I’ve been so excited to learn more about so many amazing indie authors, so check out my latest interview with Science Fiction writer Eric Goebelbecker!
Alexis: Tell us about yourself! What would you like readers to know about you?
Eric: I'm a rookie indie author and released my first book back in March. I write science fiction that makes you think. My first book, Shadows of the Past, is the introduction to a sequel series to War of the Worlds.
Alexis: What book or books have most influenced you as a writer?
Eric: Fahrenheit 451. Slaughterhouse Five. The First Book of Swords. Dark Matter (most recently.)
Alexis: Fahrenheit 451 is so iconic, and I often wonder what Bradbury would think about all the book banning going on today, by groups like Moms for Liberty (more accurately called Karens for Censorship). Slaughterhouse 5 is one of my favorite classic novels—it’s so powerful. I think we definitely need more books that make people think, especially if they can tell a good story. So, what are some tropes of fiction in your sci-fi that you love/hate? Why?
Eric: I dislike telepathy, as I think it works too well as a deus ex machina. I don’t like military sci-fi that spends paragraphs describing cool weapons. My favorite sci-fi trope or subgenre is alternate history.
Cover of Eric Goebelbecker’s Shadows of the Past.
Alexis: Alternative history can be very powerful! I definitely enjoyed The Man in the High Castle. Who is your favorite character in your book? What do you like about them?
Eric: Emil Zimmerman. He's based on my grandfather, who fought for the German Army in WWI and saved his unit when the Welsh broke through their lines at Mametz Woods. He fled to the U.S. in 1929 after tangling with proto-Nazis.
Alexis: What do you like to do other than read or write? Do you have any interesting hobbies?
Eric: Cycling, Aikido, computer programming, dog training.
Alexis: Tell us about a mystery/urban legend from your hometown!
Eric: New Jersey has the Mob and Springsteen instead of Urban legends.
Alexis: I guess that’s true! Maybe there’s fewer urban legends when there’s more frightening people in real life. What TV shows/Movies do you like to watch or stream?
Eric: Dark Matter. Andor. For All Mankind. Last of Us.
Alexis: What’s your favorite animal?
Eric: Dogs.
Alexis: Do you have pet(s)? If so, share a picture of your pet!
Eric: I will send a picture of my dog, Freya.
A picture of Freya, Erc Goebelbecker’s dog.
Alexis: What advice do you have for other writers or people just getting started in writing?
Eric: Write! Don't wait for permission!
Alexis: How do you choose what books you want to read?
Eric: Online recommendations. Discovery via reviews. Friends.
Alexis: Do you like Greek/Roman/Norse/Asian/African mythology or folklore? What’s your favorite myth?
Eric: Probably the Pantheon due to Saberhagen's Books of Swords.
Alexis: If you write sci-fi, what technology or innovations or scientific discoveries have inspired your work?
Eric: War of the Worlds. WWI. Working on radars when I was in the Army.
If you’re interested in learning more about Eric Goebelbecker and his work, you can find his website and other information here.