Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Interview with Rudy Mazzocchi, Author of Equity of Fear


Rudy is best known as a medical device and biotechnology entrepreneur, inventor, and angel investor, with a history of starting new technology ventures throughout the U.S. and Europe. He's been privileged to have the opportunity to see the newest innovations in healthcare and work with some of the most brilliant researchers, scientists and physicians in the industry.

Authoring more than 50 patents, he has helped pioneer new companies involved in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurosurgery, ophthalmology and even embryonic stem-cell development. Through these efforts, he has become the recipient of many technology and business awards, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Healthcare and the Businessman of the Year Award.

Combining these experiences and opportunities, with thousands of hours of travel and long evenings in hotel rooms, he found the initiative to start writing a collection of medical thrillers based on true events, known as The EQUITY Series. The first book of which is entitled "EQUITY of EVIL" (released March 5, 2012), and the second entitled “EQUITY of FEAR” (released March 25, 2013).

Book Titles: EQUITY of EVIL (Book One) & EQUITY of FEAR (Book Two)
Website: http://www.rudymazzocchi.com
Blog Link: http://rudymazzocchi.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MazzocchiAuthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/RudyMazzocchi

Amazon Links: EQUITY of EVIL http://amzn.to/L9DCyW
EQUITY of FEAR http://amzn.to/16bDUfY

Barnes & Noble: EQUITY of EVIL http://bit.ly/HjK0P1
EQUITY of FEAR http://bit.ly/WPJEcC

Book Trailers: EQUITY of EVIL http://bit.ly/xusDAW
EQUITY of FEAR http://bit.ly/11nFRHv

When did you begin writing?

During an extended cruise through the Panama Canal while celebrating my 50th birthday. Prior to this, I had only authored business plans, patent applications and a handful of medical journal articles. It took three years to write, edit and publish my first novel, EQUITY of EVIL.

What is this book about?

EQUITY of FEAR is Book Two in The EQUITY Series. It is not a sequel to the first book, but carries a similar theme, one in which well-intended businessmen pursue controversial, high-risk medical technologies designed to improve our quality of life. Unfortunately, the technology eventually comes under the control of evil-doers who strive to use the technology to control the minds and wills of unknowing subjects. The story’s characters are pulled into another dark and evil world where scientists and foreign corporations will do whatever it takes to control the ability to manipulate our fears and memories.

What inspired you to write it?

As with the first novel, this is based on true medical science and certain events that have taken place in my life. My intention with The EQUITY Series is to make readers aware of several bold new medical technologies that are under development and to give them insight to how they might impact all of our lives in the future – for better or worse. Several of these themes may require us to reconsider how we might deal with future political, ethical and moral issues.

Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?

I would call it “challenging.” Early in the process of drafting my first manuscript, I decided to pursue the conventional route to publishing rather than consider self-publishing. With a professionally edited manuscript in hand, I pursued the best literary agency and publishing house that would consider a new unknown author. Releasing the eBook version of EQUITY of EVIL took approximately two years once I inked the deal with an agency. This included another editing session, re-naming of the book and selection of a cover design. EQUITY of FEAR (book Two), was released approximately four months following the completion of an edited manuscript.

If you knew then, what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?

Ironically, there’s not much I would change. I needed the time to learn this new industry and to experience the process first hand – regardless how frustrating it was at times. If anything, I may have spent more time identifying a proper publicist to help me with some pre-release promotional activities.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

Identified above….

Do you have a video trailer to promote your book? If yes, where can readers find it?

Identified above…

What is the best investment you have made in promoting your book?

I spent considerable time chasing down an appropriate reviewer for the purpose of providing the best possible “blurb” on the front cover. I was fortunate enough to connect with the International Best-selling Author, Dr. Robin Cook (Coma) who eventually provided a “blurb” for the cover of EQUITY of EVIL. I’m attempting to do the same with Dr. Sanjay Gupta for EQUITY of FEAR. In addition, I found it rewarding to submit these novels for a variety of literary awards. Receipt of several awards has been extremely helpful in promoting these novels and creating my brand recognition as a thriller writer.

What is up next for you?

I have begun my research to support the third book in this Series. This one is going to require a slightly different “process” since the theme is less familiar to me. The first book in this Series revealed a dark world involving abortion, human trafficking and organ cultures. The second book deals with the subject of the re-wiring of the brain to eliminate fear or to restore or alter memory. This third book will address the controversial subject of euthanasia. I then have a burning desire to write at least one non-fiction book, the first one regarding my career as a start-up CEO and the subject of Entrepreneurism.

1 comment:

Cherie Reich said...

Congrats, Rudy! The series sounds fantastic!