WRITER THINGS
How long have you been writing, and what are your preferred genres and settings?
I’ve been writing for about 30 years. My preferred genre is historical fiction; however, I wish to write thrillers.
Who or what originally inspired you to try your hand at writing?
A high school teacher inspired me to read and write. He was highly literate and set high standards. I found a bond with him and literature.
What lengths of stories do you prefer, i.e. short stories/flash fiction/novels? What formats do you like to release your work in, i.e. ebook, paperback, audiobook?
I prefer novel-length books and have published in hardback and paperback. I’ve also written for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Therefore, many of my articles have been published online and in print.
What’s your publishing method – trad or self – and are there any companies, agencies, or platforms you really like working with? Are there any that you absolutely will not work with?
I prefer traditional publishing. Although I understand that self-publishing offers more freedom and a shorter length of time to publication, I prefer discussing the work prior to publishing with the professionals for their guidance.
What does your writing environment look like? Are there specific or unique features to your drafting and writing process that you feel are interesting?
I prefer to do extensive research before I write. During the research process, I take notes on possible characters, conflicts, and plotting. Before I write, I outline the plot and write the bios of the characters. I write in my home office which I find comfortable and highly motivating.
What are your thoughts on pen names?
I don’t use a pen name. However, I can understand the use of pen names to give the author a more marketable identity and mystique.
MEATY THINGS
What, if any, social issues do you feel like you address the most in your work?
I address the historical and current issues confronting Latinos and Latinas in the United States. My book Raza Rising addresses historical, educational, political, and cultural issues. It has received good reviews and is continually selling.
Are there any marginalized populations represented in your work, and how do you relate to those populations?
As a Latino writer, I identify with Latinos strongly. They tend to be the focus of my writing. There is a lack of Latino writers and folks who write about Latinos. Historically, the few books about Latinos were written by Anglos who portrayed them inaccurately or in racist terms. There is a growing number of Latino and Latina writers who are emerging into the market.
What kind of material or social impact would you like your work to have? What would you like your literary legacy to be?
I wish readers to have a deeper understanding of Latinos’ culture and history. As the Latino population grows rapidly in the United States, I wish readers to develop a deeper understanding of the challenges Latinos face to overcome racism and educational hurdles. This deeper understanding can help dispel stereotypes and misconceptions toward Latinos. This understanding is important, considering that Latinos will make up the majority population in Texas within the next ten years. I wish my literary works to reflect my creative thoughts and emotions about the historical hurdles Latinos have faced and their courageous efforts to excel. I wish my literary works to express Latino experiences in such an elegant, forceful style that even those who do not agree will appreciate the writing.
What kind of social critique of the present or the past do you think attracts people to write historical fiction?
For an understanding of the present social, economic, and political issues, historical fiction writers recreate the past to grasp the roots for our present conditions. We can take steps to avoid our ancestors’ past mistakes and replicate their successes.
PROMOTIONAL THINGS
What works are in your current bibliography?
Raza Rising, a non-fiction book published by University of North Texas in 2016, is available through Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Deer Dancer is fiction book about the Yaqui Indians of Sonora Mexico. The book was published by Sleeping Panther Press in 2017. Unfortunately, the publisher is no longer publishing books. Amazon still carries Deer Dancer. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram has published hundreds of my articles. These can be found through archives.
Which one(s) are you the most proud of?
I’m proud of both books. Since one is non-fiction and the other fiction, they’re outstanding works in their formats.
Do you have any social media channels that you’re especially active on? Where can people follow you (in socially acceptable ways)?
I’m on Facebook and Instagram, and I can be contacted through my website.
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