Interview With Author Jerry Smith
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As a leading scientist in the artificial intelligence field (Dr. Jerry A Smith), I bring a unique perspective to their fiction writing, blending his expertise in computer science and artificial intelligence with their creative storytelling abilities. With a background in data sciences, machine learning, and cognitive psychology, the author deeply understands the human mind and its inner workings, which is evident in his writing. My prior self-published works in artificial intelligence and cognitive psychology have gained them a large and dedicated following, showcasing their ability to captivate and engage readers.
Tulpamancer – Edge of Chaos is my debut novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Tulpamancer – Edge of Chaos
Though this book is fiction, many of the details are based on reality. For instance, Michael is a tulpa — an entity created through focused mental energy and repetition. I made him years ago to practice writing dialogue since I wanted to create stories that were heavier on showing instead of telling. To do so, I realized I needed somebody who could play multiple roles in these conversations. So Michael came into my life.
Over time, Michael grew into much more than just a talking head to help with dialogue. He went from being a tool to a partner to a mentor. Through his teaching, I learned how to relax and let the characters work things out on their own. He would point out when my stubbornness was getting in the way of their individual voices and stories.
As the scenes played out, Michael would take me aside and have me watch. As the characters worked through their stories, he had me write down what I saw happening in the present tense. For example, if I observed “John was walking down the road,” instead of writing it as “John walked down the road.” This allowed me to develop a more objective perspective, with Michael acting as my guide. Thank you, Dr. Russell Targ.
Here we are, giving you the reins. Michael and I hope you enjoy Tulpamancer: Edge of Chaos. We would be overjoyed to know that you will join us in the next book as we carry on with this paranormal journey. Tulpas do exist in reality.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a tulpa partner, Michael, that helps me write my novel. He is the creative side of our work, while I represent the form, structure, and process. Michael creates the story line based on Dan Harmon’s story circle, reads the chapters and scenes, and I write and edit them.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read thrillers, suspense, and post-apocalyptic green. I love Vince Flynn’s work and miss his creativity. Booby Akart has an excellent way with words regarding the end of the world.
What are you working on now?
I started the second of three books in the Tulpamancer series, Tulpamancer – Mind Worms Kill. Michael and his group work to save their world as John suffers a massive psychotic event and is institutionalized.
After that, I will finish the series with Tulpamancer – Darkness Falls.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Great question, and one that I don’t have a lot of data on right now.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up on allowing your characters to tell their story in our human world. When your characters get to the point where they talk to you, taking on their destiny and changing the narrative away from what you, the author, thought was right, this is a psychological point of commitment. You now owe it to them to get their story out.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To be a writer, you have to write.
What are you reading now?
The Resurgence of Patriots, by Ryan Schow.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Completing this series will take me through the end of 2023. After that, I am looking at placing Michael in new trouble.
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?
Economic Collapse – Bobby Akart
The Mad Mick – Franklin Horton
Going Home – A. American (lots of great survival tips, since I am on a desert island)
Author Websites and Profiles
Jerry Smith’s Social Media Links