Time We Discuss: Technology Author / Novelist, Charles Breakfield

Watch/Listen to this Episode Technology Author / Novelist, Charles Breakfield

Tech Novelist; Host of Time We Discuss is pointing to a picture of guest Charles Breakfield and giving the camera a thumbs-up.

Charles Breakfield, a writer, CTO, and publisher, shares his journey from technical writer to fiction author and publisher in this episode of Time We Discuss. Initially, Charles and his co-author, Roxanne, were writing technical manuals, but they grew frustrated as these materials quickly became outdated. Roxanne then proposed writing a fictional book series incorporating real technical details, leading to their first book, The Enigma Factor, which deals with identity theft. Each book in their Enigma series is a standalone story that explores a different technological threat, from ransomware to cryptocurrency, with good-versus-evil plots where the protagonists counteract the efforts of cybercriminals.

Faced with the challenge of publishing fiction after being turned down by their publisher, they established their own publishing company. They entered the market just as self-publishing and indie publishing were gaining traction, especially with platforms like Amazon. Charles notes the challenges of marketing, a responsibility that often falls on the author, even in traditional publishing. He highlights the tedious yet crucial work required to effectively market books, build ads, and differentiate oneself in a competitive field.

Charles also discusses the importance of offering books in multiple formats (ebook, paperback, audiobook) to cater to diverse reader preferences. In particular, he appreciates working with voice actor Derek Scholes, who brings their characters to life in audiobook form. Charles experimented with AI for audiobook narration but found it lacking compared to human voice actors, as AI lacks the emotional range needed for storytelling.

On the topic of technology, Charles reveals that cryptocurrency was his favorite to write about, explaining how the market is often exploited. He cites an instance where his storyline about Venezuela adopting cryptocurrency aligned closely with real-world events, reinforcing his book’s relevance.

Additionally, Charles shares an anecdote about a treasure-hunting opportunity that he ultimately declined, fearing it could be dangerous. This adventure story adds a touch of humor and intrigue to the conversation.

Finally, Charles talks about his involvement in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles, a collaborative cozy mystery series set in a fictional Texas town. He enjoys collaborating with other authors, sharing characters and settings to create unique perspectives on the same fictional town. The series is popular, with several books published and another release scheduled soon.

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