Black Swan Impact
by Helen Hynson Vettori
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Black Swan?
A black swan is a catastrophic incident or event that no one could have foreseen or imagined because of its unprecedented impact.
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2. What is the novel Black Swan Impact about?
Black Swan Impact is a sci-fi political thriller that takes place in 2113. Having recovered from the devastation of World War III and reaching new scientific advancements, people believe only prosperity lies ahead until an emerging deadly pandemic threatens all of humanity. Dr. Syia Case, National Institutes of Health Director of Epidemiology, is invited to advise US President Daniel Piper and the White House Crisis Action Team to try to mitigate the threat. Actions required to protect US citizens from the lethal virus become increasingly challenging. However, when Piper steers the country toward questionable courses, Dr. Case and the strident voices on the task force find there is more than a virulent virus to fight.
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​3. What genre is Black Swan Impact and how do I find it?
Black Swan Impact is a 330 page, sci-fi political thriller. Beginning March 28, 2024, you may find it at bookstores or Online in text or audio format.
ISBN 9798889100911 (Paperback), ISBN 9798889100928 (Hardback), ISBN 9798889100942 (ePub e-book), ISBN 9798889100935 (Audiobook)
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4. How do you pronounce the name of the main character in Black Swan Impact ?
Syia is pronounced (sī-yuh).
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5. How do you pronounce the name of the author of Black Swan Impact?
Helen Hynson Vettori is pronounced (HELL-lun HIN-suhn Ve-TOR-ee)
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6. What made Helen Hynson Vettori, the author of Black Swan Impact, uniquely qualified to write the sci-fi political thriller?
A seventh generation Washingtonian, Helen Hynson Vettori grew up in the shadows of the Washington National Cathedral, surrounded by the federal government and its political practices from her earliest days. However, her bona fides truly stem from her emergency medical knowledge as a volunteer EMT and paramedic in the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad and career in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While serving in DHS she was a senior medical intelligence officer and emergency manager fellow. She worked tirelessly planning and preparing for biological threats to include pandemics, receiving an employee of the year award for Excellence In Emergency Management in 2013.
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7. Why did Vettori write the sci-fi political novel?
Vettori wrote Black Swan Impact as a result of her utter consternation regarding the US Federal Government’s response to SARS COVID-19. When COVID-19 emerged, she had already retired from the Department of Homeland Security workforce but knew the plans and preparations for biological threats, to include pandemics, that had taken place since 2005. During her years of service, she had played a major role in completing them. As the outbreak gripped the world, she became increasingly appalled by official actions or lack thereof and confusing messaging. The Federal Government’s miscues and confusion in response to COVID-19 caused her a great deal of exasperation, and she voiced her thoughts to her family and close friends. One day in 2020, her sister suggested that those statements sounded like the foundation for a book. Vettori put words on paper. They became cathartic for her as she confronted her disappointments ultimately writing Black Swan Impact.
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8. What Does Helen Hynson Vettori like to do when she’s not writing a book?
When Helen Hynson Vettori is not writing a book, she’s reading one. Some of her favorite characters are Mitch Rapp, Jack Reacher, Claire and Jamie Fraser, and Alice (in Wonderland). If there is a movie associated with one of her favorite books or characters, she might be watching it. Aside from literature and film, she loves art. Viewing it or creating it herself, she can spend hours in her studio. (You can view one of her most recent painting in the About Section.) However, perhaps the thing she loves to do best is spend time with her family at home or while traveling.
9. Did Helen Hynson Vettori weave some of her travel experiences into Black Swan Impact and, if so, give some examples?
Yes, Vettori loves to relive her travels, so she does places some of those memories in her fiction. She weaves Italy, Nepal, and Alaska into Black Swan Impact.
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10. Where may I find reviews for Black Swan Impact?
The first five reviews of Black Swan Impact may be found on the Black Swan Impact Website: https://helenhvettori.wixsite.com/black-swan-impact along with many other facets relevant to the sci-fi political thriller and Helen Hynson Vettori.
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11. Are book club questions available for Black Swan Impact?
Yes, there are book club questions for Black Swan Impact. They may be found at the end of the book or on the Black Swan Impact Website: https://helenhvettori.wixsite.com/black-swan-impact.
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12. What are “Windows” in Black Swan Impact?
Each chapter of the sci-fi political thriller, Black Swan Impact, begins with a “Window”. The author, Helen Hynson Vettori, chose the name window because the architectural feature usually is a transparent opening that provides views to that which otherwise would be obstructed or unobservable. Some of the Windows relate directly to their given chapters while others present backstories, but they all enrich the novel.
Do you have a question about Black Swan Impact or the author that you'd like to be answered? Email Helen Hynson Vettori (HelenHVettori@gmail.com). She'll respond to you directly and could upload your question with her answer on the FAQ list.