Andrew G. Berger

When you're working on a book and a new idea pops up, should you pursue it immediately (also known as 'UP syndrome') or finish your current project first? What do you think is the best course of action?

I think every writer has his/her own way to deal with such ideas. I personally tend to concentrate on the project at hand, but I also use a pin board to pin down new ideas so that they are not lost.

Which character do you enjoy writing the most as a writer and why? If choosing a favorite character is like choosing a favorite child, which character do you find requires the most attention and detail from you as a writer?

I enjoyed all the characters and their interplay. But, of course, the main characters require the most attention. During the writing process, many of the supporting characters developed a life of their own and became increasingly important, so I gave them more room to move.

Can you explain your writing process? Do you prefer to create an outline and plan beforehand, or do you prefer to write more spontaneously and organically?

I started with a basic story idea and plot outline. As the writing progressed, the story became more and more complex, and it was quite a challenge to keep track of all the different strands of the story and the many characters and weave them together in a meaningful and exciting way. I also had to accept that the characters had developed a life of their own, so I just followed them and the flow to find out where it would take me. After having finished the first draft, the re-write process began to make sure that every piece fell into the right place.

Describe the [book/series] in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.

A glimpse into what our future might hold.

Was there anything you had to research for the book?

Of course, good research is essential. The technical details and the whole setting must be coherent - despite all the poetic and creative freedom that is necessary to write an exciting, captivating story.

Did you have any say in the cover design?

Yes, of course, I ordered it and discussed and commented on each draft I received from the designer until I was fine with the result and accepted it.

Do you have any personal connection to the story or characters?

Of course, because I created them. They are based on my thoughts, my ideas, my imagination, which in turn are based on my experiences and my character, the books I have read, my likes and dislikes, fears and hopes, my values, the society and time I live in. Nobody writes in a vacuum.