Interview With Author AJ Pagan
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a lover of fine foods, great books, and long hikes. I have a Weiner dog, new baby, and the best wife I could have never imagined. I have written six novels, published one last year, and working on publishing two in 2024.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My recently published book is Brian, Created Intelligence. It is the story of a biotechnology company that has created a human brain without a body, to study, to enhance understanding, and to create real artificial intelligence.
My latest book I've written is called Kevin. It's a science fiction novel delving into childhood trauma, and the ethics of both cloning and parenting. My inspiration with writing science fiction is generally always: where are we headed, why, and what is a realistic result of making those choices? That and my own childhood are inspirations for writing Kevin.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wake up at 4AM and write for two hours. I generally refuse to read any works in my genre as I write, I don't like the subconscious drift, I want to construct my own stories.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Michael Crichton was my childhood author hero. Jurassic Park, I mean come on, the movie and book are epic, and perfect examples of ethical what ifs. Dune and Hyperion are both such intricate, elaborate epic tales, I wish to emulate them more as homage than a real, story swap kind of thing.
What are you working on now?
I am working on editing two novels for publishing in 2024. One deals with the giant mistake of computer-brain interfaces, the other with a highly charged and dystopic science fiction tale of a Second American Civil War (that should be obvious).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My own website has a FREE GIVEAWAY via GoodReads for my first novel, Brian, Created Intelligence. In the coming months, once I figure out this computer website thingy, I will have a free copy on my site available for download.
https://www.neurallit.com/brianthebrain
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing and don't take anything too personally. This is a craft, an art form, a feeling of your mind. It's not what someone else is thinking, it's your own, so understand that when you're ready for constructive criticism. The most important part of writing, is knowing you are happy with your work. The rest is a bonus.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Persevere. Do not give up. Only those who keep going win. Winners are not the most talented, nor the smartest. The hard working, those who continue on shall always win.
What are you reading now?
Olympos, Dan Simmons. He is the master.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a comedic short story coming out (AND THE CAT'S DEAD, RIGHT?!) in an anthology with Phillip Carter!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion, The Sun Also Rises, F. Scott Fitzgerald short story collection.
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