Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I began writing because I’m fascinated by where trends in culture and technology (especially artificial intelligence) may take humanity in the coming decades. I’m writing a four-book near-future sci-fi series to explore those issues. The first book, The Gods We Make, is published as of this writing and the second is well underway. I have also published a novella exploring the background of a character from the second book, with more novellas planned.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Ji-min is my latest work. It’s near-future sci-fi set in North Korea. I chose the setting because the belligerent talk from North Korea’s elite makes the news, while the suffering of its population goes mostly unnoticed.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing is inspired by real-world events (such as accounts from North Korean escapees) or real-world, cutting-edge science & technology. My first goal is to tell a compelling story, but I won’t take large liberties with reality in the process.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tolkien as a child. More recently Brandon Sanderson and Andy Weir top the list.
What are you working on now?
I’m about half-way through the first draft of The Gods We Seek, the second book in my series. It’s a real joy to write because I have come to know my characters well. It feels like I’m discovering their stories as my fingers type the words.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
If I knew that, I’d likely be a wealthy author now. It’s a process to figure it out and a complicated one at that.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what interests you, not what you think will sell. Get all the feedback you can and expect to rewrite many times.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Seek truth in your writing.
What are you reading now?
Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson and Lock In by John Scalzi.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m focused on completing my current novel, The Gods We Seek. I’ve already outlined The Gods We Find and The Gods We Are and can’t wait to start on those.
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?
Certainly something by Brandon Sanderson. They’re really, really long so I will have plenty of material to read.
Author Websites and Profiles
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