Eliot Peper interview with David Alan Binder

Post date: Feb 11, 2016 2:24:07 PM

His Bio: Eliot is a writer and strategist based in Oakland, CA. He is the author of The Uncommon Series and when he’s not hacking away at his next novel, he works with entrepreneurs and investors to build new technology businesses as a drop-in operator and adviser. He was an entrepreneur-in-residence at a venture capital firm where he accelerated portfolio companies, sourced/vetted deals and advised foreign governments on innovation policy and capital formation. He has been a founder and early employee at multiple startups. He is a frequent speaker and is comfortable with all formats.

Books: http://www.amazon.com/Eliot-Peper/e/B00IRH82N0/

Website: www.eliotpeper.com

Mailing List: http://www.eliotpeper.com/p/inner-circle.html

Twitter: @eliotpeper

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eliotpeper

Medium: https://medium.com/@eliotpeper

1. Where are you currently living?

Oakland, CA.

2. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I worked as a founder, early employee, and investor in a number of tech startups. I realized that the startup world was packed with human drama, world-changing technology, and high-powered personalities. It was the perfect canvas for adventure but I couldn’t find many novels set against that backdrop, so I decided to write one myself. That was the beginning of The Uncommon Series.

3. How long on average does it take you to write a book?

Three to six months for the rough draft.

4. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I write when I can and usually try to get at least five, one-to-three hour time blocks per week.

5. What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I hate semicolons and eliminate them from my fiction prose.

6. Did you self publish or have a publisher?

a. If publisher, who is the name of your publisher and in what city are they?

FG Press originally published my first two novels but I’ve since gotten the rights reverted. Now I have three self-published novels and two more coming out in 2016.

7. How do you feel about eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing?

I love reading in all formats. There’s never been a better time to be a writer. The more options there are for creative expression (and making a creative living), the better.

8. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I follow my own enthusiasm. I write about what fascinates me.

9. When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I was 27 when my first novel came out in 2014.

10. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Spend time with friends and family. Walk my dog. Read. Hike. Help entrepreneurs build new businesses.

11. How many books have you written?

The Uncommon Series is a trilogy of tech startup thrillers (Uncommon Stock: Version 1.0, Uncommon Stock: Power Play, Uncommon Stock: Exit Strategy). The story follows a kickass female entrepreneur whose startup gets sucked into an international conspiracy on the way from garage to IPO. It’s earned great grassroots reviews, a cult following in Silicon Valley, and is the top-rated financial thriller on Amazon.

Cumulus is a standalone story that takes place in a not-too-far future where economic inequality and persistent surveillance have pushed Oakland to the brink of civil war. It will come out in Spring 2016.

The Burn is a thriller that follows a pair of friends who uncover a dark secret hidden in the swirling dust and exultant revelry of Burning Man. It will come out in Summer 2016.

12. Do you have any suggestions to help others become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Write a lot. Finish stories. Read widely and deeply. Live fully and pay attention. Have fun and don’t take yourself seriously.

13. What do you think makes a good story?

Good stories make us feel. They capture our attention, touch our hearts, inspire our minds, and feed our souls.

14. How did you get to be where you are in your life today?

Doing things and taking risks. Making things instead of criticizing others.

15. Who are some of your favorite authors that you feel were influential in your work

I read voraciously and this list could go on forever. Some that come to mind immediately are Neal Stephenson, David Mitchell, Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Paolo Bacigalupi, Haruki Murakami, Michael Lewis, Guy Gavriel Kay, Walter Isaacson, William Gibson, Neil Gaiman, Barry Eisler, Ernest Cline, Warren Ellis, Terry Pratchett, and Ursula Le Guin.

END INTERVIEW

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