Describe the plot of your book in a few sentences.
As a scientist takes on the world’s oligarchs as he searched for dark energy his dreams take him back into the life of a young Roman engineer who is transformed by a visit to the Great Library of Alexandria. Science and shamanism, future and past collide in this debut indie novel.
Who (age, gender, etc) do you think would most appreciate this book?
18+
What inspirations contributed to this book?
A series of vivid dreams which began in 2004, which drove me to read various texts from the world’s mystery schools, religions and cultures. Beneath the veneer of culture, everything seemed the same. The path led me to a strange, awe-inspiring sense of entanglement which I wanted to express as the story took shape in my mind.
Who was your favorite character to write?
Marcus Agrippa, an unsung hero to western civilization.
How long have you been writing?
For perhaps 30 years between college, grad school and my professional career. I write a blog on cloud computing, for example. I started the novel a few years ago as the dreams became overpowering. They eased as I started writing and underwent hypnosis related to mental blocks.
What is your favorite book?
I have many. The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho is up there with The Master and Margarita by Bulgakov.
What genre do you read most frequently?
Spirituality and Dreaming followed by news feeds on science and innovation.
How do you think you've evolved as a writer since when you first started?
I’ve been writing technical materials for years, especially related to the evolution of information technology. Shifting to novel writing was a big leap for me.
Are there any aspects (e.g. character building, world building) of your writing that you've been practicing?
Yoga. I’ve been obsessed with modernization and the march of progress since a very young age.
As a writer, one would assume English was your favorite class in school. If that was not the case, what was and why?
At Reed College I took a course called The Systematic Studies of Religion and another on Quantitative Analysis. They had a significant impact on how I understood the world.
How do you feel about the increasing popularity of ebooks?
I think it’s amazing.
What are your goals as a writer for the next ten years?
Finish my novel by end of 2014. After that I’ll let the underground river take me where it may.
What is the most impactful experience you have had with a fan?
Deep, meaningful discussions on where science and spirituality are going and how both are critically important to the age we are entering. A mutual sense of keeping ourselves open to the unknown.
Have your family and friends been supportive of your writing?
Yes, especially since I launched the Kickstarter campaign end of May.
Is there any aspect of writing you don't like (e.g. editing)?
Not yet. :)
Have you ever had writer's block? If yes, how'd you deal with it? If you have not had writer's block, why do you think you haven't?
Yes. As the Roman warship approached Alexandria in 48BC I kept writing on and on about the trip to get there. Endless details about stops, messages, the changing color of the water as we passed the Nile delta, etc. I was afraid to go further. I went under hypnosis. It released a torrent of emotions. Ultimately, hypnosis helped me to achieve clarity and conceptualize the rest of the story. There are some very devastating events to unfold there as the novel takes shape. They were not easy to think about at the time. Deeply personal and troubling events.
Do you write with a computer, typewriter, or pen and paper? Why do you use this tool?
I’m hooked on the PC and MSFT Word.
What do you have in mind for your next project?
Perhaps a print edition. I have no other book simmering beneath the surface. This is it.
Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
It is my best effort to connect large groups of people who might otherwise feel disconnected. We are all entangled with each other.
More Information
Buy the book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sword-Agrippa-Science-Mysticism-Innovation-ebook/dp/B00LCOTMCU
No comments:
Post a Comment