Best of Family & Relationships
Best of Family & Relationships
"So Many Books, So Little Time!"
Open for Submissions
Exclusive Interview with
Esteban Corio
When did you start writing?
Back in 2019. I wrote a non-fiction book in Spanish, called "El bien hacer"-something like "Doing right" about some thoughts, reflections, and experiences of life. It was not translated into English yet.
What makes writing your passion?
Writing is very invigorating; it allows the mind to wander in interstellar space, over a green field touched by a gentle breeze, a secluded forest after an autumn rain, a dark alley smelling fear... it lets your hand be commanded by your imagination. What else do you need for feeling free and alive?
How long have you been writing?
For publishing purposes, just two years ago. For professional purposes, like as market assessments, business strategies, sales management, and the likes, I have been doing that since 30 years ago
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
An exhilarating experience.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
I usually select character´s names from some family members, workmates, and also use famous characters -with slight modifications- of my lifetime favorite SciFi TV shows or movies.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
I found anything annoying!. On the contrary, being an independent author, editor, and publisher, I enjoy every step of the way.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
With a mix of patience and mind distraction from these sense of blocking. I am a trail runner; sometimes, when I feel blocked or devoid of ideas, I just hit the trail and as the adrenaline rush, ideas start to fall into the brain.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
There was a famous motto used by IBM back in the ´80 "Think globally, act locally" . In other words, project yourself at the end of the road as a known, respected and laureated writer, but even a 1,000-mile traverse start with s single step. Every detail counts: Selection of the genre, selection of the target audience, choose of the channels to get the work known for those potential readers. Persistence will pay in the end.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
"Hi, you see. Time travel is possible after all! "
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Having spent more than 30 years working in corporate environments, I am used to enduring any type of feedback. My rule is to be attentive to every word and accept every opinion at face value. Then in a second review, I will direct the review and incorporate any possible learning.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
A job well done.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Not yet. It would be funny, I believe, if something of extraterrestrial origin happens to me.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
I believe that a guy that I called Raymond Sprague, in my second novel "Journey to the past" may resemble certain aspects of my personality. I´d say not 100% but close to me.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Absolutely. It is of the most importance. The challenge is to reflect in a single image several components of the plot, or the idea, behind the pages. For sure, Book cover should be one of the top concerns to an independent writer. I was fortunate enough to have the book cover of my first novel "MARS The mother country" prized with a reader "contest of the Month" in last September.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I have no issue connecting with anybody willing to discuss any of my works or just seeking advice. That´s the reason I try to become available on some social networks and author pages, though I also believe that it is not necessary to be 24x7 available like a Cell Center.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I belong to the Baby Boomers generation; I love to be recognized and rewarded in words, prizes, or metallic as most people of these generations do.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
The list is very long! I am really in trouble to single out any of them. I was inspired, among others, by Clive Cussler, Emilio Salgari, Arthur Clarke, Isaac Asimov, James Byron Huggins, Jorge Luis Borges, Roberto Arlt, Hector Oesterheld, and many many others.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
For the moment, as a beginner, I am just looking forward to being somehow recognized in Hispanic, US, and England markets.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Not for the time being. Besides, my two SciFi novels up to now have plots that elapse within 30 to 50 years from now. So any need to rewriting can still wait.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
It is regrettable. But think for a moment that, probably, that person is suffering from the frustration of not able to become a real writer, so let´s be compassionate with them.
What would you say to your readers?
Hello! I am inviting you to enter my world of fantasy and adventure!
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live in a northwest neighborhood of the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, 25 miles from the downtown. I am happily married. My elder daughter lives in Switzerland and my other two daughters live with us.
What is your day job if you have one?
I am a sales & business executive with a local group. I usually conduct my work -now remotely due to the lockdown- from 9 to 5 and then dedicate my time to the family, playing guitar and write some pages of my new novel.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Trail running -now at bay due to the lockdown, play classic guitar, and solve crosswords.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Yes, a very happy one.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Well, the triggering factor to start writing novels was precisely the lockdown due to this CoVid virus which make us stay at home, with plenty of time to think about ourselves.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
No, I haven´t. I am currently in the works for my third novel which would be ready around the middle of 2021
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
I think that both parents and teachers have to “walk the talk”. In other words, you can only inspire by actually leading the way. Instead of employing time consuming daily news, following the latest developments in the life of actors or actresses, engaging in futile political discussions, just read books. And start debating with the kids about what you have read. There is a fantastic book by Dr. Sherry Turkle called “Reclaiming conversation – the power of talk in a digital age” where she encourages open, face-to-face dialog with kids. What could be better to discuss this or that book with them, awakening their desire to read more?
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
First of all: Peace in the world
Second: I wish hunger is eradicated globally
Third: As a Star Trek fan, "Live long and prosper"
What is your favorite music?
The eighties in all its variants.
Share a secret with us 🙂
I know Aliens will reveal themselves soon...