Brown's Origin inspired by evolution and creationism

Dan Brown has revealed his forthcoming novel Origin was inspired by the themes of evolution and creationism, as he discussed his concerns about overpopulation with the Mail on Sunday's Event Magazine.

In an interview with the magazine, which described Brown’s novel due to be published tomorrow (3rd October), as “a trademark Brown page-turner”, the thriller author revealed “the spark for the novel was a piece of music – Missa Charles Darwin – which is church music combined with scientific lyrics”. He added: “It was actually composed by my brother Gregory and it got me thinking about Darwin, evolution and creationism. I’m always looking for big ideas that knock against each other.”

Brown went on to discuss his concerns around overpopulation.

"I do believe that’s a huge problem," Brown said. "Someone said to me: if you could do anything to stem population, what would you do? I said I would basically have the human race born sterile and when you want a baby, you take a pill. So the baby is a choice." He continued: "I believe that some day that’s the way it will be, because we’re going to start living so long that we cannot afford to have 10 children, especially in undeveloped countries. It’s a very effective way to make sure every child in this world is wanted."

Brown, 53, has decided with his wife Blythe Newlon not to have children.

"We looked at each other and decided that we wanted to be creative – that’s really where our joy comes from," he said. "Blythe loves painting and sculpting and I like writing and playing the piano. We also have a very active social life and a lot of friends and we’re both independent people who are comfortable being apart or together. We’ve also got seven books – those are the kids."

Transworld revealed last year that Origin would see protagonist Professor Robert Langdon thrust "into the dangerous intersection of humankind’s two most enduring questions, and the earth-shaking discovery that will answer them".

Brown, who has previously received criticism for his writing, revealed he was bracing himself for more when Origin is published.

"We all have a bias against anything that becomes popular, so I understand the criticism," he said. "But I can’t lie – it hurt. I know I’m supposed to say I didn’t feel anything, but it’s not true. I would have liked to have written a book everyone loved, but that’s not the way the world works." He added: "I took it personally for a short time, but it’s fine. I’m used to getting beat up."

The title is being published by Transworld imprint Bantam Press and will retail at £20. Brown will do an event in Harrogate on 9th October.

The American author has written six number one international bestsellers, including The Da Vinci Code, Inferno, The Lost Symbol, Angels & Demons, Deception Point and Digital Fortress.