Speculative. An attempt to transcribe the absurdity of real life.
Nat Ajuba writes novels and screenplays. She lives in San Diego with her two kids and spends most of her time worrying she's watching too much TV.
Her debut novel, Synth Pulse, is available now. She's currently working on something lighter — she hopes.
Synth Pulse
THEY LOOKED AT HER WITH INDIFFERENCE. NO, NOT INDIFFERENCE. MORE LIKE THE FEELING A BOILED POTATO ELICITS. NOTHING — IT'S A BOILED POTATO.
The New California Republic succeeded. Synthetic beings created to be stronger, faster and predictably obedient reside alongside the Organics, at least till the generational fade-out of that lesser being (contaminant) is complete.
The better being is to absorb, the lesser being — dissolve.
But they didn't account for one thing — how do you say no to a better being when he decides he too wants choice?
NCR Compliance Screening Deviation Stress Test Are you a better being — or a contaminant? Take the test.Ebook and paperback available
Notes & News
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ReleaseAvailable now
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Cover RevealSummer 2026 — on Instagram @natajuba.
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Launch EventTBD
Nat is currently buried in a children's book, and something that involves a guy named Ed and his eternal job as the shit shoveler of hell.
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Launch updates and occasional dispatches from the desk. Sent rarely. Easy to leave.