Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a lifelong fan of hard science fiction. I am a software developer by trade, and spent five years teaching computer science to undergrads. I have blended interests in computing, artificial intelligence, singularity theory, physics, and speculation on the future of technology. I started by writing technical books on computer programming with 19 published, and that largely explains why it took so long to get my first novel finished.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Mandate of Earth is my debut novel, which I started writing in 2003. I was inspired by reading rubbish from a well-known sci-fi author (in my opinion) and said to myself, “I can do better!” 12 years later, I’m not so sure. Wish I’d finished it sooner, but I began writing technical books instead. But the world was a different place back then for indie publishing too. I was very hesitant to go in this direction versus traditional publishing, but now I’m glad I did.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I occasionally get inspiration in spurts and fill in a couple pages in future chapters that I hadn’t thought about in much detail, then I tend to fill in up to that point. Also, I sit on my work for at least a year before releasing it, and review it from a fresh, objective point of view. I never rush anything out the door.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, and Greg Bear each influenced me in a big way.
What are you working on now?
A short story about a neuroscientist who builds a device that can download an animal brain and upload the data back again, and what happens (not good as you might imagine).
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Follow all of the book marketers on Twitter and FB and that will tend to explode as they follow you, and their followers take an interest in your work, then begin writing daily about something interesting–not just pushing your book.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get beta readers to review and give you feedback! This can be extremely helpful if you find good readers willing to give you advice. I rewrote the entire beginning of my novel when readers said it was too slow. I believe a very strong opening is critical to making it into the top 100 of your genre.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up!
What are you reading now?
I’m reading “Friday” (for the 3rd time) and “Methuselah’s Children” by Heinlein, and “The Science of Interstellar” by Kip Thorne.
What’s next for you as a writer?
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?
1. The Ultimate Survival Manual
2. Bush Craft 101
3. The Survival Medicine Handbook
4. Shelters, Shacks, and Shanties
Wait, were you just asking about my favorite books or are we talking a real desert island survival scenario?
Author Websites and Profiles
J. S. Harbour Website
J. S. Harbour Amazon Profile
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