I know a fair amount of genetic manipulation as I have a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology, and background in the military made me realize the dangers of biological weapons. I put the two together.
Ketan Desai – 23 November 2018
The Back Flap
What if ISIS had biological weapons? This nightmare scenario was published in Germs of War first in 1999, which predicted 9/11. A fast-paced amalgamation of science, international intrigue with rogue CIA agents battling terrorists, and politics. And a lonely student who can thwart it all. Will she be able to?
About the book
What is the book about?
Germs of War is about Afghan based terrorists who infiltrate Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) to develop biological weapons and then use them to attack Western targets (the book was written before 9/11). However, on their tails are renegade CIA agents who try to thwart them. In between is a graduate student who gets sucked into the maelstrom and is the only one who can stop them.
When did you start writing the book?
I was moonlighting in hospital on a very slow day, with very few patients. This was 1998, and the internet was in its infancy. With little to do, I started writing a story that evolved into the book
How long did it take you to write it?
Just over a month.
Where did you get the idea from?
Based on my background in science, medicine and army. I know a fair amount of genetic manipulation as I have a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology, and background in the military made me realize the dangers of biological weapons. I put the two together.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Yes, the romance part was difficult, but to humanize the protagonist, it was essential.
What came easily?
The science. Exactly how to make a biological weapon.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Combination of the two.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
In this genre, I’d say Robin Cook, who showed that people do have an interest in science and medicine-based fiction.
Do you have a target reader?
Not really. Just about anyone interested in politics, world affairs, science, medicine should be interested.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
No defined process. The initial part of sitting down and committing is difficult, but once I do sit down, the words flow quite effortlessly.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
No, it is an iterative process. I go back and change things if the plot evolves in a different direction than when I wrote the preceding piece.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I wait until finish a chapter.
Did you hire a professional editor?
No
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
No, that would be too distracting.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Yes, I did. This was 1998, and no one cared about Afghanistan or knew about Bin Laden. No agent was interested.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
Lack of interest from publishers. As above, no one cared about Bin Laden or Afghanistan, and the idea that someone from there could attack the US was preposterous to them.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
It was done by the publishing company.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I have a plan. After 9/11, I went to several book stores and signed books. I was also interviewed by many TV stations but many (such as NBC Nightline) did not air the interview as they thought people would be too frightened. So I sat on it for quite a few years, but with the rise of ISIS, I thought it was time to re-energize the process. I’m focusing on social media and online reviews at the moment.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Yes, don’t let the publishers destroy your aspirations to write and publish. If they don’t publish, go ahead on your own. It is more work, especially the marketing part, but stick with it.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in India and went to medical school there. Came to US at age 24, got a PhD and started three companies, two biotech and one radiology. I also write for seekingalpha.com, talkmarkets.com, and medium.org
Where do you live now?
In Pennsylvania.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a book on China and designer super-babies.
End of Interview: