Author Interview: Jonathan Bergeron

Posted August 27, 2015

Jonathan BergeronI’m Jonathan Bergeron, author of ANDROID HUNTERS. From sunny Tampa Bay, Florida I write primarily science fiction, from the far-reaching space operas that hooked me on sci-fi from a young age to itty-bitty short stories. Writing those stories is actually my hobby too. I absolutely love writing. I’d say I’m an enthusiast. I just can’t turn off my imagination, and I hope you love what that imagination comes up with.


When did you first discover your love for writing?

I discovered my love for writing in general in college. My papers during those four years were very verbose. I found a simple three sentence answer didn’t feel right. I almost felt compelled to write lengthy responses. My joy for fiction writing didn’t come until after my Bachelors when I decided to stop thinking I should write a book, and just do it. It started out fun, turned into a hobby and now I’m an enthusiast.

Do you have a favourite place to write?

I don’t have a favorite place to write. Anywhere I can jot down some words is great enough for me. Although I can’t seem to write in the same room where someone is watching TV. I can’t concentrate well enough.

Do you have a writing routine or process that you adhere to?

Good question. Seat of my pants is my writing routine and process. I tried a detailed outline once, and found my thought process doesn’t allow me to stray away from what is in that outline. The book ended up with great action sequences but characters as flat as paper, because the outline didn’t flesh out characters. Now I write down the general idea for the story. Create the main characters, give them thorough backgrounds. Create the places the story will be in, going into so much detail it feels like a history book; and then I start the story. It gives my writing a more organic feel to it. Not a “they do this, this, this, done” story.

Are there any authors or specific books you aspire to?

I would LOVE to be mentioned in the same breath as Neil Gaiman. In my opinion he is the most talented story teller to ever live. In the sci-fi genre that I write in though, Neal Asher is my inspiration behind writing. His books have EVERYTHING I want in a sci-fi book. It’s like he looked into my mind and said, “Sure, I can write that.” Neil Gaiman and Neal Asher are literary treasures. Maybe it’s a Neal/Neil thing.

What inspired you to write ANDROID HUNTERS.

My fascination with Greek mythology and my love for all things tech inspired me.

Can you tell us a little about your book?

THE CORLI SAGA of which ANDROID HUNTERS is the first, is a sci-fi tale exploring what it means to be human. Can a synthetic mind ever be considered to be alive as a human, or even on the same level as an animal?

ANDROID HUNTERS begins the tale of Corli, an android unique amongst androids, designed to be near deities in their strength and intelligence, and sentenced to destruction after they escaped their programming bonds. It follows a team of android hunters on a planet hunting an android, the same planet Corli has been captured an imprisoned on. While on the planet their ship is hijacked by a cybernetic virus, and the hunt turns on them. Leading them on a path full of androids, terrorists and the most powerful criminal organization in human history.

Do you have a favourite amongst all your characters?

I think my favorite characters are Jason and Atalanta. They didn’t start out that way, I thought it would be Corli, but as I wrote I begin to feel an affinity towards the two. What happens to them in the later books…It makes me so excited I created the characters.

Does your book contain a message for readers to consider?

That’s a tough question. I suppose it’s, “Can a weapon be more than a weapon? Can a weapon actually be used for peace?”

Those questions become more apparent in the later books as it all comes together.

 

What would say has been your biggest challenge and achievement in writing ANDROID HUNTERS?

The biggest challenge with ANDROID HUNTERS was staying on task and not putting in too many plot lines. I actually had two books in one when I finished ANDROID HUNTERS, it was so long. I had to remove nearly 90,000 words to get it to where I wanted.

What have you learned about yourself as a writer through writing ANDROID HUNTERS?

The biggest thing I learned with ANDROID HUNTERS is to not be afraid to remove stuff that doesn’t belong when I begin editing. Sometimes the awesome things written in the first draft, just have no place in the final.

Do you have any advice for other aspiring authors?

My advice would be to write every single day and never take a day off unless you’re super sick or physically unable to write. I wrote 8 full novels before I began on ANDROID HUNTERS. So another piece of advice would be to look at each novel you write as practice, because not everything you write is going to be something people will want to read or you will want to publish.

And finally, do you have any future works planned?

I do have something in the oven right now, and a few stories on the backburner. The one I’m doing now has me as excited as ANDROID HUNTERS. It’s in a new universe, but just as big and fantastic. There will be more on it as it gets closer to completion and publication.


Twitter: @writer_jon and @androidsarereal

Facebook: www.facebook.com/scifijon

Blog: www.scifijon.wordpress.com


Android Hunter


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