Could You Tell Us About Yourself ?
Grew up in a Jewish religious home in San Jose, California.
BSc in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis 1975.
MSc in Viticulture and Enology on Haploidy and Plant Tissue Culture from UC Davis 1975-1977.
Immigrated to Israel Aug. 1, 1977.
PhD in plant genetics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem at the Faculty of Agriculture in Rehovot, using plant tissue culture as a tool for selection for resistance to Mal Secco in Lemon.
Researcher at the Faculty of Agriculture, Dept. of Horticulture. The use of plant tissue culture for mass reproduction and plant physiology.1985-1991.
CEO and Chief Scientist of Agecotec Ltd. 1991-2011. Breeding maize, squash, melon, watermelon, facus, tomato, and pepper (hot and sweet).
Contract research for startup domesticating an important wild plant that had been harvested to a point of extinction. The plant is an important source of an anti-cancer drug, 2011-2012
In 2013-15 worked for Breath of Life Ltd. a government-sanctioned medicinal Cannabis grower first as the chief agronomist and then as the chief scientist.
2015-to present agricultural consultant and author.
Both divorced and widower. Four children and eleven grandchildren.
What made you write your book (s)?
The need to express ideas through stories. I wrote originally for myself. However, after 25 years, I realized the material was too important to keep to myself.
What is the first book you remember reading? First grade reader in 1959. See Spot. See Spot run. Run, run, run.
What’s your favorite book?
Old Testament
Who is your favorite author and why?
Isaac Asimov, because he was decades before his time, besides being a excellent writer.
How many hours a day do you write?
Three to four.
What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
My sorrows.
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Marketing
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose and why?
Sarah Maas, because she is a fantastic storyteller.
What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
Music.
What’s your favourite writing snack or drink?
None.
How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
By starting the next.
Do you listen to music while you wrote your book (s) ?
Yes
Where do you get your idea (s) for your book (s)
My imagination.
What is / was your writing process like?
I have a general idea and the words flow out of the end of my fingers onto the keyboard.
Do you try more to be original or rather give readers what they want?
Original.
How did publishing your (first) book ?
All 21 and soon 22 books are self-published.
What kind of research do you do and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book ?
My research occurs during the writing of the book. All my scientific facts are backed up by articles that are peer-reviewed. In my novels, it is the same and material of Jewish law I depend on numerous scholars and rabbis.
How do you develop your plot and characters?
My characters are developed through their dialogues with other characters.
What’s your favourite and least favourite part of publishing your book (s) ?
Editing, which takes as much or more time as writing.
What part of the book was the most fun to write?
When I add my personal opinions and outlooks on life.
How did you come up with the title for your book (s) ?
Lots of hard work based on the story.
Would you and your main character get along?
Absolutely, Daniel Arieli is a kind, thoughtful, giving man dedicated to living a moral life.
If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?
Hi old friend. Great to meet you at last.
Which of the characters in your book (s) do you relate to the most and why?
I relate to almost all the protagonists. They are people of high moral standards and dedicated to serving their people.
What is a significant way your book has changed since the first draft?
I had to change the name of my last book from anointed in sorrow, to Crown in Sorrow, because of Jewish law. On the first king of a dynasty is anointed with oil. Daniel Arieli is the fourth in his line.
How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?
A person who cares about morality, enjoys a great story, enjoys learning and cares about people.
What did you edit out of your book (s) ?
All profanity and explicit sex.
What was your hardest scene to write?
In book 9 Forged in Fire, I made my beta reader cry. The scene is after escaping a burning bungalow. The Free Thinker’s Malogoth assassins try to murder King Yona Arieli’s children. The youngest, Sarah’s clothes catch on fire as she escapes the building. Her brother, Daniel tackles her to put out the flames, but too late. He cradles her in his arms and takes her pain, replacing it with his inner serenity. She dies burned to death with a smile on her face.
How long did it take for you to write a book ?
Since I had been writing for years, I use that material as the basis of the series. Book 15 only needs a book cover and I am working on book 16. It can take 4-7 months to write, edit, edit, edit and publish.
What do you hope your readers take away from your book (s) ?
To live a more moral and ethical life. To follow the example of the Light of Justice.
What was the hardest part of writing your book (s) ?
The emotional parts. I need a box of tissues next to me as I write.
Did you get some negative feedback on your book ? and if so how do you deal with that ?
The vast majority of negative feedback comes from people who don’t believe in God. They are incapable of looking beyond and judging the book on its literary laurels.
Where can people who are interested in your book, buy your book ?
On Amazon, look up Barry Nadel or the Hoshiyan Chronicles or on my website
Dr. Barry Nadel Media Links
The Book Corner Chronicles 