Dr. Quasar’s Nightmare — The Story, Its Origins, and the Audiobook
An alcoholic physicist performs an experiment that unravels the waves of time—and becomes trapped in the consequences. In this introduction, author Jonathan David discusses Dr. Quasar’s Nightmare, one of his earliest novels and a personal favorite, before beginning his narration of the audiobook.
Combining strange time travel, alternate realities, and the unsettling atmosphere of a building its central character cannot escape, the story follows a man struggling to understand whether his surroundings, his consciousness, or reality itself has changed.
An Experiment That Unravels Reality
Dr. James Francis Quasar’s experiment sends his consciousness into different versions of himself across alternate universes. He remains himself, in his own body—or what appears to be his own body—but the world around him no longer behaves as expected.
His drinking further complicates his understanding of these events. Falling asleep and waking up becomes an uncertain passage between realities, leaving him to question what happened, what changed, and where he actually is.
- A physicist at the center — A scientific experiment opens the door to experiences its creator cannot control.
- Different versions of the same man — His consciousness moves between alternate versions of himself.
- A familiar building made unfamiliar — The setting becomes a source of confinement, confusion, and suspense.
- Connections across stories — Jonathan mentions appearances by a fictionalized Nikola Tesla and a character from The Killers’ Therapist.
Time Travel Meets a Nightmare
Jonathan describes the atmosphere as a combination of Hotel California, The Shining, and time travel. Those comparisons convey the feeling he is aiming for: a strange, enclosed world where familiar surroundings become increasingly difficult to understand or leave.
Rather than a straightforward journey from one historical date to another, the premise centers on the disorientation of inhabiting different realities while trying to make sense of your own experience.
Why Jonathan Wrote the Book
The novel began while Jonathan was preparing for the verbal portion of the Graduate Record Examination. He says he wanted to practice unfamiliar vocabulary by incorporating those words into a story.
That exercise became a full-length novel. According to Jonathan, he wrote approximately 80,000 words in about a week, then spent roughly a year editing the manuscript. The experience helped shape his approach to fiction and taught him how much work can remain after a first draft is finished.
He also describes drawing inspiration from his experiences in the building where he lived. Those experiences became material for a fictional world of experiments, uncertainty, and unsettling events.
From The Pounding to Dr. Quasar’s Nightmare
The book went through several titles as Jonathan experimented with presenting his early fiction. He originally called it The Pounding, later used Dr. Quasar’s Timewaves, and eventually settled on Dr. Quasar’s Nightmare.
Its cover also changed over time. In the video, Jonathan shows an earlier design he made himself and explains that the newer cover uses an AI-generated image that he adjusted for the finished presentation.
Jonathan states that he wrote this novel years before the AI tools discussed in the video became available. He distinguishes the original manuscript from the newer AI-assisted cover artwork.
A Lesson from the Editing Process
For aspiring authors, Jonathan’s experience offers a practical reminder: finishing a draft and finishing a book are different milestones. A quickly written manuscript can require substantial revision.
His own preference is to refine and edit as he writes, reducing the amount of unfinished work left at the end. He plans to share recordings of his writing process on his website so interested readers can watch how he develops and revises new books.
Listen to the Author Narrate
Jonathan describes his books as works he intends to perform aloud. For Dr. Quasar’s Nightmare, he plans to read directly from the book in a video audiobook, allowing members to watch the narration or simply listen.
The opening chapter is introduced as “Last and Final Journal Entry” by Dr. James Francis Quasar. Jonathan’s performance brings his own voice and delivery to the story he created.
Visit AuthorJonathanDavid.com for available chapters and membership options. Audiobooks are being narrated and added one chapter at a time, with ad-free access on the website.
Handmade and Signed Editions
In the video, Jonathan also introduces his handmade book bundles. The package he describes includes a signed handmade edition, matching bookmarks, a miniature replica containing the complete novel, and a magnifying glass for its small print.
At the time of recording, he quotes $99 for the handmade package and says he is still adding products to his website. Consult the store for current prices, contents, and availability.
He also invites readers to ask about signed collections and occasional bundles of books remaining after his book-signing season. Those offers depend on the stock available when requested.
Explore the Story and Support New Work
If you enjoy unusual science fiction, unsettling mysteries, and author-narrated stories, explore Dr. Quasar’s Nightmare and Jonathan’s other books. Membership support helps fund the time he spends writing, recording, and building his ad-free library.
Disclaimer — This novel is fiction and is intended for entertainment. Its scientific experiments, alternate realities, characters, and events should not be treated as factual accounts or scientific instruction. Ages 18+ recommended for mature themes. Commentary in the accompanying video expresses personal opinions and experiences. Product availability, pricing, and membership offerings may change.