Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a full-time writer, first time author and life-long reader. I just published my debut science-fiction novel, Mindguard, back in September and am currently learning the business and just generally enjoying the “indie” lifestyle. I’m married to a lovely woman named Ioana and we share our home with Picky, our gorgeous Netherland dwarf bunny.
I studied Letters, pursued an American Studies MA and wrote my thesis on the music of Tom Waits. I run a jazz-themed blog called The Music and Myth, where I review records and live shows and publish interviews with the musicians. One of my greatest accomplishments in writing is getting an article published in Cracked, though it hasn’t done very well because it’s about pro-wrestling.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My novel is called Mindguard and it was inspired by my impossible ambition to protect my loved ones from harm in every way.
My wife was upset over something one day and she was telling me about it. It was work-related, so there was really nothing I could do but try to cheer her up. But that is a process that takes time. I wished I could just instantly take make her sadness disappear or, better yet, somehow place an essence of myself between her mind and whatever was making her sad, like a bodyguard intercepting a physical threat. That’s when I came up with the concept of a Mindguard.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know about unusual but I generally prepare for highly emotional scenes by drinking lots of wine and listening to my favorite music. I often talk to myself (sometimes physically acting out the scenes – which, let me tell you, is a sight to behold) Even more often, I talk to the bunny. She doesn’t talk but I can generally get a sense of what she’s thinking from the way she wiggles her nose.
Whenever I’m stuck in a certain scene and can’t find my way out I work out to exhaustion. The solution usually pops up the second I finish the workout.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Garden of Rama by Arthur C Clarke and Gentry Lee was the first sci-fi book I ever read, so that was an enormous influence. My all-time favorite book is Frank Herbert’s Dune, which changed my life. I used to read a lot of Dean Koontz’s work. I always got a kick out of his novels and enjoyed his writing style, though I’m not crazy about the way he tends to moralize.
Robert L Stevenson’s Treasure Island was a great influence on me growing up, because of the way in which he portrayed the villain, John Silver. Hugh Howey’s Wool was a great influence because it introduced me to the concept of self-publishing. Frank Schätzing’s The Swarm made me love wine and since wine is such a great part of my writing process I guess you can say the book influenced me a lot.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on a new sci-fi novel called Skyborn. I plan to release it in serial format, starting December. I’m also currently developing the sequel to Mindguard, which will be out sometime next year.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It’s still too early to tell.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t let it be just a dream. Make it a goal! Then work your ass off to attain it. Treat it like a career, not a hobby. Be in love with your characters, they are your story. Talk to them. More importantly: listen to them. They are smarter than you.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You should marry that woman!” – my family.
But as far as writing is concerned, it’s something my former literature professor once said to me. It wasn’t so much a piece of advice as it was a prophetic “warning”. I had told him that I hadn’t written in over six years and had no interest in ever writing again. He said “Someday you will write again”, I said “No” and he said “Oh, yeah!”. I started writing again two years later.
What are you reading now?
A Game of Thrones, just to be in sync with the rest of the literate world. I love it, though. I also have this idea of giving a bit of a fantasy “vibe” to Skyborn, so I’m hoping to steal some trade. Thanks, George!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Success, fame and fortune. Mindguard in every airport bookstore. Mindguard, the movie, with young Edward Norton playing Sheldon Ayers. But I also have some big plans.
Nah, I’m kidding (sort of). What’s next is more writing and the hope that it will reach as many readers as possible. Every day that I’m able to keep doing this is a blessing, a cherished gift.
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?
“Ultrasimple Boat Building: 18 Plywood Boats Anyone Can Build” by Gavin Atkin
“Coconut Delights Cookbook: A Collection of Coconut Recipes” by Karen Jean Matsko Hood
“Surviving Sharks and Other Dangerous Creatures” by Allan Zullo
Author Websites and Profiles
Andrei Cherascu Website
Andrei Cherascu Amazon Profile
Andrei Cherascu’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account