What is a childhood memory that makes you smile?
The most memorable experience is with my cousins in northern New Mexico going out on adventures which consisted of going down into foxholes (I know was extremely dangerous) and climbing up the sides of plateau mountains 40-50 feet up trying to raid an eagles nest for their babies ( I know was extremely deadly) Lol! It was fun and exciting to be so innocent and free.
Which of your childhood dreams was the first to die?
I was really disappointed that I was not able to go to the Batcave and slide down the pole from my millionaire mansion to the Batmobile. That broke my heart.
What books do you remember reading during your childhood?
I remember first reading the Jungle Book, which I thought Mowgli was so magical with all the characters that surrounded him. It came across as a large loving family.
Who is the most supportive person in your life when it comes to your writing?
My wife Marina. I was into the process for about four years. Asleep (Drifting) Book One was taking shape, so she helped with the numerous proof reads, curtain ideas, continuity, etc., most of all, it was the encouragement that I had something special in my hands to share with the world. (Thank you honey).
What challenges did you face while releasing Asleep (Drifting), the harrowing first installment in a three-book series?
The first challenge; the book was originally 485 pages, the problem with that was all three books were combined. In my estimation, it was way too long and I feared I would lose a majority of readers (I wasn’t trying to write War and Peace). It came down to creating a very clear beginning – middle – end. The next challenge was the sub-titles and cover designs of each book. Next, the sub-title Drifting really encompasses the experience of my life from birth up until the age of seventeen.
Which one do you prefer: writing a series or standalone novel? Why?
In this particular case, it being my first writing experience, it defaulted into a series. I think the next two to three books will be a part of the Asleep Series (but to me, are considered stand alones, for the reason that they are spin offs from the main topics of the first three books themselves).
What is something no one tells you about writing a novel?
The sales and marketing aspect of it all. Behind that whole deal, is an unsavory market of companies / people that will take your money for ineffective services. If I had a substantial chunk of change to spend on a marketing program which could “guarantee” greater success, that would be nice. Finally, it takes an awful lot of focus and dedication to structure and detail. Now that I am familiar with the process, it just comes down to a “rinse and repeat” situation with a different story.
Your thoughts on conventional vs. self-publishing? What route did you choose and why?
I chose self-publishing because, in the long run, I would have better control over my books destiny. The conventional route, I believe, is very time consuming – what I mean by that is finding a publisher for your genre, writing submission letters, a synopsis, and all the other requirements which are involved... then pray that you would get chosen to have them look at your book (it's like chasing the wind).
How do you support yourself while becoming a full-time writer?
I had a situation which allowed me to focus on my books this past year. The five years previous, I was working on the overall skeleton of the story itself, and worked for a living.
Where is a good coffee shop in Los Lunas?
The Range Café.
What singer/songwriters would you consider geniuses?
There is only one true genius partnership in the history of music; Lennon / McCartney (period).
How would your approach help with mental health issues?
As in Asleep (Drifting) Book One, “We live in an insane world which causes us to act insanely”. Donald Neal Walsh coined that. Which is a true statement. The condition of this world didn’t just pop up out of thin air. In a lot of ways we have been manipulated into the mental health issues we all suffer from. The best care for the condition of the human heart is to be the creative beings we were created to be. Creativity is our life line to peace and understanding and that’s all we need as human beings.
What is the quickest way to become more self-aware?
In the upcoming Asleep (Awakening) Book Three, Ludwig Wittgenstein said “We are asleep. Our Life is a dream. But we wake up sometimes, just enough to know that we are dreaming.” Number one; is to get out of the habit of drifting, drifting is daydreaming, if that habit is practiced for an extended period of time then the drifting becomes a hypnotic rhythm. The danger of being caught in a hypnotic rhythm pattern is it can seal your destiny keeping you away from true happiness. So being self-aware is like treating your physical being as a body of water (a pond), keeping it still, pure, and peaceful. That will give you the best chance for self-awareness.
Are you writing a novel? What's it about?
No, I am not writing a novel (per say), as discussed earlier. This is a series of novels in a series form. In a brief description, I start Asleep (Drifting) Book One describing the abuse of a narcissistic mother and constant relocation for most of my childhood and early teenage years. I found comfort in the unconditional love of my grandmother and Aunt Betty. I was forced to deal with the fallout of my mother's frustration with life and her poor taste in men. I shielded myself from my rough childhood with alcohol, which was introduced to me at the age of five by one of my mother's several boyfriends. The alcohol turned into a habit that stayed with me for forty more years. Disturbing, yet captivating, I spared no detail, no matter how sordid, of my childhood and early teenage experiences — from youthful and sometimes life-threatening exuberance to juvenile romance that shaped my worldview on people and love. There is a lot more in book two and book three.
When did you first come across the AllAuthor website and what were your expectations coming in? What are your thoughts now?
My expectations were to create more exposure for the Asleep Series and let other authors know about my books and what opinions they had of my writing. What are my thoughts now? I have been very happy with the experience, and have corresponded with different authors. Some authors have left great reviews which have been very flattering. I love the marketing / advertising avenues afforded by AllAuthor and hope to be a part of the family for some time to come.
