What is your writing niche?
As a fictional author, my niche is weaving together theoretical physics with greed, murder and mayhem. I focus on Proposed Theories such as Einstein-Rosen Bridges (wormholes as they are commonly known), String Theory, Parallel Dimensions, Dark Energy, and Dark Matter among others. These proposed theories are the results of scientists, philosophers, and theologians trying to elegantly explain the universe we live in and our place in it, but have yet to be verified.
What direction are scientists and physicists moving in?
The overlapping proposed theory I am most interested in is the Theory of Everything. Even though Einstein's Theory of General Relativity (science of the very big like galaxies) and quantum mechanics (science of the very small like sub-atomic particles) are supported by rigorous and repeated empirical evidence and do not theoretically contradict one other, they are not compatible when scientists try to incorporate them within one cohesive model.
Many scientists today are seeking to discover a unified theory that would elegantly combine these two schools into one Theory of Everything. Easier said than done in a three-dimensional spatial universe (length, width, and height). However, what is amazing is when additional dimensions are added, like in String Theory, then many (not all) problems are elegantly reconciled.
I’m also following events at CERN and projects physicists are conducting using the Large Hadron Collider. Expectations are high, but we will have to wait and see what, if anything, they can measure when they smash sub-atomic particles traveling in opposite directions near the speed of light.
Why is this important? What’s wrong with living in a three dimension spatial universe?
The possibilities are seemingly endless. For example, would a unified theory need to take into account the spiritual realm. Throughout the history of mankind, most civilizations held the belief of a spiritual world that is more real than our own.
We do not really have any idea what else is out there, but there is no reason to believe that we are the only intelligent beings in the universe. That would be arrogant and asinine. There is no reason to believe that whatever else is out there will necessarily have to obey the same laws of physics that we do. Perhaps a unified theory of everything will need to take into consideration parallel dimensions beyond our currently accepted space-time continuum where angels and demons dwell and cross back and forth at will. This is entirely possible as we will see once we look at hyperspace in a future blog. This is indeed a very strange universe we live in.
Is there anything you stay away from?
What I avoid is writing stories set in the future, in outer space, or with people with pointy ears or green skin. BREAKTHROUGH is set right here on planet earth in Orange County, California and in metropolitan Boston. Although one could realistically place my genre as science fiction, I prefer to think of them as action thrillers since mankind could very well be on the cusp of making breakthrough discoveries in these areas in our lifetime.
I also have three taboos: I never use God’s name in vain, there are no F-bombs in my stories, and I will not exploit children to further the plot or make the villain more evil.
What kind of balance do you seek in your novels?
Lots of action balanced out with terrific character development. There is a lot of action in BREAKTHROUGH, including eleven murders, several action-packed fight scenes, and numerous other tense events. Character development provides an opportunity to take a break from the action. Also, I want the reader to form an affinity with the protagonist as well as his supporting cast.
Much of my time is spent researching locations in the setting. I use actual restaurants, night clubs, and Starbucks locations and include meals, wine and drinks off their menus. I use Google Earth, images off the Internet, and customer reviews to zero in on a particular establishment to better describe its physical makeup and ambience. I even visit the establishments and order what the characters eat and drink in the story.
What is your background?
I have a B.A. in information systems and an MBA degree in global management. I am currently completing his doctorate program in business administration. I have spent over ten years in consumer finance for some of the largest companies in the industry, holding numerous management positions. After many years of writing short stories and poems, I have taken the last two years to fulfill my lifelong passion: write and publish fictional thrillers. I have four more suspense thrillers to follow. I receive inspiration from some of my favorite authors: the Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child tandem, Dean Koontz, Dan Brown, and Stephen King, among others.
Book Description:
* Hardcover: 424 pages
* Publisher: iUniverse.com (December 31, 2008)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 0595710700
* ISBN-13: 978-0595710706
* Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.5 inches
Readers can visit my blog site
Breakthrough can be purchased through traditional retailers. Currently, Barnes and Noble online has the lowest price and offers free shipping.
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28 comments:
Wow! Riveting interview. Right up my alley. As a paranormal writer, I try to draw a connection between the physical world and the intangible elements of perceptual experiences. If science can reconcile the two, then alternate realities are easily explained and the paranormal becomes the norm. See, we are not alone. Great job, Stephen. Way to go, Elysabeth. Thanks!
Thanks Dana. You are quick on the draw. I'm sure Stephen will stop by and leave some comments later in the day (I think he is West Coast, so may just be getting up - lol). It's interesting to find that no matter what type of book we write, we all have similar ways of getting to the end product. Thanks for stopping by - E ;)
I find string theory fascinating. I'm not sure whether it's anything more than an extremely sophisticated mathematical game, but I love thinking about it. Do your other novels feature string theory?
Good interview, Steven and Elysabeth.
Great interview, Elysabeth.
