Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Tom Reissmann grew up under socialism in East Germany. After the fall of the Wall, he ventured out into the world, a journey that led him to live in seven different countries. He attended University in Britain and Australia and became a travel videographer, ensuring his global adventures continue.
Having witnessed the peaceful transition from a rigid, self-protective system in East Germany, he remains optimistic about the future of the world and its ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances and technology.
Often dismayed by dystopian visions of the future depicted in many books and movies, Thomas felt compelled to write a more optimistic science fiction novel offering a brighter outlook, while also discussing the obvious dangers of artificial intelligence and the current drift into authoritarianism, alternate realities, and surveillance capitalism.
Tom is a writer for International Living and the creator of an award-winning documentary (The Grizzly Truth) that helped to end the grizzly-bear-hunt in British Columbia, Canada.
His fiction is informed by science, history, and philosophy. Tom has worked with several science advisors and editors to produce The Reality Games.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Reality Games. I believe we are inundated with bad news every single day and it is all doom and gloom. However, looking at history and statistics (Sapiens by Harari) our world is actually more peaceful and safer than ever before. It seems that technology and science can solve most problems but we’re always focused on the problems. Therefore, I wanted to write utopian and optimistic fiction while also warning about technology and climate change.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write like a maniac. I forget to eat and drink and just get caught up in the process.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Books such as Sapiens, The Grand Design, Homo Deus, The Three-Body Problem, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry and Our Final Invention have inspired the narrative of The Reality Games, along with TV Series like Black Mirror, Devs, and Westworld.
What are you working on now?
Promoting The Reality Games.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
A variety of different ones.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just pour it out and then perfect it with feedback from others and editors.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
shorter is better
What are you reading now?
Hoax by Brian Stelter
What’s next for you as a writer?
Write a sequel
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?
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, The Tao of Poo
Author Websites and Profiles
Tom Reissmann Website
Tom Reissmann Amazon Profile
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