The Author would be mad if you call the characters fictitious . . . and I think the characters would like to talk to you to prove that they are not “fictitious”. . .
Facundo Raganato – 3 December 2015
The Back Flap
I humbly welcome you into this peculiar deepening journey where words are more than what they seem.
Magic? Indeed.
This mystical adventure I am presenting to you has been in development for a decade, and its “simplicity” has multiple complex contexts within; it is unlike any other story ever read or written, for it connects and intertwines long strings of various themes within the same simple letters, and their meanings are expansively connected and mirrored through the experience of the Reader. O, and what a pleasure it has been for me to have gone so far through the beautiful words of literature for you, O and what a pleasure it is now to share this spiritual gate with thee. How far can imagination take you? How near can fiction resemble the reality we live? Who are you? Why are you here? “The Author” is a reflective timeless story where the Reader is the key that unlocks the doors of the Mind.
However, I prefer to call it: The Characters’ Short Living Story.
This literary odyssey after being heavenly inspired by a love-at-first-sight experience with someone who’s incredibly special to me, and from its inception it has growth into the unanswered complex questions of philosophy, through the beautiful aesthetics of Literature & Art, and beyond the simple divine insight of spirituality. This story means more to me that I could ever express, and in their words this story has more meanings than the Reader could ever find alone.
So take it as you please, travel light at night, for it is an adventure that goes beyond what we know, and, hopefully,
it might reflect back to you exactly what you are looking for.
Thank you.
-Facundo Raganato
About the book
What is the book about?
In a very general sense, the book can be said to be about the story of six characters that journey into a spiritual, philosophical and mystical adventure within the realms of the Author and the imagination of The Reader to search for the Truth.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing this story when I was 16 years old; its inception began as a short story to explore literature.
How long did it take you to write it?
I took my own precious time going in and out and whereabouts; it took me 10 years to write it.
Where did you get the idea from?
I would say that the idea is original; I didn’t take it from anywhere; however, there are many influences from books, movies, characters, philosophical approaches, spiritual aspects and literary techniques that inspired me to develop this story.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Oh yes. As I was writing it, there were many factors I had to take into consideration to balance composition, characters, plot, story, etc. I had a very organic way to approaching it, yet the struggle came where the logic of storytelling and poetic expressions clashed together. Physically, I struggled with the balance to take the time to sit and write what I had to write and take walks to analyze and sink in various elements, practice and research spirituality, philosophy, literature, etc. Emotionally, I struggled in the process, the journey and the experience of writing it and reading it, as well as events that reflect my artistic and personal life metaphorically. Mentally, I struggled with insomnia, dreams and nightmares, fiction vs reality, and the complex yet deepening multi-perspective angles the story provides. Spirituality, I struggled with the alchemical process it delivers to the Characters, The Reader and, of course, The Author. . . It was worth it, I don’t know if I could ever write a book like this again, even for me it is incomparable.
What came easily?
The passion to write it, the urge to implement the ideas I wanted to include, the natural and spiritual expression it speaks through the Characters and The Author, and their world that inspires me.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Oh . . . the characters are not inspired by “real” people that I know; they could have been inspired by other characters, but not entirely, just aspects. The Author would be mad if you call the characters fictitious . . . and I think the characters would like to talk to you to prove that they are not “fictitious”. . .
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I have many writers I could mention as an influence to write; Wordsworth, Shakespeare, Dickinson, Keats, Whitman, Hesse, Borges, etc. However, in this particular story, I would say maybe Poe and Baudelaire were more into the “style” influence of it, but only the general “atmosphere” perhaps; I do not think of writers to inspire me when I write, It would be funny though: “Hmmm what would Edgar Allan Poe do?” In this story, I remained true to “The Author” and his voice . . . which is unique and uninfluenced as He is . . .
Do you have a target reader?
No, not really.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
No, I don’t have a ‘specific’ writing process; I take it very naturally and organically. I do need a peace of mind though; I require no distractive noises or people talking.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
Generally, I do not. However, in this particular story, yes, I had to. An outline is very important in terms of composition, balance & harmony, character development and the arcs of plot in the story. I think that when a work of literature is big, long and/or complex, it requires to be organized and planned out in order to have a concessive idea of it, at least from the writer’s view, from the reader’s view is another story . . .
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I try to follow the flux of writing. William Wordsworth used to say that poetry is an inspiration from the soul, like a wave that rises from within (something along those lines). I believe that to be true in writing; hence, I write in the natural flow without editing; when the rush is more calmed I go back to reread and edit. Once it is finished, I go back and edit again. – Some readers might not believe me because some reviewers mentioned to me the “typos” this story has, as if I didn’t edit them . . . think outside the box . . .
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Classical music is my dish: Vivaldi, Beethoven, Mozart, Bach and Mahler are my top preferences, but classical music in general is the most harmonious music to write for me; hence, Indian classical music or contemporary movie soundtracks are also very inspiring.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Yes, but this story is so special that I want to present my own work.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I wanted to find a publisher that gave me the liberty to market and expose the book myself; I don’t see it as a product.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I painted my book cover, and I am proud of the “rough” and “natural” look it presents, it reflects some insight for those who know the story . . .
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
Let me answer it this way: when I was writing it, I already knew the impact it would have when it would be published; I may look and sound as if I am winging it, but I know exactly where I am going with this book.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Be free my dear writers and artists, words are the soul of marvelous literature and they have more power than you know, so use them wisely in this literary journey you are embarking, take your time, be true and inspiring. God bless thee.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Hmmm . . . part of my childhood is defined from distant memories in Argentina, where I was born. Another part of that childhood lives in Venezuela, where I grew my boyhood. I became an adolescent and an adult here in Miami, United States. . . What do you mean ‘grow up’?
Where do you live now?
I live in Miami Beach.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I would like them to know that I’m not trying to convince people to read my book. The Author ~or~ The Characters’ Short Living Story is a special story that is focused on the Reader; hence, it is only their choice if they want to read it; I know it’s kind of ironic, but I can’t push people to go into a spiritual, philosophical and/or alchemical journey, it is their choice.
End of Interview:
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