Ricardo L Ogdon Interview Published on: 14, Feb 2023
What did your childhood home look like?
I remember growing up in two homes. My parents divorced when I was a child, so I spent most of my childhood in two different settings. My mom’s house was made of exposed bricks and vanilla walls. I remember the backyard, always full of greenery. I had mango, banana, and passionfruit trees. Roses extended through one of the outer walls. My dad’s house was soberer and had dark floor tiles. Summers at my dad’s house were hot and humid, and I remember hearing the AC coming from one of the bedrooms while I played outside.
What type of books did you read during childhood? Has your taste changed since you started pursuing a writing career?I loved to read. My favorite as a child was all of Julio Verne’s novels. When I got a little older, I read other genres, such as horror, from Edgar Alan Poe to H.P. Lovecraft. Lastly, I’ve also enjoyed reading Mary Higgins Clark.
What would your occupation be if you followed your childhood dream?A singer.
Was writing your first book the toughest? After your first book, does it get easier?I think the first book is the perfect place to make mistakes and learn more about yourself. You start paying attention to your choice of words and your state of mind. So, yes. It is tough because you tend to become very analytical. However, there are times when the right words are just there. I’m also a believer that it’s not necessary for everything to make sense. I let the readers fill the gaps here and there with their own imagination. I like inspiring them.
How did the beauty of Washoe County, Nevada inspire you to start writing your first book?From the desert to the snow-covered hills, Pyramid Lake and Lake Tahoe made me feel at peace with myself and the universe. Even though I was captivated by this sense of stillness, I never felt more alive inside. I just knew I had to write about it.
Why did you choose a bachelor’s degree in business administration?I am passionate about creating and transforming brands. Therefore, I wanted to have a solid foundation in how businesses work prior to specializing in marketing and advertising. To this day, I keep studying and working on this front.
With whom would you like to enter the Pyramid Lake?I would choose to enter alone the first time. I want to be able to give my respects to Pyramid Lake first before my wish to be there in companionship. Always give first.
If you owned a publishing company, how would you advertise your book, A Pyramid Lake Story if they were to be totally honest?I would highlight the essence of the book, the existence of a different dimension that, through godly mechanics, shapes our world. Furthermore, the role that we play as humans in destroying nature and misunderstanding each other is at the root of a shift in higher powers that will destroy the universe.
Have you planned all three books in the trilogy, A Pyramid Lake Story?I am currently writing the second book. Originally, it was going to be two books, but I decided to add an additional storyline to sum up, the idea behind the saga. This idea is very simple, and it’s contained in one sentence. I already used it in this book and I’ll mention it again in the following two.
Being a Graphic Designer, did you design the cover of your book on your own?Yes. I designed the cover and other marketing materials. I actually produced at home a hand-made illustration book containing the characters and locations of A Pyramid Lake Story, and it’s meant to be used as a companion book with the novel. I did this for my closest friends and family.
What was the most fascinating fact you found out while researching the Native American tribe?Their bravery. Time and time again, Native Americans have fought hard for their land and community while respecting and harnessing the power of nature for their survival.
Does advertising influence our choices as consumers? If yes, what effect does it have on our lifestyle since you yourself are an advertiser?Yes, statistically speaking, advertising in whatever form tends to drive sales upward, which in itself is an indicator of influencing consumers’ choices and habits. In my opinion, advertising is often built around two scenarios: In the first one, you like yourself, so the advertised product invigorates that perception. In the second one, you dislike yourself, so the product promises a diminishment of that idea. As an advertiser, it is difficult not to fall into the same traps as everyone else. Therefore, I take more time doing due diligence before buying.
Can you learn to be a good photographer or do you just have to have an eye for it?You can learn to be a great photographer. My first camera was a pocket-size 32mm automatic Canon when I was nine years old. By the age of twelve, I was taking my first steps into digital photography and learning Adobe Photoshop from Youtube videos. The best advice I can give anyone that enjoys photography is that composition is everything. Once you understand the scene in your head, take the appropriate steps to recreate it and enjoy the ride.
Are you working on anything right now?Yes, besides working on my second book, I will be releasing a video titled “A Pyramid Lake Story: Interview with the Author.” This is a project I am looking forward to publishing on my AllAuthor page.
What has your AllAuthor experience been like so far? What are some highlights?I had a pretty good experience, and I was pleasantly surprised with the traffic I had on the platform, considering I’m a new writer. I like the fact that AllAuthor allows authors to host their videos. As a photographer and graphic designer, I create videos and renders associated with my publications. Therefore, this feature is nice to have.
