Author Stephen C. Lawley on his thriller ‘The Catalyst’ offering an optimistic outlook on global warming

The idea for ‘The Catalyst’ first came to me in 1976, during what remains the hottest summer on record. At the time, I was in my final year as a chemistry student. My tutor was deeply interested in how chemistry could play a role in combating global warming. Together, we often discussed the potential of catalysts to help mitigate its effects.

For context, a catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process — much like how yeast ferments sugar into alcohol. These early conversations stayed with me and ultimately inspired the core concept of the book.

I hope ‘The Catalyst’ leaves readers with a sense of optimism — that reversing the effects of global warming is not only possible but within our reach.

One of the biggest challenges was developing the characters and building their world. The first 10,000 words were particularly tough, as I was still figuring out their voices and the flow of the narrative. However, once the foundation was laid, the writing process became more fluid. Setting weekly goals helped me stay focused and motivated.

The title is deeply personal. It connects directly to my university research and the meaningful mentorship I received from my tutor. While writing the book, I often thought of him — one of the main characters is, in fact, inspired by him. The concept of a "catalyst" reflects both the scientific element of the story and the emotional core behind its creation.

I dedicate at least an hour each day to review and revise what I wrote the day before. This helps me maintain consistency and improve the quality of the narrative. I also set weekly targets, whether it’s completing a chapter or reaching a certain word count, which helps me stay on track and maintain momentum.

The response has been incredibly heartening. Many readers have said they found the story both compelling and thought-provoking. Several have even suggested it would make a fantastic film, which has been incredibly flattering.

Above all, I want to inspire readers to believe in a better future. ‘The Catalyst’ aims to spark hope that global warming is a challenge we can overcome. On a personal level, the recognition and support I’ve received have been both humbling and gratifying.

Absolutely. I’ve already begun working on the sequel to ‘The Catalyst’ and have several ideas lined up for future projects. This is just the beginning.