Where have you spent most of your childhood days?
I grew up in San Antonio where I currently live, but I also traveled often when I was young to see family in Mexico and California. I feel that these early experiences really helped me grow as a person and see what it is like to live in another person's shoes.
What was the moment when you decided that you wanted to be a published writer?
I thought that I wanted to write for a living when I was in High School and decided to publish a number of years after graduating from Optometry School. So basically I came back to it after establishing my career in optometry.
What's the most valuable piece of writing to you?
I really like Stephen King's "The Shining" as well as Palo Coehlo's "The Alchemist."
How do you choose names for your characters in novels?
For "Mirage", Bracticus, the protagonist who is determined to warn the people of Aurelie of the danger they are facing,, is named after the slave turned gladiator, Sparticus. Bashak the antagonist/villain is named to have similarity with the word "bastard." Nirvamiah, the religious leader, is a name composed from Nirvana and the prophet Jerimiah. Talesly, the media director, is named after the lies and "tales" that he broadcasts.
For GalveStorm, I needed a typical Russian name for the main character and thus I chose Uri Petrakov. For his twin flame, I chose Genevieve whose name echoes to the time of the Knights and their Princesses of the Middle Ages.
What are the best resources about how to write a screenplay, by actual screenplay writers?
I think reading and studying some of the classic screenplays like "Rocky" and "Jaws" as well as screenplay writing courses offered by The Great Courses are a great way to start.
Did you expect the screenplay version of your first novel, "GalveStorm 1900: A Story of Twin Flames" to be recognized as an honorable mention winner at the Hollywood Book Festival Contest in 2016?
Not really because I know how hard it is to win any competition and catch the judges on something that piques their fancy.
What inspired the story of your second book, "The Voices of the Descendants: Stories from The 1900 Galveston Storm?"
Since I had extensively researched the 1900 Storm for "GalveStorm" I became fascinated by that historical event, the deadliest natural disaster in US history. I knew that there were still family histories out there regarding the Hurricane, and I wanted to chronicle them before they would be forever forgotten,
How much did you research while writing the screenplay titled "Codex?"
The logline for that screenplay is: A religious studies professor discovers a cipher in The Book of Revelation that leads to the ultimate battle between good and evil at The Gates of Hell.
I had read "The Bible Code" by Michaell Drosnin which served as a thread for the screenplay as well as traced the history of the Ark of the Covenant and relics of the Crucifixion.
What is it like studying optometry?
Very cerebral and scientific.
There is not much creativity involved and that is where my writing satisfies that need for creative expression.
Were you present at the WorldFest Houston International Film Festival to receive the Silver Remi award for "Codex"?
Notice of the winners was given quite close to the awards date and unfortunately, I was not able to attend and leave my patients without my care.
Who inspired the character of a mulatto named Bracticus in "Mirage of Darkness"?
Bracticus represents the everyday person in our world and if one were to combine the genes and average them, one would come up with a mulatto, Bracticus.
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
It is, but one has to be persistent and dedicated. It requires laser focus and determination to see the project to completion.
What is one question you wish you would get asked more? What would be your answer?
Since "Mirage of Darkness" is a parody of our society and world taking place on a parallel planet, it is written to shed light on Climate Catastrophe and Racial Injustice. The question that I certainly would like to be asked is "What are we going to do to avert Climate Catastrophe?" My answer would be to immediately cooperate on a massive world wide level and listen to the science.
Is there anything you are currently working on that may intrigue the interest of your readers?
Right now I am taking a break form writing but working hard to promote "Mirage" because "Mirage" is a work that is attempting to shine some light on Climate Catastrophe as well as Racial Justice, subjects that as so important in our society and our world.
What do you think of AllAuthor? Has this website been helpful to you?
I really think that AllAuthor and its website are very helpful for all who self publish!
