Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi!
I’m from Arizona, and even though I was born to the Apache Tribe, I’m also Navajo and Hispanic from my grandpa’s side, and currently tracing about eleven more bloodlines. I just lurk on the reservation, writing stories about the reservation, laughing at things other people find terrifying. Shivering at things other people find stupid. I’ve only written one book so far, although I have lots of short stories people can read, and many of them are for free. They’re mostly horror, but I have started moving slowly but surely into fantasy and romance, and I’m starting to like thrillers.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My books is called “Pariahs.” I used to be a substitute teacher on the reservation. Those kids were abused, and there was nothing I could do about it. There was also a trend of being extra horrid to the well-behaved kids. They were the outcasts. Even the teachers picked on them, which was abominable. I mean, what for?
When I made “Pariahs,” I had one little boy in mind. He was one of those students that you love because you don’t have to constantly call them to order, and he got picked on for no real good reason. My main character Vijeren came from him, although Vijeren and this little boy are very different. Vijeren has picked up flavoring from numerous other people.
When I left, I told those kids that I would never forget them, and I haven’t. I wish I could have given them a family, I wish I could have given them a happy home, and when I wrote “Pariahs,” it was my way of giving it to them.
These kids were not in despair, though, which is something that people don’t comprehend. They were funny and laughing all the time. “Pariahs” emulates that, so even though there are dark and gruesome things going on, the characters are bright. They go head on with all the mess happening, and it makes the book a plethora of light and shadow.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I just have to make sure everything is cleaned up. I can’t stand writing in a dirty room. I used to have snacks, but then I forgot about them in the heat of the moment and knocked the snacks over, which made the room messy. So yeah, no snacks anymore. I also have to be showered. I don’t know why.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I would say CS Lewis. There’s not a quote of his that I find that hasn’t inspired me, or made me feel good. He had a way of talking directly to the reader, which made me understand my own feelings when I was a child.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the second part to “Pariahs.” I’m in the “kill your darlings” stage. I also have a few short stories in progress, so writing is going really good.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
At the moment, it’s twitter.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would just say not to worry about other authors. Some have a million books or stories, some have sold tons of books, others suck, but if you start comparing yourself to them, you will not get to where you want to be. You mind your business, and pay no attention to theirs’. Everybody has their path, and everybody has their speed.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That when I write, I am a mere scribe.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading Emma by Jane Austen.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My second book, and I’m in the Christmas special for the Wicked Library Podcast.
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?
At the moment, I would take Jurassic Park, Persuasion, The Hobbit, and Jane Eyre
Author Websites and Profiles
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