Books(in140) & Other Things

This week’s 140 interview is with self-published debut novelist, William Aicher. William’s first book, The Trouble with Being God, a philosophical thriller about journalist and alcoholic Steven Carvelle, who begins to question the nature of everything from religion to the relationship with his girlfriend once a series of murders impacts his life.

William is a self-proclaimed internet rock star and Wisconsin native. You can find him online at his blog or follow him on Twitter @kaliphonia.

Are you ready for this? 1 DM per answer. Tell me about your book THE TROUBLE WITH BEING GOD.

A thriller that attempts to buck some genre rules, with a focus more on the events and their effects than a search for whodunit

What inspired you to take such a unique approach to the thriller genre?

I believe that in times of extreme duress peoples’ true characters show. Also I wanted to write a fun read, with a subtle point

So was it fun? What was the best part about writing this book?

It was absolute fun, but also a learning experience. I don’t depend on writing for my paycheck, so I got to experiment a bit.

This is your first book. Why did you decide to tackle writing a novel?

I actually started the book almost eight years ago. I had always wanted to write a novel, and basically decided to just do it.

That’s awesome! So, according to your website, you have a second on the way! What’s that one about?

next is different: cyberpunk futurism dealing w/ questions of self, plus nature vs. tech. Brave New World meets Philip K. Dick

Wow. Where did this idea come from?

combo of 3 short story ideas: The Grabbing Hands, Delete, and Plasticity (inspired by The Faint’s song “The Geeks Were Right”)

You sound like a pretty creative guy. What’s the biggest challenge you face as a writer?

the biggest challenge I face is trying to get myself to write. Between my job, family & relaxation time, it’s hard to find time.

What does your writing schedule look like then?

I honestly don’t have a schedule as I do my best writing when I’m ready to write. When inspiration hits & stars align, I write.

What are the benefits, as a writer, to using social media like twitter?

It is important for me to have direct two-way, transparent communication between me and my readers. Social media lets me do so.

That’s a very smart attitude for an author to have. Have you found there to be any drawbacks to being so active online?

Absolutely no drawbacks. Then again, I live and breathe the Internet.

You self-published your first novel. Why did you go that publishing route?

I’ve been working in music publishing for almost 10 years now, so I know the basics. Fun experiment, plus make my own rules.

What is the biggest challenge when it comes to self-publishing?

Biggest drawback is you are ultimately the one responsible for every bit of marketing and promotion. Its also a huge benefit.

What advice would you give to someone looking to self-publish?

Take the creation process seriously and don’t try to do everything yourself. Even if you self-publish, you need others to help.

I think that’s it! Anything else you want to add? Thanks so much for agreeing to this!

Nothing else to add here!

The Trouble with Being God is available through Amazon.