Science Fiction/Fantasy
Date Published: 09-20-2022
Publisher: Aurelia Leo
Humans have always feared Caen’s kind.
Survivors of a mysterious virus, Ruĝa Morto, that killed 80% of Earth’s population two centuries ago, they have endured enslavement as Neurologically Compromised Individuals, or NiCIes, owned by OnyxCorp. Now, in 2261, Caen begins a perilous journey to seek the Vagabonders, the original moon colonists, whom many believe hold the key to freeing his people.
He knows he is hunted. He expects death at every turn.
But he doesn’t anticipate meeting Dr. Ligeia Obumbwe, a human biogeneticist desperate to protect her brother Finn, yet another victim of the endemic virus. When OnyxCorp promises to keep Finn safe in exchange for her work in their lunar lab, she accepts despite her increasing unease regarding the Corporation’s motives.
Ligeia and Caen become unlikely partners in a dangerous quest to reach the Vine, the space elevator that is the first step in their journey to the moon.
What they find along the way could help them bring OnyxCorp to its knees…or destroy everything they love.
10 Things You Didn’t Know About R.T. Coleman, author of Vagabonder
I traveled all over the U.S. in an RV. After our kids graduated high school, Joe and I sold most of our stuff, bought a dually and a fifth wheel, and were nomads for about three years. We traveled across the West Coast, the Southwest, the Florida Keys, and the East Coast, visiting just about every major site and town you can think of. It was an amazing experience, and I can’t recommend it enough.
I work as an instructional designer by day. I’ve developed curriculum for secondary and higher education, workforce training, and government training. The best part about my job is working with faculty and subject matter experts. I learn something new with every course I help develop, from social work to paramedicine to English to DEIA.
I was born in Arkansas and lived there until just after grad school, when I moved outside the state to seek my fortune, as it were. A lot happened between the time I left in 1995 and when I returned in 2016, and I had many amazing adventures. Arkansas is always home, though. I sometimes worry about our state’s national perception, but I have to say, after seeing most of the U.S., Arkansas is just about the prettiest state in the union. There’s a lot to love here, despite some of the challenges that we face.
I live on 25 acres, where Joe and I are working on planting more native plants and trees, growing things seasonally, and being good stewards of the land. I’m not trying to go back to the “good old days” and a hard-scrabble life, but I do think that some of those skills of living off the land and doing things yourself are worth having. And I want to have them.
I like knitting. I don’t get to do much of it these days, but it’s a relaxing hobby that is deeply satisfying.
I practice yoga, and I think I can safely say it saved my life. Not only does it help me develop greater confidence and strength in my body, but it also quiets my mind. Yoga has taught me patience and helped me understand that life is a journey, not a destination. Each day is different and brings a new opportunity to listen to your body and learn who you are.
We have three dogs and two cats. Yes, it’s crazy. Our dogs, Amos, Dude, and Andromeda (Andi) are Australian shepherds, and they are beautiful dogs with a ton of personality. They’re also very active and a little hyper. OK, a lot hyper. We also have two rescue kitties: A grey San Antonio special named Nixie, who is 11, and a pure white kitty named Socrates who is probably around 2.
I’ve taken a lot of time off from writing. Like everyone else, I’ve had a lot of things happen in the last few years. It’s not easy being creative when it seems like the world around you is falling apart or on fire, or both. I just want to say to other writers: I see you. Writing is hard, and right now it seems like everything is harder than it needs to be. Here’s hoping we all see some positive movement soon!
I’m published by an indie press, Aurelia Leo, and it’s been awesome. It’s amazing how much indie publishers have opened up the publishing world and allowed more voices to be heard. More books means more opportunities for readers to pick up something they really connect with. The more people share their stories and perspectives about the world, the better off we’ll all be.
I’m working on the sequel to Vagabonder! Now that I’ve introduced everyone to my characters and my world, I’m excited to share what happens next in my near-future dystopia. Is there hope for survival after the combined disasters of climate change, biological warfare, and oligarchy create a system that exploits the many to provide for the few? Tune in soon to find out!
About the Author
R. T. Coleman grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she nurtured a passion for reading and writing while nestled among blankets and pillows in her bedroom closet. Her love of science fiction was born when she saw Star Wars in the theater in 1977. Imagine her disappointment when she realized she could never actually be Princess Leia.
She lives in Springfield, Arkansas, with her partner Joe on their 25-acre farm, where she works as an instructional designer by day and a writer and editor by night. Vagabonder is her debut novel.
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