What are some of your favorite childhood moments?
I have fond memories of going to the beach and relaxing in the ocean.
Why is writing fantasy important to you? Why did you choose this genre?
Because it provides escape from our reality and at the same time it can be used as a vehicle to reflect on real world issues. It also allows one to world build and create different realms.
What motivates you to be a better author than you were the day before? How many hours a day do you write?
I always strive totell the most entertaining and interesting stories that I possibly can in hopes that one day it resonates with a large readership. The amount of time varies daily based on creative inspiration and when I have more time to work as I also have familial obligations and other things that take up my time.
What is one message that you try to impart through your books?
That the world is never black and white and everything exists in certain shades of gray.
Who is Daniel Alvarez Ramos? How did you come up with his character in "The South Beach Mage"?
He is the titular character in the South Beach Mage. The character is inspired by my time living in Miami except giving these people a twist of magic to them.
Do you like reading more or writing? Who are some of your favorite authors?
I love both equally. Some of my favorite authors are Robert Jordan, Stephen King and George RR Martin but there are many others too numerous to list.
What sparked the idea for A Time of Magic and Blood? Do you find it more challenging to write the first book in a series or to write the subsequent novels?
The story was inspired by the 2016 elections so there is a large underlying political theme. The first book is actually not that difficult however writing sequels in the same world is harder as you have to make sure that you remain consistent witht he world you have created.
Do you think book covers play an important role? Who designs your covers?
Book covers are whether we like to admit it or not the hook to get readers to give your novel a chance and in today's very crowded market having an attractive book cover is vital. My covers are designed by a variety of free lancers that I have found on Fiverr, they do a good job at a reasonable budget and right now my budget is not grand.
What has been your most enjoyable experience as an author? What do you wish was different?
The writing itself is what I love and always have since I was a child. I wish it were easier to sell more books (but then again I think this is what every author wants).
When are you most satisfied with a book or piece of writing? Do you often edit things OUT of your books?
My process is to finish a first draft and then refine the story I have written. I don't tend to edit large chunks or story arcs but it is more editing words and sentences from the first draft and overall polishing what I have written.
What are some author milestones you've achieved so far? What more do you hope to achieve in ten years time?
Right now I have written a good amount of novels, what I hope to achieve in ten years is to be able to sell enough books to live entirely off my craft, but then again that is every author's dream.
As a writer, how do you keep track of all the different characters and stories you've written? Do you have any favorites?
Well truthfully I keep track of them in my mind or by rereading what I have written. One of my favorite characters comes from A Time of Magic and Blood her name is Zartana and she is a lethal fighter and bounty hunter , and an overall rebel and badass fighter with her daggers.
What are you currently working on? What are some of your upcoming books?
I am currently translating The Fate of a Land the last book of the Mage Republic trilogy into Spanish, I do my own translations since I am also fluent in Spanish. I am also working on editing The Heist which will be my next novel release either at the end of this year or early next year I still have not decided but more info is coming soon.
What is the best vacation you've ever taken? If you could travel anywhere, all expenses paid, where would you go?
Definitely when I visited Madrid and Southern Spain back in 2018. Spain is a beautiful place and I may live there potentially one day, If I could travel anywhere, I have a really long list but a trip to Japan is at the top of my list right now.
How has your experience with AllAuthor been?
My experience has been good and there have been some nice tools to use to further promote my books.
