Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m the president of a software consulting company based in Macau that currently works with several casinos implementing AI and analytics solutions for the gaming industry. However, I used to live in LA, where I optioned books and turned into into scripts with the hope of getting them made into movies. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get any of them made so I took a job in Macau and then wrote about my experiences there. Macau is the money laundering capital of the world so there was plenty to write about. Kind of like the movie Casino (Scorsese’s), but with Chinese characteristics. I wrote The Dead Chip Syndicate, my first novel, about some of my experiences, with a lot of embellishing, of course. I have written several books on the subject of analytics and AI. In my past life, I optioned and adapted seven books into screenplays.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called The Dead Chip Syndicate and it was inspired by my experiences moving to Macau, working with my twin brother in a hellacious business environment, and several stories I read about in Macau.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I enjoy writing on trains, planes, buses, even in taxis, and away from home. I haven’t tried writing in a tuk tuk yet and that might be too small, anyway. Something about being on the move gets my creative juices flowing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oscar Wilde is a favorite, others include George Bernard Shaw, Mikhail Bulgakov, Elmore Leonard, Kurt Vonnegut, Steve Lopez, Laurence Shames, and Nicholas Rinaldi. The last three are writers I optioned and turned their books into scripts. In terms of screenwriters, you can’t go wrong with Willam Goldman and Aaron Sorkin.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the sequel to The Dead Chip Syndicate, tentative title is Quid Pro Crypto, which continues Anthony’s journey when he’s making the film that is based on the book he wrote in Dead Chip. I think it’ll be a trilogy, with the third book being about the making of the video game that is based on the movie that is based on the book he wrote in Dead Chip. They’ll all be viciously satirizing these industries.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve been doing a lot of PR, approaching literary festivals, bloggers, and podcasters and had a few good responses. I’ll be speaking at the Macau Literary Festival next week about my novel and that was from reaching out to people there.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write novels, not screenplays. The odd are much better for you and the community is much more interesting. Go out and live life to gain experiences that are unique and captivating. Expand your knowledge base. I knew little about the tech and analytics world but jumped at the chance to move to a new continent and quickly found I fit right in. Embrace Medium or writing sites like critiquecircle as they have communities that can help you find your voice.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Sun Tzu – “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”
What are you reading now?
Mercury Pictures Presents by Anthony Marra
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m speaking at the Macau Literary Festival on October 14th, 2023 about my novel. I am also writing a lot on Medium these days, mostly about artificial intelligence, analytics, and generative AI. However, I’ll be writing my sequel at the same time.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Catch-22
Author Websites and Profiles
Andrew Pearson Website
Andrew Pearson Amazon Profile
Andrew Pearson’s Social Media Link
Twitter Account