Interview with Ronald Jay Alvarez, Author of Bird in the Cage

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Bird in the Cage?

Since I started my IP investigations and protection blog in 2016, I have come to learn more and more about the Chinese government’s wide-reaching program to steal trade secrets from the United States and other Western democracies. I also discovered that one method they use is to coerce ethnic Chinese individuals living in the West into stealing on their behalf. A few years ago, I listened to an interview with Senator Mark Warner, where he explained that visiting Chinese students are often pressured by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to commit acts of espionage. If they refuse, their families back home could be at risk. This realization deeply impacted me and inspired me to write ‘Bird in the Cage,’ a novel that explores the high-stakes world of IP theft, espionage, and the moral complexities faced by those coerced into such actions. Through my story, I aim to shed light on these critical issues and bring awareness to the pervasive threats posed by international espionage.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Bird in the Cage, what would they be?

“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I have enjoyed reading a wide variety of genres over the past 30 years, from the literary depths of ‘Crime and Punishment’ by Dostoevsky to the gripping narratives of ‘Lush Life’ by Richard Price. I’ve also immersed myself in the works of John Irving and the thrilling spy novels by David Silva. While I find both literary and commercial fiction captivating, crime, mystery, and spy novels hold a special place in my heart. The complexity of the characters, the intricacy of the plots, and the high-stakes tension in these genres keep me engaged as a reader and inspired as a writer. Writing in the crime and spy genres allows me to blend my passion for intricate storytelling with the thrilling elements that make these books so compelling. My latest novel, ‘Bird in the Cage,’ is a testament to this, weaving a narrative that combines elements of espionage, murder, and cutting-edge technology. So, yes, my favorite genres to read are indeed the same as my favorite genres to write.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

‘The Coming Wave’ by Mustafa Suleyman. ‘New Cold Wars’ by David Sanger. ‘The Wager’ by David Grann. ‘The Books of Jacob’ by Olgo Tokarczuk. ‘The Power Broker’ by Robert Caro. ‘The Code Breaker’ by Walter Issacson. ‘The Paladin’ by David Ignatius.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene to write was the Tai Chi scene. In this moment, a Chinese-American investigator on the IP Crime Strike Force demonstrates Tai Chi for her colleagues. This scene is a beautiful blend of cultural heritage and physical discipline, highlighting the character’s unique background and the intricate skills she brings to the team. It’s a moment of calm and focus amidst the high-stakes tension of the story, providing a deeper insight into her character and a touch of elegance to the narrative.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I stand as I write. My wife bought me a desk that converts from sitting to standing, and I prefer to stand. I can easily write for three to four hours standing before I need to sit down for a few minutes and then stand again. Standing allows me to step away and pace as I listen for what to write next. It’s my understanding that Hemingway did a lot of his writing standing as well.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“Let me tell you a story.”

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

If I could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading “Bird in the Cage,” it would be the importance of vigilance and resilience in the face of covert threats. The novel underscores how critical it is to protect our intellectual property and maintain our integrity, especially when facing sophisticated adversaries like the Chinese intelligence services. I hope readers come away with a heightened awareness of the real-world implications of espionage and the courage of those who work tirelessly to safeguard our nation’s secrets.

Ronald Jay Alvarez is the author of the new book Bird in the Cage

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