The following interview was conducted by Theresa Derwin. To read Theresa's review, CLICK HERE

Theresa:

 You have tagged "The Titicaca Effect" as a Science Fiction novel. How far does your interest in Science Fiction stretch back?

Richard:

 I’ve always been a fan of science fiction. As a child, I read everything that Jules Verne wrote and that kindled a lifelong interest in the genre. I think what I enjoy most about science fiction – when it’s well-done – is its ability to spark the imagination and make the fantastic plausible. To my mind, in fact, the hallmark of really great science fiction is suspension of disbelief. My favorite Sci-Fi books are the ones that are based on science that seems to be within the realm of possibility.

It is a fact, for example, that powerful magnetic fields can cancel the effect of gravity on living things – it has been done in the laboratory, with frogs, and click on “magnetism and gravity”. It’s not a giant leap in logic from that scientific reality to the possibility of the Titicaca Effect.

Theresa:

Do you have a favourite Science Fiction author? If so, why this particular author?

Richard:

 My favorite science fiction author is Isaac Asimov. Before he died he published an essay on writing in which he said that the primary objective of good writing is clarity. If you read Asimov, you’ll understand what he meant. His stories did not require the reader to work at understanding what he was trying to say. It is possible to be entertaining and enjoyable without being murky and challenging to read. I tried very hard to accomplish that same end result in the book. I wanted it to be fun.

Among the living Sci-Fi authors, my favorite is Michael Crichton, for exactly the same reasons. Among the non-SF fiction writers, I have most enjoyed Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt series.

Theresa:

 Apart from the fact that Bolivia is closer to the equator in respect of your plot, why choose to set the novel in Bolivia? As a follow up, ever been there?

Richard:

 I’ve been to Bolivia three times in my life. The first two visits were more than 20 years ago, when I had an opportunity to stay with a Bolivian family, rather than travel as a tourist. For that reason, I think I came away from those visits with a wholly different viewpoint than most visitors gain. Rather than seeing Bolivia as a third-world country where it’s hard to breathe because of the altitude, I formed a deep attachment to its people. They are fiercely proud of their heritage and they have endured hardships that most westerners never experience. I also fell in love with the lake. Titicaca is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, and it’s a shame it’s so inaccessible. More people should see it.

My last visit was in 2003, when I went back to research the final draft of the book. I had been writing from 20-year-old memories and I wanted to update my sense of place to make the book as believable and accurate as possible. Sure enough, much had changed in 20 years – but surprisingly, there was much that was the same.

I chose to set the book in Bolivia, and especially at Lake Titicaca, because it was an exotic location that I could write about with confidence, and because the historical and political situations in that country contributed potential plot twists that I thought might make the book more interesting and exciting.

Theresa:

 There almost seems to be an underlying political critique to your novel. In fact, one could even say there are direct criticisms of the American government's treatments of the lesser powers. Was this intentional, if so, why?

Richard:

 I certainly hope no one brands me as being anti-American because the book seems critical of my government’s treatment of lesser powers. That was absolutely not my intention. The fact is, however, that the Bolivians feel cheated out of their natural resources because American corporations (not the government) stripped the country and kept most of the money. It’s a recurring theme in conversations with Bolivian citizens, and they do resent it. My intention was simply to reflect the Bolivian viewpoint, and they openly distrust the U.S.

Having said that, I actually do not fully agree with everything that the U.S. government has done internationally in recent years. But the fact that I can disagree and still be free to pursue my own interests is one of the reasons I love my country.

Theresa:

 It is interesting to note that your main protagonist is Black. Why was it important to you to have a Black male protagonist offset against a Spanish environment?

Richard:

 I’m actually not sure why I made Tyler Freeman an African-American, other than that’s the way I saw him from the first day he appeared in my mind. It is a fact that there really aren’t many blacks in Bolivia, and I thought that might add some interest to the plot. I hope it did.

Theresa:

 There is quite a lot of scientific referencing and language in your novel. Were you a science teacher in a previous life?

Richard:

 I’ve never been a science teacher, but I consider that supposition a compliment. I’ve always been interested in science and I try to keep up with scientific advances. It’s just a very strong interest for me, and I pursue it aggressively.

Theresa:

 Is this your first publication? 

Richard:

 The “Titicaca Effect” is my first work of fiction and my first novel. But I’ve been a business writer for years, in magazines that cover my specialty – database marketing. I love to write.

Theresa:

The end of "The Titicaca Effect" hints at a sequel. Is there one in the offing? If yes, please tell me more. If not, what is your next project?

Richard:

 I’m glad you picked up on the fact that the ending promises a sequel. Yes, I do have one under development. You can read a bit more about it at Titicaca Effect. The sequel is on hold for a few months, however, because I have a contract from a publisher to write a business book, tentatively titled “The business of Database Marketing and CRM.” It will be finished by November, and then I’ll be back to writing about the exploits of Tyler Freeman and Thaddeus Stout.

Thanks very much for your interest. I hope you enjoyed reading the book half as much as I enjoyed writing it.

 
Richard