Ask the Author: Lance Erlick
Answered Questions (7)
Lance Erlick
I was fascinated growing up with Asimov’s Robot series. I’ve worked around computers for years and the two ideas coalesced into wondering where computerization might lead. I’ve wanted to write in this area for a while, but it wasn’t until I decided to do so from the android’s point of view that Synthia’s story formed in my mind. It really is her story as told to me through restless nights living through her drama.
Lance Erlick
Next up will be the release of books 2 and 3 of Android Chronicles. As those are proceeding through publishing, I’m writing another story that takes place in a different future with artificial intelligence. I love this subject. I’m also working on a fourth book in the Android Chronicles world. I think there’s much more to say about the topic and a lot more development for Synthia Cross.
Lance Erlick
If you’re in it for the money, because you’ve heard of a few authors who made it big, get yourself a minimum wage job. For most writers, it pays much better.
For those like me who keep coming back to writing, follow your passion. Whatever sparks your curiosity and engages you will inspire your creativity to provide the best stories you can. Long ago, I wrote a story about a really tough spy who wasn’t fazed by anything. Unfortunately, his lack of passion left that story flat (it will never see the light of day). It wasn’t until I began to take on the passions and fears of my characters that my writing became substantially better.
Keep at it. Determination is the key. And patience. Very few writers reach their potential on their first book. The more you write and learn from readers and a writing group, the better you’ll become.
For those like me who keep coming back to writing, follow your passion. Whatever sparks your curiosity and engages you will inspire your creativity to provide the best stories you can. Long ago, I wrote a story about a really tough spy who wasn’t fazed by anything. Unfortunately, his lack of passion left that story flat (it will never see the light of day). It wasn’t until I began to take on the passions and fears of my characters that my writing became substantially better.
Keep at it. Determination is the key. And patience. Very few writers reach their potential on their first book. The more you write and learn from readers and a writing group, the better you’ll become.
Lance Erlick
Let me see. Being my own boss. I don’t have to listen to anyone except my readers, my reviewers, my editor, my publisher, my publicist, all of whom push me to be a better writer. For them, I am thankful.
Actually, what I really love is exploring the ideas, situations, and characters that rattle around in my head. I find myself trying to solve the problems my characters fall into until they become mine for a time.
Actually, what I really love is exploring the ideas, situations, and characters that rattle around in my head. I find myself trying to solve the problems my characters fall into until they become mine for a time.
Lance Erlick
No. Regina Shen: Into the Storm is the novelette that began the series. It is incorporated into Regina Shen: Resilience, which took that story well beyond what the novelette contemplated. It is a good introduction to the series for someone who isn't sure whether they want to take on the entire series.
Regina Shen: Defiance is the 3rd book in the series.
Thanks for pointing this out. I've asked the librarian to fix this.
Lance
Regina Shen: Defiance is the 3rd book in the series.
Thanks for pointing this out. I've asked the librarian to fix this.
Lance
Lance Erlick
Ideas come to me when I’m not paying attention. I’ve written notebooks of interesting concepts, but what really grabs my interest are the ones I can’t stop thinking about. In the case of the Rebel series, I had Annabelle rattling about in my head, bugging me to tell her story.
Lance Erlick
My best ideas and resolution of tough problems often come while I’m not thinking about writing. Often that happens while I’m sleeping, which annoys my wife. I keep a pad of paper by the bed and often wake in the morning with scribbling I vaguely recall making. When I’m writing and get stumped, I set aside what I’m working on and pick up something else, either another story I’m working on or editing or other related work that doesn’t require my solving the problem right then. When I come back later, I find the block has become easier to move.
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