What is a childhood memory that makes you smile?
I remember the day I cut across a vacant lot coming home from school and found myself chased by a dog towards a fenced in corner. I couldn't slow down so I ran faster and jumped over the fence. It was about head high and I jumped over it with a heavy school backpack without touching it. It was the first time I realized barriers we saw in life only exist because we let them. At the time I was shocked at my success but today, I look back and smile at my first victory against an impossible challenge.
What have been your most valuable out-of-school learning experiences?
Meeting people and making friends who share the same interests. Not all are creative but all are gold. Some love hiking, others enjoy art and several friends who live in other parts of the world are just as dedicated to living great lives and making every day count.
Who was the first person you shared your first ever story with?
Probably my family. No one saw value in writing. Most parents want kids to grow up to be doctors and lawyers. I learned to keep my stories in my head for many years until the urge to write brought me back. Life is much better now.
What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
I try to write every day. Mostly at night. A few hours at most and I have sometimes watched the sun come up while still lost in my stories and characters.
How did the plot idea for your book, Linked come up?
Several events in life came together. The loss of my father, learning of an abusive relationship a friend was in and facing bullies. Each was a thread in my life that I brought together, writing the book with fantastical elements while keeping the dark elements of life present.
Who inspired the character of Snowy in "Ripples of Mind"?
My first cat from years ago. He was a constant companion and beloved friend. No matter how many years go by, he is always a cherished memory and inspiration.
How much did you research while writing your book, Zarate Zen?
No research. It was written by request. I post photos with encouraging words every day and after a year, many people asked me to collect them into a book. I wasn't sure if anyone would like such a book since I hadn't seen one like it before, but I now have two volumes and loved every moment of selecting the best images and providing the most inspiring or encouraging words for each.
Why did you decide to write a supernatural suspense story based on the character of a cat?
I've had many pets over the years but have always loved my first cat, Snowy. He had a tendency to hide so well, I couldn't find him for hours. Some days when I was sad, he also comforted me like a good friend. Mind reading and teleporting became a quality I had to include in the books. Snowy inspired me and life did the rest.
What kind of cultural value do you think reading and writing have/brings?
The most important value is to history. We come from great literary minds who dealt with much more challenging times. Each story paints a picture to learn from and to grow with. When we get to read what has been written before, we get inspired to share our own stories and words.
Your thoughts on conventional vs. self-publishing? What route did you choose and why?
I tried conventional and grew frustrated with the hoops to jump through. After years of seeing bestsellers promoted, I discovered self-published authors who were successful. Both are sources of great and not so great books. I've opted for self-publication and enjoy my craft much more now.
What is the best age to write your first book?
The best age is probably after school is behind you and life is being lived. School tends to shelter from reality until you hold a job, fail at a relationship or suffer a loss. When you realize how strong you can be and live life to its fullest, the words you share take on a new level of meaning.
What are some things you did to understand and perfect the craft of writing?
Accepting criticism is key to improving. Learning to edit and rewrite is another essential skill to develop. The most important thing to understand is nobody is perfect. We all have room for improvement. As long as we learn and grow with each project, we are on the right track.
What are the most productive ways to spend time on the Internet?
Mostly research (sometimes with ChatGPT), adding YouTube study sounds for background music and bouncing ideas off other creatives as I work on my craft and enjoy the day.
Is there anything new that you're working on? When can we expect the next book to come out?
In the next month I have a surprise book that will be released detailing my new methods of utilizing ChatGPT in my works entitled: The Ultimate Guide To Writing With Chat GPT. I was assembling my notes so I can benefit most from this new tool and was asked to turn it into a book instead. I also have a Scifi novel coming out in August called Drake's Orb. I am working on it today and am excited for its release.
What do you like the most about AllAuthor?
Seeing other authors on the same journey and being a part of such a great creative community.
