Uncanny Valley with Matt McHugh

To celebrate the launch of Uncanny Valley: A Science Fiction Anthology we asked our authors four simple questions.

Matt McHugh gives some insight into his short story, “Immaculate Contraption”, which you can find both in our online library here or in the anthology.


What was the inspiration behind your short story?

Sixteen years of Catholic school + the Three Laws of Robotics = Robot who wants to be baptized. Where else could it lead? 

What does science fiction mean to you?

Take a familiar human situation. Cast it into unfamiliar territory with some semi-plausible extrapolation of known science. See that situation with a fresh eye. 

What’s your favorite science fiction artwork, book, or film?

Book: Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke (The pure awe of discovery.) 
Film: 2001: A Space Odyssey directly by Stanley Kubrick (Human evolution—past, present, and future—in 164 minutes.) 
Artwork: The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh (Spiral galaxies and fractal turbulence swirling over a sleeping village.) 

Androids or Aliens?

Androids. Aliens exist, but we will never, ever, ever meet them. (I know… it disappoints me, too.)




Read Uncanny Valley: A Science Fiction Anthology on Amazon or Kobo. Keep up to date with all Distant Shore Publishing’s new releases, opportunities, and short stories via our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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