Author Spotlight: Unlocking New Realities with Akili Damone Hight
Hello, and welcome back to Mind the Typos! If you’re looking for a book that transcends the ordinary, blending sci-fantasy with Afrofuturism and a touch of Hip Hop, then today I have the pleasure of sharing Akili Damone Hight’s LUCID. This might just be your next favorite read. Akili, an IT consultant by day and writer by night, embodies a duality that is reflected in his work, offering readers a unique literary experience. In this interview, Akili takes us on a journey through the inspirations and themes behind LUCID, a novel that is as much a tribute to his creative roots as it is a bold step into new narrative territories.,
1. Could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your book?
My name is Akili Damone Hight. I am a Generation Xer from Los Angeles who grew up on Hip-Hop and always chose the road less traveled. As a Gemini, my logical and creative sides are equally balanced, shaping my career as an IT Consultant by day and a writer by night. I hold a B.S. in Business Administration and a Master’s in Information Technology, yet throughout the years, I’ve never stopped writing.
LUCID is a sci-fantasy, action-adventure novel within the Afrofuturism genre. The story follows Evan Wheat, an “ordinary” young man whose life is upended by the tragic death of his father. His journey of self-discovery begins when he finds a powerful Lemurian quartz crystal and a vintage bookmark, leading him to a mysterious bookstore.
Evan begins to have vivid dreams that blur the line between reality and fantasy, serving as a gateway to other worlds. Despite receiving messages from higher dimensions, he ignores them and strays from his predestined path.
Fatefully, a lightning strike knocks Evan into a coma, propelling his consciousness into an alternate reality. In this new world, he must join an underground group of insurgents to survive, undergoing rigorous training to fight against a powerful enemy intent on dominating humanity.
Armed with the quartz crystal, Evan overcomes otherworldly obstacles and supernatural trials, emerging triumphant and forever changed.
2. What inspired you to write your book, and can you tell us about it?
I am a writer and innovator by nature. Writing has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and I've always aspired to create something new, authentic, and memorable.
In the past, I have written poetry and screenplays, and I have kept journals for many years, both as a creative outlet and a form of therapy. Over time, I noticed a recurring pattern in my entries—a story that needed to be told. A new Black superhero was ready to emerge.
Then, one evening, I had a lucid dream, which became the impetus for this story.
(Note: A lucid dream is a phenomenon in which you become aware that you're dreaming while still in the dream, effectively allowing you to 'wake up' within the dream.)
3. What themes or messages do you hope readers will take away from your book?
LUCID explores the primary themes of life after death and immortality. The title, LUCID, is an acronym for "Life Ultimately Continues In Dreams."
I hope readers come away with the idea that the dream world can be more than just a figment of our imagination or a product of our subconscious minds. It can also be a gateway to other worlds and a medium to communicate with our loved ones who have passed on before us.
4. Are there any particular authors or books that influenced your writing style or inspired you?
Yes, when I read Wild Seed, I was captivated by Octavia Butler’s ability to paint vivid pictures and immerse the reader in the story. I was inspired and thought, "I want to write like Octavia Butler." While I'm still a work in progress, this remains my aspirational goal.
5. In what ways do you think your book stands out from others in its genre, and what do you hope sets it apart for readers?
LUCID is an ode to Hip Hop. Each chapter is named after a rap song or album, reflecting the protagonist's roots as a graffiti writer in his teenage years. This experience left an indelible mark on his soul, but his subconscious, shaped by his strict academic father, convinces him that being an artist is not a viable goal. As a result, he suppresses his artistic side.
LUCID also explores the concept of the multiverse. The story unfolds like layers of an onion to reveal stories within stories and worlds within worlds. I craft unique realms with intriguing characters, each with the potential to inspire spinoffs in the LUCID franchise.
What sets LUCID apart from other works in its genre is its seamless blend of Hip Hop with quantum physics, lucid dreaming, sacred geometry, martial arts, love, war, spirituality, alchemy, and intrigue.
