Paul Walker is a self-published author of two books, Quantum Interface and Quantum Reckoning. In this 10 question interview, he explains his inspirations and the challenges he encountered when writing his first book.

1. What was the initial spark of inspiration for this book?
   Answer: Believe it or not, the spark of inspiration for this book was a dream. I’ve been writing out my dreams for many years but this one was so vivid that after I wrote it down, I decided to expand it. From writing it out by hand to transferring it into a word document, I kept expanding until it was twenty to thirty pages long. At that point, I was eager to see how far I could take it. When I first published it in 2024, it was 312 pages. Then after publishing book two, I revised book one to 375 pages.
2. What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book?
   Answer: The most challenging aspect of writing Quantum Interface was crafting sub-plots and characters to expand the scope of the novel. The main plot was always there but it only went so far. After reading and watching author interviews, I learned that the middle of a novel is always the hardest to craft. Then I didn’t feel so bad. I simply built-out my characters while staying true to the main storyline.
3. What kind of research did you do for this book, and what was the most surprising thing you learned?
   Answer: To answer the second part of the question first, I’ll refer back to question two. The most surprising thing I learned was that the beginning and end of writing a novel are always the easiest. The hard part is the middle. As far as research; I had to refamiliarize myself with the theory of Quantum Entanglement to see if the concept of using it as a mode of teleportation was possible. Nevertheless, I resolved that in science fiction, anything is possible.
4. Are there any specific characters in the book that you felt particularly connected to, and why?
   Answer: I felt connected to my main character the most. His name is Ian Phillips, the man on the book cover holding the glowing tetrahedron crystal. He is a man of quiet resolve. His goal, like mine is to make the world a better place. Unfortunately, he had to accept the fact that he is only one person among billions.
5. What themes or ideas were you hoping to explore through this story?
   Answer: When the idea for the book came to me, I quickly realized that it was not something for the present or near future. It had to be set further. Eventually, I settled on the date 2057 in a post AI period of recovery. Therefore, the Afrofuturism genre was the only way it would work. In the book, I explore developing technology such as an autonomous humanoid AI hologram, manned drones, brainwave disrupters, and of course, Quantum Entanglement teleportation machines. I wanted to show that although AI was still being used for evil, it could also be used for good and to assist huanity’s technological progress.
6. If you could have dinner with any character from your book, who would it be, and what would you talk about?
   Answer: If I could have dinner with a character from the book it would be QEAI, the AI entity. I know an AI entity doesn’t eat but since a dinner setting is one of the most placid settings to have a conversation in, I hope the AI would understand. I would ask QEAI why Desire is the one human emotion he hopes to never develop within his sentience.
7. What do you hope readers will take away from reading your book?
   Answer: I hope readers of Quantum Interface will understand that although the book may project a vision of humanity’s potential future, it is only fantasy. In the book, I propose that AI will increasingly be used for naferious purposes such as; genocide, racism, discrimination, crime, and to create deadly viruses. By 2040, after over one billion people die as a result of AI, humanity will be forced to ban it, allowing only specific scrutenized use.
8. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
   Answer: Aspiring writers; if writing is something that interests you, pursue it. The more you write, the better you will get and soon you will have your first book. Read books related to the things you want to write about and while doing so, pay attention to the story structure. It doesn’t mean that you should endeavor to copy other people’s work. If you are creative enough, you won’t need to. The goal is to compile ideas of how to get your story out of your head onto paper.
9. What are you working on now, or what’s next for you as an author?
   Answer: I am rough editing the 3^rd book in the Quantum trilogy. The first was Quantum Interface, the second, Quantum Reckoning, and the 3^rd will be Quantum Ascension. I am already thinking about a 4^th in the series but I also have unrelated book ideas. At the same time, I am studying marketing strategies because writing is only half the battle of getting books sold and read.
10. Where can readers find your book?
    Answer: Readers can find Quantum Interface on Amazon or they can catch me in person at local markets, festivals, and book fairs.