Richard Gerber, author of The Third Testament, released his book in January 2018. We wanted to catch up with the new author and see how life had been treating him since he was published

Did you always dream of becoming an author?

I never dreamt of becoming an author. Although I have always enjoyed writing, becoming an author was an idea that grew out of academic research projects after I decided to switch to fiction.

What was your first job?

My first job was selling plastic pipes. I have also been a computer programmer, part-time university lecturer, knowledge manager and e-commerce policy manager, which was a process of lifelong learning.

How did you come about writing your book? Was that your intention or did you start writing for fun?

I have always written for fun in an unstructured way. After a research project in telecommunications was expanded into a book, that was published by the University of Cape Town Press. I decided that I would rather write creatively than academically.

What was your life like before you became an author?

Before I became an author my life was pleasantly interesting, because I studied diverse subjects and worked in various fields in government and business in two countries. While being happily married for thirty three years and raising a son and daughter.

Did you face any struggles before becoming an author? If so, how did you overcome them?

I was detained in solitary confinement under South Africa’s apartheid security laws in 1982, and decided to live in Switzerland. It was also quite a struggle adjusting to life in Switzerland, after growing up in South Africa, what with the language, culture, housing, weather and workplace differences, but one gradually gets used to it.

Now that you are a published author, how has your life changed, if at all?

Now that I am a published author, I am focused on marketing a book I am proud of, rather than on creating the content of the book. This will require greater interaction with people, something I am looking forward to.

Can you please describe a typical day in your life now?

On a typical day I sleep from 9:00 pm until 5:30 am, watch the sun rise from a balcony in the garden, and perhaps go with my wife to take our two German Shepherd dogs for a walk, which she does twice a day. Then I will spend quite a large part of the day working on my computer to send emails, research book review blogs and manage my finances

What is your most memorable moment of your life as an author?

The most memorable moment of my life as an author is still to come. I think it will be my first signing.

How would you best sum up your experience with Pegasus Publishers?

I would sum up my experience with Pegasus Publishers as pleasant, professional, accommodating, efficient, thorough and excellent. Now we must sell 30,000 copies of The Third Testament.