Author Leland J. Katz tells us about his new novel, “The Pretenders”

iUniverse author Leland J. Katz tells us about his new novel, The Pretenders, along with his inspirations and message.

Please briefly describe your book . . .

A historical and autobiographical novel, The Pretenders traces the history of the computer industry from the time of the mainframe through to the beginnings of modern cloud computing and the history of our country from the time of the Berlin Wall, and the Cuban Missile Crisis through the great national nightmare that was Vietnam to 9/11, Iraq, and Afghanistan as seen through the eyes of everyman.

And can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am a cold war veteran of the USAF officer corps and a veteran of corporate America who spent his civilian career primarily in high tech marketing, sales, and business development. Now retired, I live with my wife of 57 years in Pompton Plains, NJ.

Do you have any particular literary influences that have helped you develop in your genre, subject, and style?

I have been a voracious reader throughout my life – first of the classics, then of action/adventure, and more recently of modern history and current affairs. All of these have influenced the way I write today.

What inspired you to write your book?

My initial inspiration was my wife’s desire that I tell my story so that my children might better understand who I was/am and what I did/accomplished. As the project progressed, I became more interested in the universal story of all of us who participated as everyday citizens in the events that have shaped our time and in the development of the computer industry.

What is the one message you would like to convey to your readers?

Change is inevitable and it occurs at an ever increasing pace. Resilience and reinvention are essential for survival and success in this ever changing world.

Are you working on a sequel to your book?

No but I do have another project in mind. Based on the letters exchanged between my wife and her mother while we were overseas during my military service, the working title is Memories of a Military Wife.

Are there any events, marketing ideas, or promotions planned for your book? Please feel free to mention any accolades you have received.

Too soon. The book just became available yesterday and is even now being sent out for review.

What was your favorite part of your publishing experience, overall and with iUniverse?

Through today, iUniverse has been helpful throughout but especially now that the book is finally available (it took a long time to write on a part-time basis).

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Persistence, persistence, PERSISTENCE!

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