An Engineer's Leap into Sci-Fi Writing- Wisam B. Ra'ad on The Internet of Heaven

When industrial engineer Wisam B. Ra'ad turned his attention from technical manuals to creative writing, he didn't just dabble; he created a science fiction legacy. 

Ra'ad's debut novel, The Internet of Heaven, tells the story of a scientist named Sammy Hanna and his journey through scientific theories and spiritual mysteries that irrevocably transform him. 

A Unique Journey of Equations and Enigmas

Ra'ad was born in Beirut. He holds a B.Sc. in industrial engineering with a professional background in calculus, machine vision, and technical precision. 

Although he was not a native English speaker, he was proficient. Ra'ad's initial forays into writing were rather functional. He used to write instructional documents, proposals, and short fiction inspired by his travel experiences, one of which was his unpublished work, Engineer in Distress.

"I always enjoyed science," Ra'ad notes, "but I was also drawn to writing. My novel, The Internet of Heaven, is a fusion of those passions." 

For Ra'ad, the journey from engineer to sci-fi novelist required immense patience and persistence. The Internet of Heaven underwent countless edits as Ra'ad strived to balance hard science and mathematical equations with a compelling, human-centered narrative. 

His protagonist, Sammy Hanna, is not just a scientist proposing advanced theories but a man on a complex journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. This story is about a terrific breakthrough by a troubled man who knows he is destined for greatness. 

While talking about his protagonist, Ra'ad said, "In The Internet of Heaven, Sammy's transformation is complex and partly open to interpretation." He wanted to position the protagonist as an influencer, someone following the higher calling and uplifting others. Sammy experiences hallucinations, confronts near-violent conflicts, and struggles with the inner turmoil that he considers a spiritual awakening. These intense experiences lead Sammy to seek worldly and otherworldly answers to life's mysteries.

Sammy's discovery grants him the power to become a modern-day hero. He becomes a reluctant teacher, delivering lectures on life's possibilities, technology, and philosophy while leaving his listeners to decide who he truly is. His journey of discovery is also interspersed with complicated romances and painful sacrifices.

Sammy's newfound identity also brought its own torment, especially as he grapples with mental health challenges and confrontations with local gangs. Ra'ad draws a delicate line between genius and madness, leaving readers questioning Sammy's destiny and sanity.

Ra'ad's training in industrial engineering gave him the tools to think systematically, and his love of science fueled the novel's visionary concepts. "I approached it like a research project, combining credible math with futuristic possibilities," he explains. 

Ra'ad's work is unique for its philosophical depth. "We're at a tipping point," he reflects. The Internet of Heaven offers new explanations for global warming and hints at the potential of clean energy, all while imagining a world where diseases have been conquered and the final frontier is the evolution of the human soul.

The engineer-turned-author credits his family and late partner, Meribeth, as his main inspirations. "Meribeth was able to read my book before she passed. She was always proud of my writing," Ra'ad shares. The loss and love he experienced found its way into Sammy's story, giving it even more sentimental value: "I wanted my family to be proud of this book, and I believe they are."

The Internet of Heaven bridges genres and generations with universal appeal. It taps into the current zeitgeist, presenting readers with a hopeful future. The novel is packed with current relevant challenges and science-based storytelling that feels timely and revolutionary. As readers journey with Sammy from his neighborhood troubles to the halls of power, they are invited to question the boundaries between science and spirituality.

Wisam B. Ra'ad has lived in seven countries and explored countless cultures, fueling his curiosity and love for storytelling. His writing reflects a global perspective, diverse experiences, and an unyielding quest for knowledge. His second book, It All Looks Like Pixels, is already underway, capturing the intrigue that has marked his journey so far.

A Vision of What Could Be

With The Internet of Heaven, Ra'ad's leap from engineering to literature is bold and exciting; his writing challenges readers to think beyond the everyday. His character, Sammy Hanna's story, is not just about a man discovering the world; it's about humanity's potential to achieve the extraordinary. As Ra'ad says, "We're all on a journey together. My hope is that this story inspires readers to look deeper and think bigger."Grab your copy today.