Stephen, only you can make String Theory sound like a riveting plot for a fiction novel! You definitely caught my interest. I wish you much success.
I'm not a paranormal reader, yet every once in a while one comes along I find interesting. The trick, for me, is to find one I can "believe" even if not "possible" in our world.
Thanks, Stephen and Elysabeth
Hi everyone, and thanks for stopping by and leaving comments. Yes, I'm on the West Coast and just getting up. It was a very late night. Have a great day!
That's a specific niche!
And Preston & Child are two of the best writers out there.
Breakthrough Author indeed! Stephen Tremp sounds like a brilliant person and I'll bet his book is wonderful.
Another Wow from me! This is a great post. I find this stuff fascinating. There is certainly much more than meets the eye.
And, I like your 3 taboos, Stephen!
Karen Cioffi
Karen, I will always stick to these three taboos. I remember reading one of my favorite authors one day (who previously did not use F-bombs) and there it was. I was taken back because it was totally unexpected and offered absolutely nothing to the dialogue, plot, or characters.
For my particular style of writing, sporatic mild swearing is acceptable, but anything above and beyond would take away from the integrity of the characters, even the bad guys.
Hmm. I can't say that I understood those first comments about all the science, but it's always interesting to see how people use the background they have--whatever it may be--in their writing.
Elizabeth, I've come from Stephen's blog. You do have him talking; still too esoteric for me, as in too much scientific theory I know little about, but still intriguing. Thanks.
Lakeviewer, it was his interview. I just like to put different angles here. Thanks for stopping by everyone. Hope you have enjoyed the visit with Stephen. - E :)
Great interview! I think you've created a real unique corner of the writing universe for yourself, Stephen :)
Interesting interview. I like the fact that your novel is set in modern day and not in the future with people living in outer space. Wishing you much success.
One thing I learned is that most readers do not want to read long stretches of technical stuff. I have one chapter dedicated to explaining the basic concepts of wormholes.
The setting is at UCI and Chase is teaching a group of students. I keep it short and sweet. There are smatterings of technical explanations, but they are quick and painless. A sentence or two here. A few paragraphs there. That's about it.
Thanks for stopping by, Steve and sharing some insight into your genre and writing. E :)
Great interview, I like your three taboos and that you keep your technical stuff short and sweet.
Martha Swirzinski
great interview. And I thought writing historical fiction was hard
Stephen, I'm curious about your background. Seems like you have lots of non-science skills and education--all good. Where in the world did you get your command of the esoteric, science-oriented worlds you write about? Thanks.
Best Wishes Galen.
Imagineering Fiction Blog
Wonderful interview! I love action in novels...Thanks, Stephen and Elysabeth!
Liana
Fascinating subject! I plan to read your book. I'm a cosmology junkie who has read A Brief History of Time 5 times. I've also read many other titles about physics and cosmology, especially about black holes. My brother is an astrophysicist, so he's been a big influence!
What a great topic! I love to read paranormal books. Thanks for telling us about it. Great interview :)
I love to connect with other paranormal writers. Great interview, loved the details, and great to find out more about your writing. Thank you.
Galen,
Although I have an intense interest in trying to explain the universe I live in, my place in it, and where the heck we are going, I certainly do not have a command of the esoteric, science-oriented worlds. I began outlining the BREAKTHROUGH trilogy with a sense I’m not writing a college text book on physics. I’m writing a fictional suspense thriller.
Since taking a voluntary layoff from work three years ago, I have had the time to study these concepts devoting literally hundreds and hundreds of hours to research the latest and greatest on these matters. I also watch interviews from some of the brightest minds in physics using Internet and sites like Google and YouTube. I follow events at CERN and Fermilab.
An expert I am not. But I think I have performed a decent job in presenting the basic elements of these Proposed Theories of Physics and integrating them with greed, murder, and mayhem to make an exciting story. BREAKTHROUGH is about struggles and conflicts of people who need to make difficult decisions and do the right thing, not about explaining physics. That being said, I do have one chapter devoted to explaining to the reader basic concepts of Einstein-Rosen Bridges, or wormholes. There are three events of wormholes being with a few more during experimental stage referred to in hindsight.
The story is a “What if …. “ scenario. What if a breakthrough in wormholes was made (and there are a lot of people working on this). With a discovery like this, the reader could expect someone would want to steal it to control it, even killing anyone who is in their way if necessary. Of course, this is where Chase enters, overcoming his internal and external conflicts, and hopefully save the day.
Wow--theoretical physics and action fiction! Sounds like a winner to me! I also like your taboos. Good for you!
Heidi
I loved your thoughts on striking balance in your writing. A great interview! Thanks, Stephen and Elysabeth!
Wow! Great interview here. Wishing Stephen and Elysabeth lots of on-going success. Namaste: the author of The Eby Way.
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