Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a bioengineer, currently on the tail-end of a PhD in Maryland. When I’m not research cardiovascular devices, I use my science background to aid me in writing my books. I’ve currently written and published one novel and a couple of short stories. However, I have two more novels with the editors right now that will be published around the late summer/early fall period.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is ‘Enhancement: Black Market DNA.’ Inspired by biomedical technologies and research, I wanted to explore what happens when the technologies (like genetic engineering) that are supposed to be making human life better are abused and manipulated for selfish interests. I think that ‘Enhancement’ is able to do that while providing a fast-paced ride through the eyes of Chris Morgan, an ex-con illegal genetic enhancement manufacturer. It was a blast to write and I hope it’s just as enjoyable and interesting to read.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, I like to blast Irish pub songs while I write. I’m not sure I can tell you why but it puts me in a productive mood.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Undoubtedly, Michael Crichton has been a tremendous influence. I loved to speckle in science with my thrillers and I doubt there are many in the technothriller genre who haven’t been inspired by him. David Brin’s ‘Earth’ also provided me a unique perspective to gauge the impact and consequences that human technology has upon our lives and, as the title implies, the rest of the world. And, James Rollins is a king of fast-paced thrill-ride novels. I really wanted to capture some of the twists and turns Rollins provides readers in my own work, especially in ‘Enhancement.’
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m finishing up two novels. In one, an artifical organ designed to provide its users virtual immortality ends up killing them instead. The organ’s inventor, an entrepreneur and researcher, must uncover why before he ends up as another victim of his own invention. In the second, a former special forces soldier is abducted and comes face-to-face with a biotechnological nightmare that sends him on a mad, twisted race to save his life.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I had a good answer for this question, but I think the best method to promoting your books is just to put out the best darn novel you can. Then, keep doing that.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
As a new author myself, my advice would be to make sure you’re professional in everything you do. Find good beta readers that will give you the critiques and advice necessary to make your work better. Identify editors who can ensure your voice comes across while polishing your book. Ensure you get a proofreader who knows their stuff.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just keep writing. Every day.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading a book by another scientist called ‘Chimeras’ in the Track Presius series by E.E. Giorgi. Giorgi really provides a fantastic blend of science, police procedural, mystery, humor, and thrills into one beast of a good detective story.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan on extending the ‘Black Market DNA’ series. Chris’s adventures are far from over and the world of illegal genetic enhancements is going to have a hard time letting go of him.
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?
I think I’d first pick ‘The Dubliners’ by James Joyce. Each story in there is thoughtful in its own way, providing plenty to think about. That would be key to me, too. Make sure that whatever I’m reading can be reread over and over if I’m going to be sipping from coconuts and talking to a volleyball for who-knows-how-long. After that, I’ll go with another heavy novel like ‘War and Peace’ or ‘Anna Karenina’ by Tolstoy. Then, maybe ‘Hearts in Atlantis’ by Stephen King. Plenty of good, entertaining stories in there.
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