The Horvitz Virus looks like an exciting suspense
story. Can you tell us a little about Andy
and Jasper?
It is a very exciting suspense story with many unexpected twists and turns and a strong positive message of unity, empathy, love and respect for one another.
Andy and Jasper are the central characters of the story, as children they lived in the same town and attended the same school. However, their socio-economic, racial and cultural circumstances are completely opposite. Ironically, as adults they meet again but this time they must work together and put all differences aside to save the world from the worst pandemic ever in the history of mankind.
If you want to get a
sense for the book you have to check out the video trailer: https://jo.my/horvitztrailer1
Any plans to turn it into a series?
Not at this time. I have some ideas on additional topics of interest I’d like to work on first. I think that the story delivers the message of unity, empathy, respect and inclusion in a thrilling and exciting way perfectly as is.
How long did it take you to write The Horvitz Virus?
Honestly, not
sure. My concept of time these days is completely off, all of 2020 felt
like a very long and endless Monday. In 2021 I am still trying to
adjust and go back to normality and yet it feels like the weeks and years have
just blended all together but for the record I’ll go with 6 months.
What inspired you when writing The Horvitz Virus?
Certainly, this past year provided some good content as we have all been living through such an unimaginable experience together. As a result, and upon so much chaos and uncertainly, it was also a time to reflect and think about things in new ways.
Therefore, it felt like a good time to channel that
energy to pull
together creative threads and stitch it together in a way that offers a
different perspective.
When did you decide to become a writer?
It just
happened. This past year
has really reframed a lot for me, and the timing just felt right to tell this
story. Having the technology available and accessible
was also a motivator. The democratization of the publishing process provides so
many opportunities and exchange of ideas globally. This was an amazing experience from which I
learned a lot from.
How did you come up with the story in The Horvitz
Virus?
I have spent a lot of time thinking about the challenges that we were all facing and are still facing collectively and how we are all so interconnected. It has become more evident than ever that, in order to solve global problems, we must come up with global solutions and see each other as collaborators playing important roles in making the world a better place.
I also drew
from experiences from my childhood, the work I do today and my personal interests
in finding solutions despite all odds, often in unexpected places to tell this
story in a way that people can relate.
Did anything stick out as particularly challenging when
writing The Horvitz Virus?
Obviously, we
are not in the clear from this pandemic. So, knowing that in the backdrop was a
challenge. It’s been quite remarkable to see just how vulnerable we are to
something like this. We are not as superhuman as we think, the irony is that
given the global health, climate threats, and massive political disinformation that
we face, the biggest threat that we face is the increased polarization,
division, and lack of empathy for one another.
What do you like to do when not writing?
I am an entrepreneur at heart and therefore I am constantly learning and finding new ways to “up” my game. I love to solve problems, and push myself both physically and mentally in the process of mastering new skills as well as helping others do the same. I truly enjoy the process far more than the destination.
I am also very passionate about the online marketing space because it allows anyone to reach global audiences instantly. I have received numerous requests to share my Silicon Valley experience in business and internet marketing to help others start their digital entrepreneurial journeys. I have been blessed with an outstanding career filled with amazing and valuables experiences working for and consulting for some of the best technology companies in the world collaborating alongside the top tech minds of the planet. I was able to thrive and succeed in this highly competitive environment by creating systems, designing and implementing strategies that generated over a billion dollars in revenue. For as impressive as it sounds, the real beauty is that these are simple strategies that can be applied and implemented by anyone in a very cost-efficient way resulting in highly successful businesses. It is for this reason that I have received so many requests to teach and share this knowledge and insights.
Since I really get energized by helping others, I am seriously considering spilling the beans and sharing all of those “success secrets” that tech companies and digital entrepreneurs don’t want anyone to know.
Having said the above, what I enjoy doing the most is spending time with my family, going on road trips and other family adventures and playing a lot of sports together.
I am also very passionate and involved in work related to DEI and social justice, I have been very fortunate to have lived a life of privilege in so many ways, and feel the need and urge to give back by helping those less fortunate have a voice, so that they are included and not only accepted but welcomed and respected for who they are.
Needless to
say all of these things keep me pretty busy!
What makes you happy?
Spending time with
my loved ones, being in the present moment, helping others, and standing up for
what is right. By the same token, I find
fulfillment when I answer positively the following questions that I ask myself
every night: Did I give my best and lived to my highest potential today? Did I
do and defended what is right today? And finally, Did I treat others with love
and empathy in the process?
Where can readers find out more about your work?
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