is attending the red carpet premier of Moral Code when it gets made into a movie. I'm putting it out into the universe.
Anything else you'd like to add: I love books that challenge me to consider what I would do if I was in the character's situation. My goal is for my readers to feel compelled to ask themselves that question several times.
Find more from the author:
Twitter: @loismelbourne
Author Bio: Lois’ eighteen years as CEO and co-founder of a workforce analytics and talent management software company, gave her front-row seats to people watching within the corporate habitat. Working with clients around the world developed her deep curiosity around people’s choices and the stories surrounding them.
She continues to collaborate with her software co-founder and husband, Ross. She weaves the stories around his technology vision in their debut novel, titled Moral Code.
Upon selling their company, Lois founded the nonprofit My Future Story and published two children’s books to engage kids in their exploration of career opportunities. “STEM Club Goes Exploring” and “Kids Go To Work Day”.
Lois is now engaged in writing and advocacy for voting rights and civic education. She volunteers with several organizations improving education and many other issues that matter to her communities.
She writes because there are stories to tell and wonders to interpret and translate for others. She believes in science and rejects the concept that embracing technology leads to a dystopian future.
Raised in Iowa and then Missouri, Lois moved to warmer Texas, as soon as she had the power to choose. Her favorite quote is “Live like others won’t, until you can live like others can’t.” Residing on a tree-filled acreage, she seldom writes creatively in a conventional desk chair.
