The Timematician received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Steven Bereznai.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The Timematician, August 2022
What’s the book’s first line?
My name is Doctor BetterThan—as in I’m better than him, her, zir, and them.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
An ego-maniacal evil genius thinks he’s finally destroyed humanity only to find himself going toe-to-toe with the world’s sole survivor and her fatale femme bots. In comical, humbling fashion, he must learn lessons about himself, friendship, and romantic love to truly be triumphant.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
We meet the main character of The Timematician as a the best-friend sidekick in Generation Manifestation. I always wanted to explore more of his backstory. It came very easily, so I knew I was onto something. I also loved Austin Grossman’s Soon I Will Be Invincible and wanted to write something along those lines.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
It’s fun and a little heart wrenching.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
He’s really quirky in a fun way. I could see Will Ferrell or Kumail Nanjiani playing The Timematician. I’d love Mindy Kaling to play Mairī Lin.
When did you first decide to become an author?
In grade two, I didn’t have friends. I was the kid who’d rather stay inside and help a teacher rather than face the stress and social isolation of recess. I didn’t feel like I had anything going for me until I wrote a poem for my school’s literary anthology. In my mind, it was four lines of “genius.” Seeing it in spiral-bound print blew my mind. It taught me I could DO something! I’ve been a writer ever since.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
I have several other books out, including the other book in the Gen M series, Generation Manifestation, and my 2SLGBTQ+ YA superhero books Queeroes, which I’ve just reimagined and shared on Wattpad. But my first book to come out is actually non-fiction, Gay and Single … Forever? 10 Things Every Gay Guy Looking for Love (and Not Finding It) Needs to Know. My mom would probably describe it as 10+ things she never needed to know about me 😊.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
One of my other gigs is travel writing. I’ve had the privilege of going to some pretty amazing places, including Marlon Brando’s private island eco-resort in French Polynesia (Tahiti).
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
Too much time to be honest. Part of me never stopped being that little kid who’d rather be on his own, which can be great, but also very isolating. I generally write a few hours a day. I’ve also found ways to be social through organized activities like CrossFit and masters water polo, which is ironic given how sports-averse I was as a kid.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The lack of recognition both from mainstream outlets and readers is the toughest thing about being an indie. There’s a lot of social proof that goes with having a mainstream publisher. I’d love to see that change. One of the best things? I write what I want.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Be nice to yourself. Be really, really nice.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
I’ve had a traditional publisher before and that’s not perfect either, but yes, I’d do it again. As an indie, I’ve had to wear too many hats. My head’s just not that big 😊.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
Fame and fortune would be great! I’m not kidding. That said, the stories I write are the ones I’d like to read and that teach me something about myself. The Timematician channeled a lot of my inner voice. I knew the main character was on the spectrum, and the more I let him speak authentically, and the more I researched autism, the more I started to realize, wait, that IS me. I’m on the spectrum. I’ve since gotten a formal assessment, and it’s been helpful in understanding myself. Now, with the reimagined Wattpad edition of Queeroes, I realize that the jock character of Troy, who struggles with his emotions and is always trying to figure out social rules, is also on the spectrum. Same with Caitlin in Generation Manifestation. Now I can write those characters more intentionally. But, circling back, fame and fortune, please!!
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Stephen King and Henry David Thoreau come to mind. King because he just wrote what he wanted to write even when he was being slammed for it. Thoreau for the line, “As if you could kill time without injuring eternity.” That’s always stuck with me.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
In terms of existing books, none. Why would I wish to write something that’s already been written? There is my first novel though, a fantasy epic, that I started when I was 13. I tried revisiting it recently and man does it have a lot of structural problems. I had to put it away, but, maybe, one day 😉.