Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve completed two books. The first, “Ebola: An Evolving Story” was written to help the public understand the conflicting information coming from US government agencies and from media reports. The second, “Cures vs. Profits: Successes in Translational Research” is coming out in 2016.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My second and latest book, “Cures vs. Profits: Successes in Translational Research”, is a response to the need for the public to understand biomedical research, why clinical trials are important, the strengths and the weakness of various approaches to conducting clinical research, and how to identify solid, accurate claims made about medicines. I wanted to share with the public the most uplifiting stories about advances in medicine made via research. What I found was a constant tension between the profit motive and the motive to bring forward improvements in medicine. It’s a good read, so far people have really enjoyed the draft.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to work on many projects at once. I’m a lifelong student and educator, and my goal in August 2014 was to become a prolific nonfiction author, tackling modern and emerging issues. I found myself writing a Sci-Fi book while writing “Ebola”, and then a serial murder-mystery book while writing “Cures”. What that says about me, I’m not sure.
In my non-fiction writing, it takes me about a day and half to flesh out each chapter for non-fiction. I like to include interviews from experts – people who are more expert than I on specific topic. I spend about 4-5 days to put the first-pass finishing touches. I then found, for both books, a common overall theme emerging running through the chapters – in both cases I did not anticipate the specific theme. That’s what I call the book “coming to life”. I then bounce from chapter to chapter, making connections across chapters. That is the most enjoyable part of the finishing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Paul Colinvaux (my Master’s thesis advisor), Stephan J. Gould, Richard Dawkins and of course Richard Feynman and Carl Sagan.
What are you working on now?
My Sci-Fi story is called “Insertion”, and it involves parasitic mind-invading aliens who tap into civilizations on other planets who tap into quantum streams of communication. I use a fairly clever plot device that results in the aliens appearing on the planet without having to solve the problem of interstellar travel.
My serial killer murder mystery is called “Rumors”, and the solution to the mystery is my revenge on Stephen King for scaring the crap out of me with the hobbling scene in “Mysery”. I hope it pisses him and everyone else who loves horror genre off.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have found that blogging about topics other those that are dealt with in my books is a great way to get people to learn about my books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
You must write about something that you are passionate about. And make time for loved ones.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
About writing? Write everyday, and READ prolifically. Carry a notepad to jot down your thoughts. You cannot be an eternal fountain of internal inspiration. Don’t always look for inspiration in others’ writings – just let it wash over you.
What are you reading now?
“Vaccine Whistleblower” by Barry (Skyhorse Publishing)
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not sure. I am about to launch a new not-for-profit research institute called IPAK – we are going to conduct research that is 100% free from profit motives. So I guess the next phase of my writing will be newsletter articles and peer-reviewed research papers!
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?
“How to Get Off a Desert Island” would be the first one!
I suppose I would like to bring 4 very large (long) science fiction anthologies.
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