6. Can you discuss any research or preparation you undertook while writing your book, particularly if it involved exploring new topics or settings?
Yes, I had to learn the basics of quantum physics, focusing on concepts like entanglement, superposition, and tunneling. I also studied the Many Worlds Interpretation, a legitimate quantum theory that forms the foundation for what we now call the multiverse.
To incorporate elements of ancient mysteries, I researched the metaphysical significance of the Peregrine Falcon, which plays a major role in LUCID.
These new concepts, combined with my general knowledge of sacred geometry, enabled me to craft a story that intersects with multiple realms and dimensions, making the superhuman abilities seem plausible.
7. Can you provide an excerpt of a specific scenes or passages in your book that hold particular significance?
Yes, the following is from the chapter, "No One Can Do It Better"...
As Evan stepped into the grand dojo, a profound sense of awe washed over him. The entrance commanded attention with a sign boldly declaring, "REMOVE YOUR SHOES BEFORE YOU ENTER." Above the words stretched a magnificent image of a DNA double helix, positioned horizontally.
Along the majestic curves of the double helix, the words longevity, amplitude, acceleration, information, dynamic, and free danced with enigmatic meaning, beckoning Evan to step forward.
He removed his shoes and walked through the doors, where he was greeted by the sight of eleven other students standing around Yair, who exuded an aura of serenity and wisdom.
“Please come, join us,” Yair said in a calm and patient tone. “Take your time, young one. There’s no rush.”
Evan moved toward the others, taking in the open space of the dojo. He had stepped into a different world, one where the laws of everyday reality didn’t seem to apply.
Yair, an Ethiopian Jew, carried a name that held deep meaning—"he will enlighten"—in Hebrew. After serving in the Israeli special forces as a youth and witnessing horrors that left him disgusted, he sought solace as an ascetic. Over time, rumors spread suggesting that Yair had achieved immortality as an ascended master. Whether this was true or not, Evan was filled with fascination and curiosity as he stood in Yair's presence.
Everyone settled into position as Yair began to speak.
“The world that you see is but a mental reflection of reality. Please close your eyes. Breathe deeply. Visualize the double helix of your DNA rotating.”
Evan closed his eyes and focused on his breath. As he inhaled, he felt the air enter his lungs and the tension in his body dissipate. Yair walked around with his hands folded neatly behind his back. As he spoke in a hypnotic meditation, he breathed life into the words that adorned the curves of the DNA double helix.
“Longevity is the dream. Amplitude to reach the sky. Acceleration at the speed of light. Free to live without regret. Information to guide your steps. Dynamic to face any change. Immortality is within range.”
As Yair spoke, Evan felt the crystal that dangled around his neck pulsate with heightened energy.
“The goal is to activate multiple strands of DNA, in addition to the standard two… and yes, the crystal is the missing link,” Yair said, his voice directed at Evan as if reading his mind. “It is the key to unlocking many extraordinary abilities. But remember, patience and relaxation are essential.”
Evan gripped the crystal, feeling its intense vibrations flow through him. The future was unknown. All he could do was stay in the moment.
8. Can you provide insight into your future writing plans or projects? Are there any upcoming releases or ideas you're excited to explore?
LUCID will be a trilogy, and I'm already working on the second book. Due to numerous requests, I'm also preparing a graphic novel that will explore the origin story. I'm currently putting together a Kickstarter campaign, which I plan to launch in the next few weeks.
In the meantime, I'm coordinating with venues to organize my next book signing and speaking event, which I hope to hold by the end of the summer.
9. Lastly, could you provide your contact information or social media handles for readers who would like to connect with you?
For those who want to stay updated on Akili’s latest projects or dive deeper into the world of LUCID, you can connect with him on his various platforms:
Akili Damone Hight's LUCID is more than just a novel—it's an invitation to explore new dimensions of reality and creativity. As you dive into this captivating world, remember to keep your mind open, your imagination active, and of course, Mind the Typos! After all, even in the world of dreams, a well-placed comma can make all the difference.
