David talks with prolific science fiction author Adrian Tchaikovsky about his journey from childhood to successful author. We explore his influences, methodology, mindset and discover the book that made him cry. Bio: Adrian Tchaikovsky is the author of the acclaimed Shadows of the Apt fantasy series, from the first volume, Empire In Black and Gold in 2008 to the final book, Seal of the Worm, in 2014. In civilian life he is a lawyer, gamer and amateur entomologist. Tchaikovsky's novel Children of Time won the 30th Arthur C. Clarke Award on 24 August 2016. Show Notes: 2:00 Octopussies or Octopi? 3:15 - Adrian's Doctorate 4:20 - Adrian's journey from University to working in blood spattered offices 9:15 - Landmark geeky influences 11:42 - The significance of role play and how it relates to insect segmentation! 15:59 - Being edited and navigating his love of words 22:42 - writing methodology - for the audience vs writing for yourself 27:24 - What scares Adrian about his own writing 29:55 - Engaging with your version of the future 31:45 - Autism, Being an outcast and reactions from your 12 yr old self 33:23 - The Book that made Adrian cry 34:53 - What's next for Adrian 38:00 - My thoughts and farewell Books written by Adrian mentioned in this episode Walking To Aldebaran - https://amzn.to/38NPiq3 Bearhead - https://amzn.to/3tn4sfw Doors of Eden - https://amzn.to/3zXUpA1 Children of Time - https://amzn.to/2X3o8ZW Children of Ruin - https://amzn.to/3jQxLUK Dogs of War - https://amzn.to/3BOXwef The Expert Systems Brother - https://amzn.to/3nfRjnw Shards of Earth - https://amzn.to/38PSWQp Other books mentioned in the podcast Becky Chambers: Wayfarers series - https://amzn.to/3nhPMgG Wheel of Time - https://amzn.to/3he55U1 The Infinite - Patience Agbabi - https://amzn.to/3yOusla Find Adrian: https://shadowsoftheapt.com/ twitter - @aptshadow facebook - https://www.facebook.com/adrian.tchaikovsky Message The Naked Geek to share your experience or insights - david@thenakedgeek,co,uk Continue the conversation in the Facebook Group This podcast was produced by...