Author's Commentary
At the time I finally decided to write my first medical thriller, I had one exciting story idea already cooking: a computer hacker breaking into a hospital's electronic medical chart system and altering records in such a way that patients suffer or die and their doctor is forced to take the fall. I have witnessed the evolution from handwritten paper medical charts to computerized digital records. I'm not against this transition at all because I know that the benefits of digital charts outweigh those of the older method. Still, like with any technological advancement, could something possibly go wrong, not with inherent flaws in the system but with sabotage by external forces?
I had fun brainstorming different types of medical errors and whether it is possible for a hacker to create them under a doctor's nose. In each instance, I worked to ensure accuracy and feasibility, with both the medical crisis and the related functions of the novel's fictional electronic medical record system called Icarus. To significantly add more intrigue and mystery to the plot, I have these events occur during a global cyberattack with a malware called Lucifer's Worm. I have no extensive technical knowledge of computers, so I do not know if it is possible to actually design a malware that spreads as an email message while leaving open backdoors in networks, allowing hackers to act at will. But hey, anything is possible in fiction.
This is the novel that introduces Dr. Mark Lin for the first time. I picture this story taking place during the worst days of his life when he is emotionally at his lowest. Much of it is based on my darkest days as a medical student and, for a brief time, medical intern. During those times, I had endured moments of intense frustration stemming from heavy workload, a lack of support from attending and resident physicians, and self-doubt about my abilities. It got me thinking. If I were to continue working as a physician and things go wrong that pin all of the blame on me, how would I handle it? Imagining this scenario led me to write about Dr. Mark Lin going mad as he deals with patients harmed by a computer hacker named Doctor Lucifer.
The character of Doctor Lucifer is designed to be a faceless villain whose whereabouts are a mystery. If Lucifer's Worm can cripple computer networks globally, anyone around the world could theoretically be targeting Mark for whatever reason. Meanwhile, he has to deal with two contentious secondary characters. One of them is Lisa Flint, the widow of a patient who dies in this story. Her anger at Mark reflects a deep distrust in the medical profession that some people may have. It is something I had experienced first-hand now and then. The other is Dr. Samuel Pierson, whom I created as the epitome of egotistical doctors, very much like the many arrogant medical professionals I've had to deal with face to face, to my utmost displeasure.
Speaking of arrogance in the medical profession, the novel's title should hint at that major theme in this story. It is widely known that Lucifer is one of several names that can refer to the devil. But if you look more closely at Christian theology, Lucifer was once an angel who was proud and desired to be like God, to the point of rebelling against God, being banished from heaven, and falling from grace. Lucifer became a demon that is associated with pride, one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Therefore, the title of the novel is more than just a reference to the villain. It also refers to doctors who are overly proud and act like they are god, arguably the key driver of the events in this medical thriller.
This debut novel is something I am proud of. I also expect this to be the shortest book of the series, because the events of the story take place over the course of just one week. Other medical thrillers I have in store occur over weeks to months. It would not make sense for a shorter novel like Doctor Lucifer to be released in the middle of the Dr. Mark Lin series. It would have to serve as the introduction to Mark and his world. At least it can showcase my author trademarks, like an emotionally intense writing style, detailed glimpses into the real world of medical professionals, and social commentary through Mark's cynical view of humanity. All in all, this book is the start of a series I am excited to write.
For my commentaries on the book series as a whole and other specific novels I have written, follow this link.
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