Exclusive Interview with
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.
What makes writing your passion?
The idea of creating a world, a plot with characters believable enough that people could actually get lost in the story. Creating a enjoyable story has always been one of my passions.
How long have you been writing?
I've been writing since my late teens. I took writing seriously in the summer of 2011, when I started working on the book.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Euphoric...
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
I like creating the characters as down to earth as possible, even when the story revolves around fantasy. I notice that creating characters as human as possible is more important than most of the plot.
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 road!
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I just write. I try to see the plots or the situations 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.
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 write it. Get it out of your system. It doesn't matter how it is conveyed. 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 and learn how to write."
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I read them and smile. I don't allow bad reviews to ruin my day. My book is not meant for every reader.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
It feeds my ego and makes me want to write more.
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.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
I based all my character on my own experiences and the experiences of other people.
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.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
It's a good feeling. They can't believe I created a fantasy story regarding the Goths and the Romans. They can't wrap their head around it.
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.
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, something I'm fully aware.
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.
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.
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 gym, going out for a good restaurant and a good movie, and spending quality time with my family.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Absolutely!
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Yes! After I arrived from the Dominican Republic as a teenager, I found this new life somewhat boring compared to the life I had back on the island. I found a great outlet by finding a deli near my home 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 is an expensive hobby and very worth it. 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.
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...