On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, A. O. Wagner discusses The Karma Katana Series, a gripping high-tech thriller that follows Dan, a young computer genius unraveling a mysterious gene-analysis system predicting precise death dates.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed A. O. Wagner about his life and career, the inspiration behind his books, The Karma Katana Series, and his creative writing process.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I grew up in a small village in Denmark in a secure and loving family environment—ideal conditions for personal development. I started out working in a factory and playing in bands, then shifted my focus to computers and eventually co-founded an animation company in Copenhagen. Later, I worked in internet and media development with major companies, including DR, the national broadcaster.
I now live in Switzerland and have been alcohol-free since 2013. My book shares my journey through alcohol abuse and the transformative role of a Higher Power in my recovery.
When did you first take a step to start writing?
After my recovery began in 2013, I reflected deeply on the spiritual aspects of my journey and how I could help others gain the same insight. Over time, those reflections developed into the foundation of the book.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
The process unfolded over several years, beginning with personal reflections and gradually taking shape as a manuscript that told my story and conveyed the insights I had gained.
What made you want to write The Karma Kantana Series?
The spiritual aspect of my recovery was transformative, and I realized that many people are hesitant to engage with the idea of a Higher Power—especially in secular cultures like Denmark. I wanted to write something that could speak to that reluctance while also offering a compelling, fictional narrative. This isn’t a self-help book; it’s a story with real stakes, characters, and conflict. But yes, it’s also infused with the insights I gained through recovery.
What were your biggest challenges with writing The Karma Kantana Series?
One challenge was revisiting painful parts of my past with honesty. Another was communicating spiritual experiences in a way that resonates, especially in cultures like Denmark’s, where spirituality and belief in a Higher Power are often viewed with skepticism.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
The protagonist, Dan, is inspired by my own journey. His experiences reflect the psychological, physical, and spiritual struggles I went through during my addiction and recovery.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
Initially, the antagonist was internal—addiction, ego, self-doubt. But as the series progresses, the more concrete antagonist becomes Ryan, a character who seeks to exploit the Karma Sequence—an encoded spiritual blueprint hidden within the human genome—for personal and unethical gain. Ryan represents the dangers of knowledge without wisdom, ambition without morality.
What is the inciting incident in The Karma Kantana Series?
The inciting moment in book one, The Karma Sequence, is when Dan, at his lowest point, begins to have transcendent experiences—similar to what I experienced during the darkest time of my addiction, when I had gone days without eating and could barely function.
What is the main conflict of The Karma Kantana Series?
The central conflict is between Dan’s addiction-driven self and his journey toward spiritual awakening and recovery—a battle between surrendering to a Higher Power or remaining trapped in destructive patterns.
Did you plot The Karma Kantana Series in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
The story emerged from my lived experience. It was shaped by real events and insights, so it evolved naturally from reflection rather than being tightly plotted in advance.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did The Karma Kantana Series need?
Yes, the books went through an editing process to ensure clarity and flow, especially since the subject matter blends personal narrative with complex spiritual ideas.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
There is nothing extraordinary about my story—many people have had similar journeys. My advice is to share your truth. Your experience, honestly told, can help others in ways you might never expect.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I hope that this trilogy is just one small contribution to a broader conversation about addiction, recovery, and spiritual meaning. There may be more to come, as I continue to reflect and grow.
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Yes. Writing this book was worth every bit of effort. It helped me process my journey and gave me a way to share something that might help others. If it resonates with even one person, it has served its purpose.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.o.wagner.author/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/a.o.wagner.author
The Karma Sequence
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3TK8QDi
Paperback: https://amzn.to/44q3mCM
The Karma Topology
Kindle: https://amzn.to/46gglt7
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4nreGY4
The Karma Ubiquity
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4ej2unO
Paperback: https://amzn.to/46ggBZ7
We strive to keep The Table Read free for both our readers and our contributors. If you have enjoyed our work, please consider donating to help keep The Table Read going!
fcu2kc