David talks with prolific science fiction author Adrian Tchaikovsky about his journey from childhood to successful author. We explore his influences, methodology, mindset and discover the book that made him cry.

Bio:

Adrian Tchaikovsky is the author of the acclaimed Shadows of the Apt fantasy series, from the first volume, Empire In Black and Gold in 2008 to the final book, Seal of the Worm, in 2014. In civilian life he is a lawyer, gamer and amateur entomologist.

Tchaikovsky's novel Children of Time won the 30th Arthur C. Clarke Award on 24 August 2016.

Show Notes:

2:00 Octopussies or Octopi?

3:15 - Adrian's Doctorate

4:20 - Adrian's journey from University to working in blood spattered offices

9:15 - Landmark geeky influences

11:42 - The significance of role play and how it relates to insect segmentation!

15:59 - Being edited and navigating his love of words

22:42 - writing methodology - for the audience vs writing for yourself

27:24 - What scares Adrian about his own writing

29:55 - Engaging with your version of the future

31:45 - Autism, Being an outcast and reactions from your 12 yr old self

33:23 - The Book that made Adrian cry

34:53 - What's next for Adrian

38:00 - My thoughts and farewell

Books written by Adrian mentioned in this episode

Walking To Aldebaran - https://amzn.to/38NPiq3

Bearhead - https://amzn.to/3tn4sfw

Doors of Eden - https://amzn.to/3zXUpA1

Children of Time - https://amzn.to/2X3o8ZW

Children of Ruin - https://amzn.to/3jQxLUK

Dogs of War - https://amzn.to/3BOXwef

The Expert Systems Brother - https://amzn.to/3nfRjnw

Shards of Earth - https://amzn.to/38PSWQp

Other books mentioned in the podcast

Becky Chambers: Wayfarers series - https://amzn.to/3nhPMgG

Wheel of Time - https://amzn.to/3he55U1

The Infinite - Patience Agbabi - https://amzn.to/3yOusla

Find Adrian:

https://shadowsoftheapt.com/

twitter - @aptshadow

facebook - https://www.facebook.com/adrian.tchaikovsky

Message The Naked Geek to share your experience or insights - david@thenakedgeek,co,uk

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