I spent my time, growing up, essentially between two things: technology and retail. I was fascinated by selling and loved the idea of making a profit, but I also spent a lot of time on technology.
I've always been fascinated by the brain. I wrote a lot about brain-tech in my first non-fiction book, 'More Than Human.' So when I decided to write science fiction, that was the technology I gravitated towards.
I've always been very gadget-conscious.
It's weird; my fascination with tech was kind of combined with the fact that my parents would never pay for anything. It got me more involved because I would have to find clever ways to get things for free.
I'm guilty of being fascinated by gadgets and toys and technology, but any penny that I spend, I try to make it be a part of what I do for a living. Because then you are forwarding. You are forwarding that art, forwarding that career ahead.
I always have to have the new gadgets and stuff when they come out. I'm not really interested enough in learning how they work.
I got my first computer when I was 6, and I was part of that early generation of children who grew up with computers always being around. I fell in love with them early on.
The rattling of the relays of the Z4 was the only interesting thing to be experienced in Zurich's night life!
I had an almost fetishistic attraction to film technology.
Some people are really drawn to technology and I liken them to artists.
My first transistor radio was the heart of my gadget love today. It fit in my hand and brought me a world of music 24 / 7.
A friend of mine created an email ID for me, and I was completely hooked soon after. I would mail friends constantly and lug my laptop everywhere just to listen to some music.
We've always had a sadistic obsession with technology.