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Following Your Curiosity
Miles Ahead – A Journey in Math and Engineering follows a young boy who discovers a passion for math early in life and follows this love all the way into a career as a professional engineer. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for Miles Ahead came from my own experiences growing up. Like the character in the book, I developed a fascination with math and engineering at a young age. I wanted to capture that sense of wonder and excitement that comes from discovering something you’re passionate about, and how that passion can shape the course of your life.
The story isn’t just about math; it’s about the journey of following your curiosity, working through challenges, and ultimately finding fulfillment in your chosen career. I also wanted to inspire young readers to see math not just as a subject in school, but as a gateway to endless possibilities—just as it was for me.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the key ideas I wanted to share is the importance of curiosity and persistence. The journey to becoming an engineer—or pursuing any career—rarely follows a straight path. There will always be bumps along the way, but staying curious and determined can help us navigate those challenges. I also wanted to emphasize that math and science aren’t just abstract concepts; they are tools that allow us to understand and shape the world around us.
Another important theme is the value of mentorship and community support. In the book, Miles, the focal character doesn’t achieve success alone—there are people who guide and encourage him along the way. I believe this is a crucial aspect of anyone’s journey, especially in fields like math and engineering, where collaboration and learning from others are key. I have had mentors, wonderful teachers and professors, and family supporting me my entire life. It truly does take a village, and that becomes obvious when we look at the big picture.
Underlying all of this is a real concern: there’s a shortage of professional engineers, and enrollments in engineering colleges have been declining for years. It’s crucial that we nurture children’s passion for STEM early, with the hope that many of them will go on to become the next generation of engineers and scientists.
The engineering profession has been incredibly rewarding for me, and I see this book as my small way of giving back to the field. My hope is that it sparks an interest in young readers and encourages them to consider a career in engineering or the sciences.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I had the most fun writing the scenes where Miles first begins to explore the real-world applications of math and engineering. There’s something truly magical about watching a young character connect abstract concepts to tangible outcomes—whether it’s solving a practical problem or discovering how math powers the world around him. I loved capturing that “aha” moment when Miles realizes that math isn’t just about numbers on a page, but something that can make a real difference in his life and the world. It was fun to weave in those moments of discovery and excitement, which I hope will resonate with readers—especially young ones just starting their own journeys.
If I had to choose one scene in particular, it would be the moment when Miles finds out he passed the Professional Engineering Exam. For a licensed professional engineer, the PE Exam is one of the most important milestones in our careers. It’s a game-changer, giving engineers the authority to take on greater responsibility, sign and seal plans, and make a bigger impact in their field. I’ll never forget the intense studying leading up to it, and the joy and pride I felt when I learned that I had passed—shared with my family and fellow colleagues. So, the scene where Miles experiences that same sense of accomplishment is deeply personal and really special to me.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in the next story?
While Miles Ahead is a standalone story, I’ve been exploring the idea of writing a similar book with a female lead character. This new book would follow a young girl on her journey in engineering or the sciences, much like Miles’ story. Engineering has historically been a male-dominated profession, but I’m glad to see more and more women entering the field. It’s an encouraging trend, and I hope it continues to grow.
By featuring a female main character, my goal is to create a story that inspires young girls to see themselves as future engineers, scientists, and innovators. I also hope this book will resonate with parents and children alike, offering an engaging and empowering perspective on STEM fields.
If this book comes to fruition, readers can expect an inspiring story filled with challenges, growth, and discovery. The main character will navigate obstacles, discover the joy of exploring STEM concepts, and learn the value of perseverance, teamwork, and giving back to her profession. Like Miles Ahead, it will emphasize the importance of mentorship and community support, while showcasing the rewarding journey of following your passions.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
There Must Be A Strategy
Playing Blackjack Like an Engineer blends mathematics, engineering principles, and card game strategy into a guide for readers to understand the mechanics of this card game better and develop a strategy to gain an analytical edge. What inspired you to write this book?
Over 40 years ago, when I was a teenager, I remember my uncle talking about playing blackjack in Atlantic City, NJ. He had such a passion for the game, and I’ll never forget him saying, “Always split aces and eights.” At the time, all I knew about the game was that the objective was to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. But my uncle’s advice made me realize there must be a strategy behind it, something that could help a player win.
As I grew older, I found myself increasingly fascinated by the game. I began studying basic strategy charts and diving deeper into the mechanics of blackjack. I’ve always been passionate about blending my engineering background with real-world applications, and blackjack turned out to be a perfect intersection of my interests. While blackjack is a card game, it heavily relies on probability, statistics, and strategy—areas where engineering principles are particularly valuable.
In my early days of playing, I relied on gut instincts before I understood the strategy charts. As I learned more, I realized that many players approach blackjack the same way, without fully grasping the underlying mechanics or the best strategies to optimize their chances of success. That’s when the idea for this book came to me: What if I could present a more analytical approach to the game—one that encourages players to think critically about their decisions and gain an edge over the house?
This book was born from that desire to help readers understand how mathematics and engineering principles can be applied to improve their strategies at the blackjack table. Although you don’t need to be an engineer to read and understand the book, I think people have a natural respect for engineers, knowing that we approach problems in a structured, analytical way. The title, “Playing Blackjack Like an Engineer,” was intended to spark curiosity—especially among engineers and those who appreciate a more methodical approach. Ultimately, my goal was simply to share my passion and what I’ve learned over the years with others.
How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?
Writing Playing Blackjack Like an Engineer involved a deep dive into the game’s mathematical and statistical aspects. I spent a significant amount of time reviewing existing literature on probability theory, money management, and developing mnemonic devices to help with remembering basic strategy actions. While I was already familiar with these concepts due to my engineering background, I wanted to ensure that they were presented in a clear and accessible way for readers of all levels.
In addition to reviewing the literature, I conducted hands-on research, playing blackjack and analyzing real game scenarios to validate the strategies discussed in the book. The research itself took several years to compile, but the actual writing, illustrating, and refining of the material took several months. My goal was to make sure that every chapter was not only well-researched but also informative, engaging, and easy for readers to follow.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the key ideas I wanted to convey was that blackjack is not just a game of luck; it’s a game of skill and strategy. Many people play intuitively, but there are mathematical frameworks and engineering concepts that can significantly improve the player’s chances at the table. I also wanted to emphasize the importance of discipline—whether it’s knowing when to walk away, managing your bankroll, or staying calm under pressure. I believe that the principles of risk management and decision-making in engineering are directly applicable to playing blackjack effectively. Finally, while I don’t delve too deep into the mathematics, I simply wanted to stress the importance of understanding the probabilities of every possible scenario in the game and how they can shape better strategic decisions.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Playing Blackjack Like an Engineer?
I hope that readers walk away with a new perspective on blackjack—one that goes beyond playing the game for fun or relying on gut feelings. I want them to understand that every decision in blackjack is grounded in mathematics, and with the right strategy, they can make smarter choices that tilt the odds in their favor. My ultimate goal is to inspire readers to think critically and analytically, whether they’re at the blackjack table or facing challenges in their everyday lives.
The key takeaway is that principles of engineering—such as logic, probability, and optimization—can help you make more informed decisions and gain an edge in any situation, not just in games of chance. In a nutshell, I want to provide readers with the tools to boost their confidence at the blackjack table and empower them to play with a deeper understanding of the game’s mechanics.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
LITERARY TITAN 