William Gurstelle has a knack for building highly kinetic things.
Of course, he also explains how to make your own miniature versions.
We spoke with Gurstelle to learn about how he works.
Location:Im in St. Paul, Minnesota.
I specialize in science and history, with a special emphasis on including do-it-yourself projects in the mix.
My dozen or so books have sold hundreds of thousands of copies.
When I write, I love finding connections between ideas.
So far, its doing everything asked of it.
It weighs a ton though.
What apps, software, or tools cant you live without?
Whats your workspace setup like?
I have a large standalone workshop on the back of my property where I prototype and build stuff.
Its bright, roomy, and has a giant door so its easy to bring projects in or out.
Kidney-shaped desk tops are, I think, the most efficient of all possible desk shapes.
Everything is within arms reach, and there are not any far away corners to collect clutter.
Whats your favorite to-do list manager?
I use a variety of lists.
For simple stuff and due in the short term, theres an app calledMomoNotethats pretty good.
For longer range stuff, I useToodleDowhich has a lot of features.
Besides your phone and computer, what gadget cant you live without and why?
We just got aDeLonghi Magnifica automatic espresso machine.
Another item thats important to me is thePhilips Sonicare Diamond Clean electric toothbrush; it makes my mouth happy.
What tools do you use to write?
I use Word for the actual writing.
DropBox really works well for sharing documents.
Do you find yourself always working on something?
I always have a ton of projects in mind.
They stay on my list, but between me and you, Im probably never going to do them.
What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else?
Im really good at building things that shoot, hurl, or throw stuff.
There are interesting scientific and historical connections between these things that I just love.
I get called up and asked about this stuff a lot by the media and others.
Yeah, its a weird little niche, but by God, itsmyniche.
What do you listen to while you work?
Got a favorite playlist?
Or do you prefer silence?
In my office, I like it quiet, so I can concentrate.
What are you currently reading?
I just started a funny book from the 1930s calledThe Code of the Woostersby P. G. Wodehouse.
Wodehouse is a comic genius.
I just finished Kingsley AmisLucky Jim.
That was a fun read.
How do you recharge?
The nicer the day, of course, the longer the walk.
I get some of my best ideas while out walking.
When something good hits me, Ill use Siri to make a note so I dont forget.
Whats your sleep routine like?
Are you a night owl or early-riser?
I usually get up around 7AM or so and go to sleep around 11.
Ive tried light therapy but not found it too helpful.
Id love to get ideas on overcoming jet lag.
Fill in the blank: Id love to see ______ answer these same questions.
Leonardo is arguably the worlds most famous polymath.
So many thoughts and so many different ideas!
Ive seen his notebooks which are filled with tiny, messy scrawls written in mirror image across the page.
Id love to know how he kept all his projects going at once.
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
I think its important to associate with positive, upbeat people.
You get energy from other people, so hang out with energetic people.
Shes 94 and still completely independent, and shes always positive and optimistic.
Is there anything else youd like to add that might be interesting to readers and fans?
I like trivia and host a trivia contest every Monday night at the bar closest to my home.
One time I appeared on a television show calledWin Ben Steins Money.
I won Ben Steins money.
The answer is basalt.
Have someone you want to see featured, or questions you think we should ask?
