Behind the Story of The Mutant and The Mule

Written by GAC Staff

In this interview, Aaron Blair, the local author behind The Mutant and The Mule shares insights into their creative journey, combining sapphic romance with science fiction and fantasy in a dystopian world. Inspired by classical myths and a deep love for comics and sci-fi, the author explores the evolving human species in a totalitarian future.

The book is described as a sapphic science fantasy adventure set in a dystopian future. What drew you to combine these genres?

I had been working on the concept for some years. Initially inspired by my undergrad at U of T in the Classics department and exploring the mythological quest and labours stories associated with a special hero. These stories resonated with me being a comic book and science fiction/fantasy fan.

However, the concept stalled. I struggled with how the story could add something new to the very crowded YA sci-fi/fantasy space. What ignited the spark to complete the story was someone very close to me personally, many years later. As a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, they had complained that there weren’t enough YA stories that featured a 2SLGBTQIA+ protagonist that wasn’t coming of age focused. Their comment, regardless of its accuracy at the time, gave me the motivation to revive the concept and write something for them.

Consistent with their initial grievance, the story isn’t really about being a 2SLGBTQIA+ person in a dystopian future; that element is treated more matter-of-factly; the story is really centered around the quest, their relationship with their helper and the obstacles that they face in the story’s setting.

The world of The Mutant and The Mule is described as a dystopian society torn apart by genetic evolution. How did you go about building this world, and what are some of the key elements that make it unique or different from other dystopian settings?

This initially goes back to my undergraduate archaeology course. One of the theories put forward by our professor was that the decline of the Neanderthal could have been the result of Homo Sapiens and Neanderthals breeding sterile offspring. The book was really anchored in, if humans were to evolve again, into a new species, what would happen? If there had to be a choice, would the people in power try to preserve, or would society embrace this change. I chose the former rather than the latter, which I feel is consistent with our history as a species.

I decided the story to be Earthbound, since it was inspired by an archaeology course. It seemed fitting, rather than a galaxy far away, a different planet or plane. This challenged me to imagine this future. At the time it wasn’t so hard to imagine a future of artificial atmospheres, domed habitats and a totalitarian rule.

I understand it took a couple of decades to complete the book. Can you talk about some experiences or challenges you faced during that time?

I think, like many people who write, we have a number of projects in varying degrees of progress/completion. For a time I became interested in screenwriting and more energy into that medium. My day job became much more of a focus once I married my partner, more so when my children were born. As time freed up it allowed me to revisit some past projects.

In terms of writing style, who or what has influenced your approach to storytelling?

The depth and beauty of a tragic story about a suicide mission to serve a greater purpose in Firefly and Star Wars: Rogue One were really inspirational. Marvel’s X-Men comic series explores how mutants might be treated by a non-mutant society. Finally, the roots of mythology and quest stories such as Jason and the Argonauts, the labours of Heracles and Perseus and his quest to defeat the Kraken Were influential.From these influences, I incorporated heavy focus on quick pacing, much like a comic book or serial, using dialogue to drive action, build character and relationships, and changing perspectives to add layers to the story.

What are you most excited for readers to discover when The Mutant and The Mule is finally released?

I think I’m more excited to find out what readers discover and feel about the book. As my second novel, getting feedback from readers is so important to grow and learn about one’s own approach/craft. Editors certainly help, but there’s no substitute for reader feedback. I hope they enjoy the story certainly, but maybe really embrace how badass the protagonist, Helia, is while still getting emotionally invested in her journey and the characters that are intertwined with her story, Ari, her mule helper, and D’Souza, her antagonist with a twist.

Do you have any other projects in the works that you’re excited about, and if so, can you share a bit about them?

Yes, I’m just in the process of editing my next novel The Monk and the Machine, which is another YA Sci-Fi/Fantasy novel. As well as getting a start on What’s the Matter with Mark? which is more of a YA coming of age story set in the 90’s electronic club scene in Toronto.

You can purchase the book upon its release May 13th, 2025 at Indigo and Amazon.

This interview has been edited and condensed.