Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a life-long Texan from Robstown, the birthplace of Texas Hold ’Em. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Math/Computer Science from Texas A&M University – Kingsville. I currently live in Round Rock (just north of Austin) and I’ve published 2 books: “The Dead Club” and “Lobo Coronado and the Legacy of the Wolf,” both MG books that can be read by almost any age.
I am also a musician and currently play bass in an 80s band, I have a full-time job in IT and I love my PlayStation 4.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Lobo Coronado and the Legacy of the Wolf” is my latest book and started with a simple question. When my son was younger, I asked him what kind of character he would like me to create. The answer involved an incredibly popular young wizard and my favorite superhero, Batman. Although this character didn’t have a name or story yet, that was the day Lobo was born. He started with a different last name, which eventually didn’t work but that name became one of the main characters in my first release, The Dead Club. Like Batman, I liked the idea of Lobo not having any powers and learning detective and quick-thinking skills rather than just having abilities that could get him out of any situation. The elements of magic are still there through Devon, the angel with an attitude, and the fantasy is there through Vampie and the Celestial Realms. This was my first true story that I felt was good enough to publish and was actually written before The Dead Club. I’m happy it’s finally available and hope readers enjoy these characters that have been with me for a long time.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I’m having difficulty finding the time to write, I will take my lunch at a nearby food place (Chick-Fil-A and Subway are my top choices), wolf down my food military style and spend the rest of the time writing. Even if it’s just 200 words, it’s more than I had before I walked in.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Anne Rice, Nail Gaiman
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the sequel to “The Dead Club” as well as a horror/supernatural book geared towards YA/adults.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still trying to figure that out ? I’ve tried several for paid and free promos and am still testing them out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Finish your first draft. The biggest issue I see with authors (and a bad habit I used to have as well) is to try and make the first draft perfect. I spent almost 2 months trying to perfect a first chapter only to have my editor kill the entire thing. It’s called a “rough” draft for a reason, so no matter how many typos, spelling errors, grammar problems, etc. it shouldn’t matter the first pass. Finish it. You can’t fix what doesn’t exist, so don’t get bogged down on one sentence, paragraph or chapter or you may not find the will to finish. Get Draft #1 done!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Finish your first draft and don’t worry about the little things, no matter how bad it is. That’s what revisions are for.
What are you reading now?
Just finished Stephen King’s “End of Watch,” the final book in the Bill Hodges trilogy. Just started “Consider” by Kristy Acevedo.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I was recently published in NaNoWriMo’s “Now What?” months and inspired me to try to write more online/blog articles. I also have some book fairs I’ll be attending in Texas. Primarily, I plan to write, write, read, and write some more. I think every author should always be working on their next project…
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?
“To Kill a Mockingbird” – only book I’ve read more than 3 times and will always help me remember to do what’s right, no matter what the cost.
“It” – still my favorite horror book, even though I’ll be looking past the coconut tree to see if Pennywise is watching…
“The Outsiders” – to always remember what youth and friendship is about, no matter your socio-economic status
“Harry Potter” – preferably the series, to always keep the kid inside me alive.
Author Websites and Profiles
Manuel Ruiz Website
Manuel Ruiz Amazon Profile
Manuel Ruiz’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account