FAQ
 : Why
did you write Dead Head?
The idea for the story came from Natalia Apone, the editor for DEADLY
ERRORS as we were having lunch. I had just pitched my
next project when she suggested the kernel for DEAD HEAD and
said, “If anyone can write that story, it’s you.” It
is very high concept and I fell in love with the premise. The
problem was building a plot to handle it. Her first suggestion
was to use a high-profile politician like the President. That
had too many problems, so I ended up with the present story.
.....................................................................................................
: What
is the science or inspiration behind Dead Head?
I’ve always been intrigued with brain/computer interfaces—the
science of translating thought into digital information capable
of running machines. The past decade has seen tremendous gains
in this, and as the book’s Postscript points out, there
are at least two companies doing innovative work with severely
neurologically damaged humans. Through brain implants, quadriplegics,
for example, can now manipulate robotic arms. It’s a great
area to write about without entering the science fiction genre.
....................................................................................................
: What
have you taken from your real-life medical experience
to write medical thrillers?
Oh, man... all the operating room and hospital scenes are taken
from real-life experience. Obviously, the plots are created from
imagination, but many of the characters and situations are from
my personal experience. I don’t believe you can write convincingly
about a profession—crime, law, medicine—without having
lived it.
....................................................................................................
: How
are you keeping active in the medical field? Or, what
is your current schedule like?
My “day job” —medical director of a medical
technology company—requires me to stay current in neurology,
neurosurgery, and rehabilitation medicine. I also attend sufficient
neurosurgical meetings to keep my medical license current. But
truly wonderful aspect of my job is I no longer work full time,
which allows me days to devote to writing. Even the day I “work,” I
still try to do some writing. Hardly a day passes without writing.
....................................................................................................
: What
are some of the issues facing modern hospitals today?
The biggest issue is staying in business. The cost of providing
medical care is so horrendous and the reimbursement so minimal
(especially when considering the numbers of people without insurance)
the profit margins are slim. There have been multiple attempts
to address this problem but all have failed for various reasons.
It truly is a crisis that is being ignored. I hate to think of
what catastrophe will eventually provoke action to solve the
problem.
....................................................................................................
: What
is new on the medical technology horizon?
Obviously, I’m focused on the brain, so my answer doesn’t
consider other organ systems, such as the heart. I’m incredibly
enthusiastic with the technology our company—Northstar
Neuroscience—has developed and is in the process of evaluating
for potential FDA approval. We are using very mild electrical
stimulation to help recover arm and hand function lost after
stroke. Our preliminary studies are encouraging and if this technology
works well, it will provide a revolutionary basis with which
to treat various brain disorders.
....................................................................................................
: It
seems to me that neurosurgery is pretty much a left brain
activity and writing is right brain. How does someone
make that switch from logical/precise to creative/artistic.
Good question. It’s often asked of me in slightly different
way— more like, “Why do so many doctors try to write
fiction?” I’m not a believer in parceling out cognition
in an either/or manner. By that, I mean I don’t think people
are right or left brained. Rather, they have varying degrees
of both. Most doctors are smart people and medicine is not conducive
to being creative. As a result, physicians often try to express
creativity in the arts. I gain tremendous satisfaction creating
my plots and characters. But because I’m a scientist first,
I may have to work at this harder than someone more naturally
creative.
....................................................................................................
: You
obviously have written two novels now but I'm curious
as to how you make such a big career change? Your bio
said you've always wanted to write—did you write
before the novel other than research/medical papers and
reports?
Strangely, I majored in English Lit during pre-med. A decision
that caused me unmitigated grief. For example, because of lit
classes, I had to take an entire year of physics classes in one
summer quarter to stay on track. I’d always wanted to write
fiction but never did until several years ago when I came home
from making rounds at the hospital and announced to my wife, “I’m
going to write a novel.” She collapsed in laughter. I retired
to the study and started typing. I guess it was like “coming
out.” Wish I’d started sooner.
....................................................................................................
: Now
that you've dealt with computerized medical records and
brain/computer interfaces, what's next? Do you have a
third novel in the works? What can you tell us about
it?
I’ve always been intrigued with memory, so my next one
is FATAL RECALL, a story about transplanting
specific memories. The 4th one is titled, STEM SELL and
addressed the issue (obviously) of stem cell research and the
emotionality surrounding the controversy. Stay tuned.
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|
|
Mass Market Paperback:
352 pages
Publisher: Forge Books
(February 6, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0765355965
ISBN-13: 978-0765355966
BUY
NOW
............................
Publisher: Tor Books
ISBN: 978-0-7653-5167-8
Hardcover out of
print.
Paperback available
April 2008.
BUY
NOW |
