Best of Family & Relationships
Best of Family & Relationships
"So Many Books, So Little Time!"
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Exclusive Interview with
Ramona Vargas Castillo
When did you start writing?
I started writing when I was about twelve years old. I started with a journal, then later to write poetry. I continued to write testing my abilities with children's stories.
What makes writing your passion?
I can't use the word "passion" in writing without being hard on myself. I feel like, if I had that passion, I would have published all my stories by now. From being a shy kid I learned to hear myself telling myself stories and questioning certain things in life that later ended up in my journals then in the thought that what I wrote could be shareable.
How long have you been writing?
If I reveal how long I have been writing, since age 12, it will be more shameful that I have just published my book. Check out my profile image, there is a lot of snow on that hill :)
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
When I published my book I felt a sense of pride. I could officially call myself a author. I felt immortal.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
For my memoir, my choice of characters are those whom I had close relationships with and that caused a great impact on my life in many ways.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
Having all sorts of ideas during the day, jotted down on napkins and corners of sticky notes and mail here and there, and not following through with a complete story for each.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
Reading inspirational quotes and reading books that I know I could have written.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
What keeps me going is the idea that my books and my words will live longer than I. The advice I have for new authors is: NEVER give it up! And the simple advice we keep hearing and reading: Just write!
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Don't be afraid! You belong in the world and you have the right to tell your stories.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I would love to read my book reviews! Can't wait.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
The book cover is very important to catch the eye of the reader. I was stubborn and went against advice not to reveal too much. The image came to me clearly in my thoughts and I just had to put it on paper and go with it.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
Too soon for me yet, but I have connected with a few. Like all authors, I'm sure, I dream of being in front of an audience and discussing parts of my book.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I am new at this and have not had the pleasure.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
The dream is to write and be effective as a writer to make readers laugh, cry, reflect, empower or whatever my writing can inspire. I would like to be a unique type of "big." Let's wait and see.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
I have enjoyed Mitch Albom because his writing is uncomplicated and deep the way I would like to write.
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.
The world is a garden of good and evil. The basic idea that seems to be hard for all to understand is that a book is that authors imagination or point of view. We don't all have to like it or agree. Trolls will troll, authors will write.
What would you say to your readers?
I hope you not only read and enjoy my books, but find something you seek.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live in Houston, Texas with my husband, Keith. Last time I told someone I had kids I was ridiculed for thinking of my two lovely adults as my kids. To a mother our kids are always our babies.
What is your day job if you have one?
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I dream of being a famous author. It might help if I write more.
Did you have a happy childhood?
I had a confusing childhood. I thought it was a happy one, enjoying those I loved, but I was later suffocating and started to write Sain't Ramona.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
I wrote my memoir simply realizing that I was too old to continue live in shame and hiding the acts of others who made me feel shameful. I felt a responsibility to share my story to empower others.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
I have some children's books. The next is about healthy eating.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
What is your favorite music?
I love music of all types.
Share a secret with us 🙂
I don't think I have any more secrets.