Eric Klein Author

Interview with Eric Johannsen

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This week I interview Eric Johannsen about  The Gods We Make the first book in The Gods series.

 

 

 

What was the most surprising thing you found out while researching/writing your latest book?

A technological singularity might actually happen in my lifetime.

Why did you choose this setting?

While much of society seems content to keep up with the Kardashians, play fantasy sports, and spend the day with social media “friends” (all good things, in moderation), a handful of very smart and motivated people are creating technologies that may redefine what it means to be human. My setting is a realistic extrapolation of current trends in culture, technology and politics created with the goal to encourage thought about our future.

What’s unique about your world?

Everything created by human hand exists because it really might, in a few decades. Things created by other-than-human hand don’t violate the laws of physics. Nothing exists for the sake of plot.

How real do you think the science is in your book?

I hold a degree in Physics and use AI in my professional career. I interviewed scientists and CEOs and researched both the optimistic and pessimistic viewpoints about the pace that current technology will advance. Everything depicted as a human accomplishment is going to happen and the rest very well could. If you’re interested in the real-life technology that shapes the science in the book, readers should be sure and follow me on Twitter (@ericjohannsen).

What did you include that you wish was real today?

I would be addicted to the aiDe, a device that extends a human by providing a seamless interface to AI assistants, all the world’s knowledge (a.k.a. the internet), and virtual reality.

Anything else you would like to share with our readers?

The story is written as a fast-paced action/adventure that’s fun to read, with heroes that are complex yet easy to understand and root for. The technology themes are woven in with a light touch, and leave readers thinking, “I could easily visualize this happening in real life.”

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