Exclusive Interview with
R. F. Pina
When did you start writing?
I started writing in my late teens, when I was attending college. This happened after years of reading comic books. I initially wanted to be a comic book illustrator, and then a comic book writer. Finally, I realized that by being a regular author, I could tell any story I wanted without the help of an illustrator. This happened around 2010 or 2011.
What makes writing your passion?
The idea of creating a world, an interesting plot with characters and all, believable enough that people's minds could actually get lost in the story , made me want to give it a try . Creating enjoyable stories illustrated and in traditional written forms have always been one of my passions. I believe that my interest of telling a good story originated when I was very little. I always watched cartoons and movies at an early age. Perhaps this was the spark that contributed to my interest in writting books. Or perhaps it was a combination of many things.
How long have you been writing?
I've been writing since I began attending college in my late teenage years. I attempted to write movie manuscripts without having a clue on how this could be done. I guess I've been taking writing seriously since I was 18 years old.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Euphoric... I couldn't believe that the book I so desired to publish was available for the public. Better yet, people could enjoy reading my book.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
I like to create characters as down to earth as possible, even when the story contains fantasy. I noticed that creating characters as human as possible is more important than even most of the plot. I let the plot of the story and the situation dictate to me how characters in my story react to the storyline. Whenever I do that, the characters in my stories"speak" back to me, allowing them to describe their emotions. It is easier that way, better than forcing them to behave in a certain way, unnaturally.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
It's a lot of work. You have to sacrifice a lot of personal time in order to get work done. It's not an easy task! Right now I'm doing this for fun, because I want people to read what I write, make them travel into a different world where they haven't been before.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I just write. I try to see the plot or the situation unfold in my head, like watching a movie. I like to see how the characters interact with other characters, making them as believable as I can by attempting to mirror real life. I just sit and imagine them interact in different situations. The best outcome will make it to the final draft.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
If you want to write a story, you just write it! Get it out of your system. It doesn't matter how it is conveyed, or how long it takes. Just let it out. You'll have time to fix it later.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
"Start reading old books. Read Greek and Norse mythologies...and learn how to write, find your own style, and never give up."
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Yes, I read my book reviews. I smile when I encounter bad reviews. I don't allow those bad reviews to ruin my day. My book is not meant for every reader, I like to tell myself.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
Frankly, it feeds my ego and makes me want to write more. Positive feed is always good for creativity.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Oh yes! In the book, I took words and phrases that I learned growing up that seemed tribal, and wanted to make them part of this world I created. There are bits and pieces of phrases and dialogs that I've heard growing up from family and friends.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
I based most of my characters on my own experiences and the experiences of other people. I just visualize how one specific character might react to a specific situation or setting.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
The book cover is very important. It gives the reader an idea of the overall literary content of the book. Yes! It's very important.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I prefer doing both. I like talking about my book and sharing my ideas with others authors and my fans. It gives me an overall idea on how impacting my book could be, providing me with ammunition to write better.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
It's a good feeling. The people who are closest to me can't believe I created a fantasy story regarding the Goths and the Romans. They can't wrap their heads around it. It feels like they didn't know me at all. But it still a good feeling, though.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
My favorite author is the late Juan Bosch, the Dominican essayist, great story teller and political figure. I love his short stories as well as his novels. I have learned a lot from his writing style that I borough a thing or two from it. I also like Hesiod, Euripides, Sophocles, Homer, Hesiod, and everything with Neal Gayman and Frank Miller.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
I do not want to be big. I just want people to read what I write. If my stories merit attention, let the public decide how high I'm able to fly. But flying close to the sun is also a problem. I'm fully aware of it.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Yes! I would rewrite certain chapters of my book, making them more vague through other characters' point of view.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
I like my life the way it is. I'd miss my life if I switched places with any other author.
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.
I just ignore them. I don't feed the trolls. The more you feed them, the bigger they grow and come after you.
What would you say to your readers?
"Buckle up! It's going to be a bumpy ride!"
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I currently live in Queens, New York, happily married, have four wonderful children and a great wife. I love spending as much time with them as humanly possible. I 'm a family man, and I wouldn't
hange it for the world.
What is your day job if you have one?
I'm a city worker.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I like going to the local gym, run in the park, go to a good restaurant, and watch a good movie. spending quality time with my family relaxes me, fills me with bliss.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Absolutely! I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic until my 14th birthday. It was a very poor country back in the 80's.
My generation didn't have cellphones or computers like this generation. We used our imagination for everything. We played in the streets, running around, engaged in physical activities. It was fun.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Yes! After I arrived from the Dominican Republic as a teenager and found the American life somewhat boring, monotone, compared to the life I had back on the island. It was in December of 1994 my siblings and I arrived in New York for the first time. I wasn't amazed. I wanted to go back to my country. I left family and friends behind. Besides, life in the US wasn't as fun as the movies I used to watch back home. I had to get use to this life, which I did. A few months later after arriving to this country, I found an Italian cafe near my father's house where comic books were sold. My reading skills improved drastically because I was spending big bucks on comic book and reading on the regular basis. It was (and still is) an expensive hobby and very worth it. By the way, I still own my comic book collection.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
The sequel to my novel "Tears of the Aeon: The Gothic War" is almost completed.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
First and foremost, children need to respect their teachers. That's first. Second, children also need to improve in their reading and writing skills with early intervention age. And parents should be involved in their children's education as well.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
Health, longevity, and passion...
What is your favorite music?
Spanish and American music.
Share a secret with us 🙂
I can cook...😉