Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Ventura County, California and with the nice sunny weather we get year round, I love doing any outdoor activities. Grace is my first book and it took a while before I decided it was ready to be published. As a writer, you always want to keep improving the book until you get to a point and realize that it will never be perfect.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Grace is my latest book and it was inspired by the hard decisions that we face on a daily basis. My style is ethic based fiction, something which I haver never seen done on a big scale. I like to write strong emotional stories where the characters must face important decisions.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t say that I have any unusual writing habits. Some writers prefer it peaceful and quiet when they want to focus on their work. I’m the opposite, I don’t mind hearing some noise in the background.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The master of horror himself, Stephen King, introduced me to the beauty of reading a book and feeling like you were watching a movie. I remember reading It as a child and loving the book. The movie didn’t let me down either. Besides Stephen King, I can recall reading pieces by Gary Soto and Gabriel Garcia Marquez and saying to myself that I wanted to be like them. On the other side of the spectrum, I also enjoy books by John Green and Nicholas Sparks.
What are you working on now?
I am focusing on promoting my book, but I do have a second book that’s been started.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am just starting to promote my book so I can’t make a good judgement right now.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advise to new authors is to keep on writing and don’t let negative criticism affect your mood. You will not please everyone and if writing makes you happy, the rest doesn’t matter. On the other hand, if it’s constructive criticism, pay attention and learn from it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I once read that you are a lousy editor when it comes to editing your own work and its true. Writers love their work so much that it is difficult to find the flaws that exists within the paragraphs, and trust me, they are there. We just tend not to see them or prefer not to see them.
What are you reading now?
I am reading Becoming by Michelle Obama.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m only starting my career and I hope that it becomes a successful one.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would take the thickest books available; The fire would last longer. I’m just kidding, I wouldn’t burn the books. I would take a book by Stephen King, maybe Carrie or The Shining. I would also take one of the Harry Potter books. The Great Gatsby, Snow Falling on Cedars, and The Giver.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jose Cruz Medina Website