Today, we’re talking with Bob Albo about his book, The Spirit Reader
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
When I studied physics at university, I was amazed with how the universe worked out perfectly to support life.
For example, if the force of gravity had been slightly stronger or weaker, then after Big Bang, the universe would’ve either collapsed on itself or expanded without the formation of stars. There are two possibilities: we’re in the one life-giving universe out of an infinite number of random failures or our universe was created by Intelligent Design, a supernatural thing.
This riddle nagged at me for over thirty years, but it wasn’t until my career ended that it started my writing passion.
Why do you write?
To explore the mysteries between science and spirituality in character-driven stories.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
While on a mountain trail, I saw a broken piece of glass glittering in the sunlight. I picked the trash up. Then I looked through it at everything around me, nature and my fellow hikers. Imagine seeing deep down into the essence of things.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
New developments, like science or spirituality, and their impact on society. This could be AI, dark matter and consciousness, or mystical crystals.
How would you describe your writing process?
Start with a core idea, like reading spirits through a crystal, then write the first chapter. Do another chapter a day for the next month or two. Set the book aside for a month. Then spend the next 6 months revising.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Building a loyal base of readers, but I haven’t figured out how.
What advice would you have for other writers?
I’m not qualified to give advice to other writers, but for me, I write because I enjoy the process of working through ideas in character-driven stories. I want my stories to be widely read so the audience gets my ideas, but the royalties aren’t important, which is fortunate.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
Consulting with my daughter and wife.
What’s your next step?
Write a YA sequel called Son of the Spirit Reader
What book do you wish you had written?
The Bible. Not because of its religious significance, but its portrayal of spirituality in the daily life of old civilizations.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
Hopeful that the reader liked it. I read the review to see what in my book worked and didn’t.
