Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I love to create and it’s only recently that I’ve found my niche in writing. I’m currently working on a 6th story, though I’ve only just released my first novel this May.
My novels are short, between 50 and 90 pages but they are engaging reads, I’m told that keep readers entertained and guessing til the end.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first published book is called The Book of Miriam, though it is actually the second book I’ve ever written.
It began as an idea for what the world would eventually look at in the future from the perspective of a human captive in a world of machines, but inspired by the women in my life I created this character Miriam who embodies the struggles of women’s oppression over the centuries and with her own mind and will lives on her own terms in her search for true freedom.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know how unusual it is but most of my first draft writing happens on the subway. I buy grade school composition books and blow through countless pens. Once the first draft is all written out in pen, then I hit the computer for the second and then third and final draft.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am forever inspired by Cervantes’ Don Quixote. It taught me that writing has no boundaries and I’ve never seen anything like it since.
Other big inspirations: 1984 by Orwell. It’s just so true and stunning how prophetic and relevant the story gets with every passing year. It probably subconsciously helped bring about ‘Miriam’, a character people end up loving as much as I do.
Tolstoy’s writing also influence me to be descriptive, his attention to detail is unmatched and I wouldn’t try it myself but it certainly helped me see what is possible with a pen and a blank sheet of paper.
There are so many more, but let me just mention Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. Very much like 1984, as years go by, these themes grow more and more relevant.
What are you working on now?
Right now, it’s the third and believe final story of The Book of Miriam. There is also a story I’m working on a first draft of on the train that is based on my experiences working in several radio newsrooms.
I have other finished stories but one at a time.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now, it’s you, Awesome Gang.
I have used social media and word of mouth otherwise.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you don’t love it, don’t bother. It’s much too difficult to expect magic to flow from your pen if you don’t put the work in. You have to sit there and love that moment of creating and when you think you’re blocked, write on. I say all talent comes from God, I trust God and He never fails me.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep at it. I heard someone who won an Academy Award for writing say it in a post ceremonial interview. I couldn’t tell you his name. I never forgot it, though.
What are you reading now?
Moby Dick. It’s taking forever because
1. it’s a lot to read.
2. I’m writing as much as I am.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Success I hope. It has been my dream to be able to write stories people can’t wait to read. I’ve finally figured out how to write a beginning, middle and end without giving up and I hope I can do it for the rest of my life.
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?
3 or 4 books I’ve never read before.
Classics hopefully.
Author Websites and Profiles
Louis Zambrana Amazon Profile