Author's Interview with Charles W. Lampert.

First, before we move forward with our Author's Interview, I would like to start with an introduction. 

1. Could you please introduce yourself to us? 

About the author Charles W. Lampert retired from a long career in financial services and insurance, where he held many diverse roles within the industry. He has been writing since he was a sophomore in high school and is a published poet. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania as an economics major and was a member of the track and field team. In his 40's, he matriculated at William Paterson University as an MFA candidate in their Creative and Professional Writing program. Although he did not complete his degree, he was inspired by outstanding professors who rekindled his interest in writing. His love for science fiction began in third grade when he got hooked on the Tom Swift Jr. books. The first “real” science-fiction book he read was 

The Door into Summer by Robert Heinlein, which led him to explore classic authors such as Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, A. E. van Vogt, and Jack Williamson, among others. In 2018, Charles wrote two chapters for The Time Engineers, then titled The Time Fixers. However, it wasn’t until May 2023 while cleaning up files on his computer that he rediscovered it. He decided to make a genuine effort to write a full-length novel, one of his longtime goals, and renamed the book as The Time Engineers. It took four months to complete, and the initial feedback was encouraging. His long-term goals include writing two more books and a novella for 

The Time Engineers Saga, a science fiction/fantasy titled Infinity’s Avatar, and a young adult fantasy series. Charles has been married to his wife, Robin, for forty-four years and they have two grown children and two grandchildren. He enjoys hiking, sports, and is an amateur meteorologist. Together, they enjoy going on cruises and have visited places like Norway, Iceland, Alaska, Hawaii, and Scotland.

2. Congratulations on your book. So what inspired you to write this book?

Writing a science-fiction book has alway been a lifelong goal. I got the idea for the book when I was stuck in traffic 70 miles away from home. I thought it would be awesome to have a vehicle that could travel instantaneously from one place to another. Then, I imagined what would happen if my 2018 Honda Accord top trim model and I, with my smartphone, laptop, and tablet were transported somehow to the 1950s or 1960s and I was pulled over by a police officer. These two ideas gave me the idea for my book.

3. What is the book all about? 

It's about sentient AIs, one evil which seeks to destroy all sentient biological life, and another created by an ancient highly advanced race, to battle the evil AI with the ability to learn human emotions and self-program, and a team of scientists and soldiers brought together over 1000 years. They battle the evil AI and its doppelgängers across time and space across the multiverse.

5. How much time did it take to complete this book?

It took 4 months to write it and 3 months to edit it.

6. What makes your Book Special? 

It's very pro-human and discusses the moral and ethical implications of advanced sentient AIs and how they are treated by humans, and futuristic advanced technology controlled by a small group. It's a combination of hard sci-fi, military sci-fi, time travel, and alternative timelines with a dash of romance.

7. When is your second book coming?

My next book is "Infinity's Avatar, a fantasy/sci-fi book that draws heavily from Taoism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. I hope to complete it by November and publish it by January or February 2025.

8. While writing did you get any writer's block? What is the Tip that you will give others who are facing writer's block?

I didn't have too many episodes of writer's block. I outline the novel and outline each chapter although I'm not locked-in or limited by the outlines. I wrote the last chapter after two months which helped me because it gave me a "target" to aim at as I wrote chapters.

9. What are your other hobbies besides being a talented author?

I enjoy hiking, traveling, sports, and am an amateur meteorologist.

10. Last but not the least, How did you feel, while giving this interview? 

I enjoy this. I like interacting with other people, whether like this or live. I appreciate this opportunity.

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