Interview with R.F. Walden, Author of The Adventures of Stone Callahan: Toxicity
What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Adventures of Stone Callahan: Toxicity?
Stone is the son of Billy Callahan, the individual responsible for spearheading The Callahan Clean Earth Protocols. The prequel to this series is The Two Worlds of Billy Callahan. While searching for artifacts in Israel with his father, 12-year-old Billy falls into a crevasse and discovers an ancient Orb. Left behind by an ancient alien race, the Orb unveils the staggering ecological havoc inflicted upon Earth by these extraterrestrial beings. The aliens designate the person who locates the Orb as the one responsible for persuading humanity to avoid the errors made millions of years ago.
Gifted with a supernatural power passed down from his father, Stone becomes resolute in his mission to stop a wealthy group’s destructive plan to revive a world plagued by fossil fuels, toxic substances, excessive meat consumption, and unregulated plastic production. The sight of global warming and pollution unfolding before my eyes made me realize that only a superhero could bring an end to this madness. I created one.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Adventures of Stone Callahan: Toxicity, what would they be?
Marvin Gaye: Mercy Mercy Me.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Action/Adventure – I like to write action/adventure with a focus on climate fiction.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
“House of Suns” by Alastair Reynolds and “Death’s End” by Cixin Liu.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
Two of the main characters attempt to convince a police officer not to arrest them.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I listen to Jason Lewis’ Isochronic Tones on his free YouTube channel. When I first heard it, I was like, “Wait, what?” The rhythmic tones create a calming ambiance, enhancing my focus as I write. I suggest it for anyone dealing with attention disorders. Visit Mind Amend to check him out.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Every day is an opportunity to change the world for the better. Don’t waste it.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Think of the Earth as your childhood bedroom. If it was a mess, your mother would make you clean it up before you went to bed. Let’s get busy!