How Murderbot Saved Martha Wells’ Life
It is not every day that a fictional character ends up becoming a real-life lifesaver for the author who created it. However, in the case of Martha Wells and her protagonist, Murderbot, this became an unexpectedly remarkable reality.
Martha Wells is a renowned science fiction author, best known for her award-winning series, The Murderbot Diaries. The series revolves around a rogue Security Unit, commonly referred to as Murderbot, which becomes self-aware and gains free will. With a unique blend of action, humor, and deep introspection, the character of Murderbot has captured the hearts of readers around the globe.
However, beyond the pages of her books, the experience between Martha Wells and her creation took an astonishing turn. In 2017, just after the release of the first book in The Murderbot Diaries, Wells found herself in a dire health situation. It was a sudden and frightening moment—an irregular heartbeat was detected in her regular medical examination, and emergency care was required.
As she sat in the emergency room, waiting for further tests and intervention, Martha Wells, like anyone in such a vulnerable situation, found herself grappling with anxiety and fear. But in her darkest moment, something unexpected happened. Her thoughts turned to Murderbot.
Wells recalled the strength, resilience, and unwavering determination displayed by her fictional character. She remembered how Murderbot had faced seemingly insurmountable odds and always found a way to overcome them. This fictitious android’s ability to persist, adapt, and survive became a source of inspiration for the author herself.
In that moment, Martha Wells realized the profound impact her own creation had on her psyche. Murderbot had served as a powerful mirror to her own struggles, fears, and resilience. The character’s journey, born from her imagination, had given her strength and hope in her own life.
As Wells embraced this newfound courage, she began to see a way forward, even in her hospital bed. She realized she needed the same qualities as Murderbot—an unwavering drive to overcome obstacles and face challenges head-on. The parallel between her own life and her creation’s existence began to intertwine, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
Fortunately, Martha Wells’ health scare had a positive outcome. Medical professionals successfully treated her irregular heartbeat, and she recovered fully. But the impact of Murderbot’s presence in her life continued long after her health improved.
Wells has since expressed her gratitude for her creation, acknowledging that Murderbot provided her with a unique perspective on life, resilience, and personal growth. Writing about the android’s struggles created a connection between author and character that transcended the boundaries of fiction, allowing Wells to draw strength and inspiration when she needed it most.
The experience with Murderbot served as a reminder of the profound ways literature can impact its creators. It showcased the inherent power of storytelling and the ability for characters to become a source of solace and light in times of darkness.
Martha Wells’ personal encounter with her creation, Murderbot, is a testament to the transformative power of fiction. In her time of need, this fictional character became her guiding light, providing strength, resilience, and hope. It serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of storytelling, both for the readers who find solace in characters and for the authors who discover unexpected connections with their own creations.
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