After leaving school, Konrad worked to fund himself through several years of further and higher education. When he was not studying, he spent his free time practising various martial arts in his back garden, much to his neighbours' amusement. After finishing his studies, Konrad pursued an academic career that permitted him to work in several regions around the world. During his travels, Konrad encountered some extraordinary individuals, including politicians, bureaucrats, mad professors, spies, ritual magicians, bankers and media moguls. Some were good, some were bad, and some were just bizarre. His experiences form the basis for his books' complex plots and characters.