Book Publishing Secrets with Dr. Richard, Co-Author TETRASTATUM

Dr. Richard has been involved in the field of Photonics for over 30 years. He received his BA in physics (honors) from the University of California Fullerton. He was in a full scholarship PhD program in physics at the University of California Irvine and a PhD program in philosophy at Claremont Graduate School. Dr. Richard completed his two dissertations (involving human interpretations of laser and electro-optical images) while under top secret clearance. He also has an advanced placement teaching credential, an advanced certification (from the University of Wisconsin) in laser and optical design; and other advanced certifications in fiber optics, computer programming, technology business development, financial products, dance, anatomy and physiology.

website & social links

WEBSITE → https://www.tetrastatum.com

TWITTER → https://twitter.com/DrRichard_ISTAR

FACEBOOK → https://www.facebook.com/istarsfx

Book Info:

In their debut novel TETRASTATUM, authors Dr. Richard and Tim Smith combine heady concepts about the universe with a thrilling science fiction story about the search for a new kind of time travel.

The result is a stunning mixture of dense cosmology and old-fashioned storytelling that will appeal to a wide readership, from science professionals to lay fans of science fiction.

“Dr. Richard” and “Tim Smith” are the pseudonyms of Dr. Richard Connor and Marcus Rodriguez, respectively.

“TETRASTATUM (‘the fourth state’) is the culmination of my 30 years working in the field of photonics,” Dr. Richard says. “I am an avid reader of sci-fi, and I wanted to create a new type of work that is both educational and entertaining in the genre. TETRASTATUM gives the reader a unique understanding of the existing laws of physics and extends them to provoke further thought from novice readers as well as advanced experts in the field.”

Kirkus Reviews notes that “authors Dr. Richard and Smith … tell their cerebral story with a heady mix of dense theory and absurdist humor.”

The Independent Review of Books declares:  “TETRASTATUM is like nothing you have ever read before. This is an impressive work of science fiction …”

The San Francisco Book Review adds that, “These recurring themes of characterization and distortion feed into the concern that is being voiced over the current state of our political climate…The layering of these themes is ultimately what gives TETRASTATUM a relevance that will keep readers turning pages and asking questions.”

“The book ultimately explains how human perceptions alter the future and puts forth a model based on quantum physics to explain ‘reality’,” Dr. Richard continues.  He calls science fiction “the perfect genre to explore socio-political ideas within the context of futuristic technologies and scientific theories.”

Dr. Richard and Smith are currently working with Norith Soth on adapting TETRASTATUM into a screenplay. Mr. Soth has penned work for Justin Lin (“Fast and Furious”), Stephen Chin (“War Dogs”), and Norman Reedus (“The Walking Dead”).

order your copy below

Amazon → https://tinyurl.com/y6tlmpbj

Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published.  Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?

Dr. Richard: I had the opportunity to present my work as a PhD candidate to Richard Feynman and interact socially with Stephen Hawking. Both of these titans were my inspirational teachers and provided the motivation to write the novel. As such, I dedicated the work to them. They were and are my inspiration in the exploration of the natural world. I am an avid reader of Sci-Fi and wanted to create a new type of work that is both educational and entertaining in the genre to stimulate thought.

Is this your first book?

Dr. Richard: I have written other books limited to internal distribution in organizations where I worked.  This is the first book I decided to make public and publish. 

With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?

Dr. Richard: After sending out numerous query letters and endless discussions with literary agents, I decided to self-publish for the flexibility and freedom to shape the work as I originally intended as well as the economics vs traditional publishing.

Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey?  The pros and cons?

Dr. Richard: Publishing a book is definitely a labor of love.  Surround yourself with the right people (you will need a lot of them before it is over, illustrator, publicist, editor, social media guru, SEO specialist, web developer, video team) and expect nothing more than the opportunity to present your ideas to those who may appreciate your work. Fully expect for everyone who likes it there is someone who hates it (cosmic duality).  

What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?

Dr. Richard: Self-Publishing is the way to go, if you are trying to put something out that is truly unique and groundbreaking and don’t want to lose control of your project and artistic vision.

Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?

Dr. Richard: Absolutely, but be forewarned it is a full time job that offers no benefits and little to no reward other than seeing your vision materialize and knowing your ideas are out there for others to enjoy and ponder.

What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?

Dr. Richard: Take your time, don’t give up and see your vision become a reality. Promote, promote and promote!