I first had the idea for The Flash Incident one evening in late 2001 while walking home through the bustling Chicago Loop. As herds of suited office jockeys swept past me in the streets, I recalled the horror of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and wondered if there might be a more permanent solution to ridding the world of such violence. Of course, this line of thought spawned the founding idea behind Flash Technology, a devise of science fiction which may surprise you to learn is not so farfetched after all.

Having a limited knowledge of physics and genetics, the project began with many long weekends at the Chicago Public Library researching the critical elements of the plot, including a through study of Peru and the Atacameno Indians (which, by the way, continue to exist today in the remote Atacama Desert devoid of technology or modern influence). Though I would have enjoyed a quick jaunt to South America to research these magnificent people firsthand, a trip of that magnitude was beyond my means as a lowly advertising manager. Thus, I was forced to seek refuge in academic texts.

Unfortunately, not a single word was put to paper until 2003 when I relocated to New York City to start a new job. This move became the impetus for my continued efforts on the novel. As the idea of Flash Technology lay dormant in my mind, I discovered a wealth of inspiration for character development in the most diverse city in America.

The entire book was written at the Starbucks on the corner of 43rd Street and 8th Avenue, which happens to be one of the most fascinating intersections in the city to people watch. Often, I considered postponing this project to compose a collection of true stories based on the common street corner events I witnessed from that front window; some humorous, some rather troubling. And, there was always a wealth of captivating drama stirring within that coffee shop. Spend enough time behind a laptop in Starbucks and you'll find that every conversation eventually floats its way into your subconscious. Many of the short soliloquies used for chapter openings in The Flash Incident were inspired by real people and events, including the tale about the AIDS Needle Psycho on the subway (two cops were discussing this behind me one afternoon).

Eventually, I had so much material that the book became massive. I believe that the hardest task for any writer is editing your own work. And, at almost 600 pages, substantial cuts were required. The first draft of The Flash Incident was finished in 2005, but it took almost as long to tighten the language and remove insignificant plot details. Again and again, I reviewed each version seeking a new level of personal comfort and satisfaction which never felt sufficient. I postponed submitting the manuscript, rewrote entire sections, and continued to cut heavily (the opening prologue was originally 46 pages long). Even after publication, I reread certain chapters and am compelled to make revisions. I've often wondered if Stephen King feels the same way when he picks up an old copy of Carrie. Is an obsession for perfection a fundamental failing for all writers? I suspect so.

When you are working on a book, many people ask about those authors who have been most influential. As I am the quintessential paperback junkie, my idols are the Three Wise Men of popular fiction ... Koontz, Clancy, King. Of course, I have enjoyed the classics and discovered brilliance in the works of Isaac Asimov, Kurt Vonnegut, and George Orwell. But, as a first time novelist, I would say that much of my motivation came from an up and coming author, Jeff Long, who wrote The Descent.

I hope that readers enjoy The Flash Incident as much as I enjoyed writing it. There are many questions left unanswered, and a fascinating tale remains to be told. The continuation of this series will prove to be well worth the wait.

A big "Thank You!" to everyone who inspired me to pursue this project.

Sincerely,
A. D. Burns