Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a mom and a social worker. I have worked as a school social worker and with foster kids. I also worked in long-term care. I think I’ve collected a lot of stories along the way. Though I have only finished one novel, I have probably written a hundred short stories in my life.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Nocturnal Meetings of the Misplaced is the name of my novel. The main character was inspired by a boy I worked with in foster. The suspense element in the book was infused with my interest in cold cases and true crime stories.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wake up with ideas and write in the middle of the night. It is probably pretty normal for writers.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
S.E. Hinton was the first writer I read that made me knew I had to write. The Outsiders was the first book. Daughters of Fortune by Isabel Allende was amazing. Coming of age suspense like It by Stephen King really draws me in.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a romantic suspense novel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am not sure. I’m new to this. I am going to try everything I can to get my little story out there.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t get discouraged, keep going. It just takes one yes.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Another writing friend told me not to take rejection personally and how she kept a list of great writers who were rejected numerous times.
What are you reading now?
I’m actually beta reading for a couple of writing friends.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To get Nocturnal Meetings of the Misplaced out there. Besides the suspenseful elements, it has an important message, just because something bad happens to you doesn’t make you bad.
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?
This is hard. Probably a collection of short stories for variety. In that vein, maybe the complete works of Alfred Hitchcock. I would have to bring Nocturnal Meetings, c’mon it’s my first book.
Author Websites and Profiles
R.J. Garcia Website
R.J. Garcia Amazon Profile
R.J. Garcia’s Social Media Links
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