Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in the San Francisco Bay area. Ever since childhood, I’ve been interested in science. I studied to be a biochemist and did biochemical research for several years. At that time, the only writing I did was putting together grant proposals and research papers—pretty dry stuff. I went back to school and became a pathologist, a specialty I practiced for years before trying my hand at writing fiction. I incorporate elements of medicine or science in most of my writing. “Unnatural, Erica Rosen MD Trilogy Book 1” is the second novel I have written, but the first I have published.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first novel published, “Unnatural, Erica Rosen MD Trilogy Book 1,” was released earlier this year. I was forced to write this book the day I started it, around two years ago. No, I wasn’t held at gunpoint, but the idea came in a flash, and I couldn’t suppress it. I was getting ready to start another novel, one I’d been thinking about for some time, when I felt compelled to write this novel about human embryonic stem cell gene editing. Being interested in all things science, especially medically-related science, I’d read quite a bit about CRISPR/Cas9 and genetic engineering, a real game-changer in medical research. I loved the idea of introducing the effect of a genetic change by way of a Chinese girl with blue eyes. To use that in a thriller, I needed to think of a nefarious use for this technology. The novel took off from there.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t have any quirks. I prefer to write in complete quiet, but given that I don’t live alone, that’s often not possible.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think I am influenced by every book I read. Even books I think are terrible influence me in that I try to avoid the weaknesses I find.
What are you working on now?
I am working on “Unwitting,” which is book 2 of the Erica Rosen MD trilogy. The main characters introduced in Book 1 are involved, but Erica finds herself at the center of a new problem. This novel is actually the one I was planning to write when I was side-tracked by the idea of creating a novel about human genetic engineering, the central theme of Book 1. “Unwitting” will be published in October 2021. I am also working on Book 3 of the series but don’t have a title yet.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m pretty new to this, so I don’t have enough experience yet to have a “best.”
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn techniques for novel writing. I advise new (and seasoned) writers to read books, attend lectures, and take courses. However, that shouldn’t get in the way of writing. Don’t be afraid you don’t know enough. Just do it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get as much feedback as you can.
What are you reading now?
Currently, I’m reading a non-fiction book, The Lassa Ward. The author, Ross I Donaldson, MD, MPH, went to Africa to fight the deadly viral disease Lassa Fever.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will complete Book 3 of the Erica Rosen MD trilogy. After that, I may work on a collection of short stories.
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 would bring textbooks to learn Spanish, Swahili, Chinese, and Hindi. That would give me the best chance to communicate with any potential rescuers. It’s doubtful I’d be able to read them all and master the contents in less than twenty years, so I wouldn’t get bored with them.
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