Asa Rodriguez interview

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

A little introduction:

Hello, dear reader.  My name is Asael Rodriguez, and I’m an indie author.   I am Latino from Argentina, but I currently reside in the United States.  I want to thank you for reading this.  I value your time very much, and I hope you are interested by what I have to say. 

When did your love of books begin?

I guess I have always found words and creativity important, because from a young age I was always curious, reading, exploring, playing video games; and especially writing my own stories and drawing.  But I can also remember that books were my escape from many things I didn’t like. 

But more than an escape, they were my ticket to learning more about myself and about the world.  Good storytelling is meant to inspire and free the mind; my mind and the reader’s.

When did you start to have the wish to become an author?

Interesting question.  The answer is that I always did, I just didn’t know it then.  I always wrote things and wanted to find ways to express myself.  And growing up I developed a need to share my thoughts with the world. 

How have you found the process for becoming an author?

A passion.  A challenge.  A great commitment.  For me, the process is about self-discipline to actually take the time and focus on creating.  Time management is crucial then. 

But it is also a process about fun, because you must find fun in creating your characters and the life they lead/the journey they take to discover themselves.  Fun is what will make the process of writing and creating easier for you.

What would you say to those wanting to become an author?

Well, self-publishing is very challenging, which is the route I chose.   The most challenging part is actually getting people interested to read your book after you publish it, when you start as an author that is.  I’d say that passion and commitment to your work is paramount.   

Never give up, even if you feel that your hard work is not paying off at the moment.  We all have something unique to share with the world, and as long as you stick to being your unique self then you’ll be fine.

Tell us about your book/books:

I write both fiction and nonfiction.  But I am really focusing on my Dark Fantasy series right now, titled:  BENJAMIN JONES.  It’s about 12-year-old Ben, an orphan boy who sees ghouls and specters.  Based on that, he starts the unique journey to discover who he really is.

I really think it’s a mixture of ‘The Alchemist’ with ‘Cirque Du Freak’.  It has this emotional/spiritual message in it, but it is also very human and flawed.  We see Benjamin go through a lot in these stories.  But also this series has a lot of spirituality in it, because Ben (the main character) learns he is a shaman; and because his friend Adit is an author and spiritual guru who guides him through the journey.

What do you love about the writing/reading community?

Well, the most important thing that I’ve learned is that we care for each other.  The writing community I’ve found is very supportive.  The main thing is to share with each other, in order to help each other.  And the readers find this process very attractive, because they like unity and being able to also participate.

If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?

Oh, I have great respect for readers.  I may agree with them or not.  But I can grow as an author from their opinions.  Readers are the ones who, in a sense, guide the author.  They tell you what they liked about your book, what they didn’t.  So, I’d thank them, for their honesty. 

And I’d also say that the content of my books is the content of my mind.  If you want to get to know me, my books will tell you.  It’s about self-expression.  I have a unique style, which many like, and which many do not.  So, as the reader, if you give me an opportunity, I’ll let you be the judge.

Where can people connect with you?

Thanks for this opportunity to express myself to your audience.  As an author I always feel that these moments are very important to connect with, perhaps, like-minded people.  Below is where you can find me and my works:

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Thegodwithin1

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AsaRodriguez35

Website:  https://asarodriguez.com