Interview With Author Ari Mendelson
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an attorney and father living in Tampa, Florida. In 2011 I wrote Bias Incident, a humorous standalone satire. This year I completed the Kingmaker Series, which is a trilogy of thriller novels.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Kingmaker Series is my latest work. It was inspired by the insight that computers are far better than humans at games such as checkers, chess, and go. Further, persuasion is a ‘game’ that has rules just like a board game. I wondered what would happen if computers could master the game so well that they could convince anyone to do nearly anything.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I based my entire writing style on a deep understanding of human emotions and how those emotions motivated my characters. I depended on this understanding to construct the plot for me rather than coming up with a plot and building characters to fit.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Michael Crichton, Will Jordan, and a large number of courses from the Great Courses series.
What are you working on now?
Book promotion and the audiobook for Consent.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m searching for that every day.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Check out The Critical Drinker’s video on setup and payoff. You can build an entire approach to writing from the method of setup and payoff.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read Strunk and White.
What are you reading now?
Victor Davis Hanson’s book on the second world wars.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I don’t know, I’m taking it as it comes.
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?
The Hebrew Bible, The Works of Shakespeare, and Dante’s Divine Comedy.
Author Websites and Profiles
Ari Mendelson’s Social Media Links