IndieView with Michael Rodriguez, author of Forgotten Colony

 

I currently teach and I now have time to pursue my passion of writing. I love both. I hate that a teacher can’t make a decent living, but there is some peace that comes from serving others.

Michael Rodriguez – 26 September 2016

The Back Flap

Adrianna attempts to seduce Victor into using his uncanny hacking skills to help spark a revolution against the country where he was born and raised… will Victor succumb to her advances or will he risk his life and that of his star student to deny them access to the perfect virus?

 

About the book

What is the book about?

This is the story of Victor Santos, a young man who grew up in New York. He has a special set of hacking skills that he has learned as part of his upbringing and his need to survive. He attends a low profile university in Brooklyn, but all the while he has been creating a virus. Looking for a new beginning he moves to Puerto Rico to teach computer skills to kids he believes are like him. He takes a liking to one of his students without realizing he was being manipulated to help move along a cause that has been thirty years in the making. Victor falls for the leader of the movement and slowly becomes a key element in the revolution they’ve been planning. His virus becomes a central piece, not only for the revolution, but for other countries interested in obtaining it for their own purposes. 

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing this story in 2014. There was a lot of research involved as the story does include historical facts that support the growth of the main character throughout the novel.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took me about a year to write the first draft.

Where did you get the idea from?

Puerto Rico is going through a really rough time financially right now and has been this way for quite a few years now. We definitely need a change of attitude. I’ve always believed that you can tell the truth in fiction and if it leads to even just one person finding that truth… then you’ve done your job.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Most definitely yes. Ending the book without giving too many details as to what is coming next.

What came easily?

The writing of the action scenes. I can always seem to picture these in my mind and they flow on the paper. I enjoy writing them and kind of hate when they’re over.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Well the main character I’ve borrowed from myself for his computer skills. I’ve worked in Telecommunications for about fifteen years as a Database Administrator, so it was easy to write about what he could do. Come to think of it, I can probably relate every character to someone I know.

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?

Nelson A Denis wrote a wonderful, factual book called The War Against All Puerto Ricans” I was intrigued by the writing, the amount of research that went into it, and when I found out he was coming to Puerto Rico for a book signing, I made it a point to meet him. We exchanged emails when I told him about this book I was writing and he’s been a great influence ever since. Both in writing and content.

Do you have a target reader?

Yes. Anyone who loves action and adventure stories, should pick this up. Anyone who loves history, should pick this story up as well. Most importantly, I believe that all Latinos and anyone interested in the politics surrounding this island, should read this story.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I write and revise as I’m writing. I always begin my writing time by going back and reading (some light editing may be done here) the previous chapter. That always puts me back into the flow of writing. I have a rough outline on paper of where I’m going, but it’s only so I don’t go too far away from the plot. I am completely open to changing it along the way.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

My outlines are more of a point by point so I don’t forget key elements I want to include. I’m scared to let organization take over the imagination and sometimes as you write, you have let those characters be free.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

A little bit of both. I edit the previous chapter somewhat as I begin each writing session. You have to go back a edit the book as a whole as well. I usually do this after I’ve had someone proofread.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I always listen to music as I write as this is key for my whole process. When I’m at Starbucks it helps me feal alone. I can watch people as my mind is filling in the blanks. It then helps me to stay on the screen of my Mac focused on the writing process. When I finally look up from the screen, it feels like hours have passed. Sometimes, hours have actually passed.

The music I listen to depends on the scene I am writing. If its action, then I might have electronic or hip hop music blasting on my Beats, noise-cancelling headphones. If it’s more of a serious scene, then classical or smooth music. Romantic scenes will get music appropriate for the scene.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes. I would still like for an agent to pick me up honestly. I enjoy being self-published, but unless my book makes it into the hands of the audiences I mentioned in your previous question, then what’s the point? I can try my best to figure it out, but I feel like an agent and publisher combo may already have this road mapped out.

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 see my book out there. I wanted to begin the process of people being able to read this and pray that I can cause change. My island is in a crisis that gets worse every day. This is also an election year where we choose a new governor, so even if it sparks the mind of one, that one may be enough to cause the change we need.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I did the book cover myself. I’m quite good at Photoshop and when I received a quote from an artist I know, she motivated me to do my own design.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I have a plan. Not sure how effective it’s going to be as this is my first go at it. I’ve already scheduled my second book signing and presentation at a local bookstore, and the plan is to keep going until I cover all of them. Then hopefully plan a trip to New York City and have them placed in bookstors there as well.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

There is a great feeling when you see your book in print. Nothing can take that away. Having the novel out there gives me a sense of accomplishment, and even though I know the journey to success is long, I feel like I’ve taken the second step to getting there. The first was completing the novel.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Brooklyn, NY.

Where do you live now?

Guaynabo, PR.

What would you like readers to know about you?

After many years of working in various industries, mostly telecommunications, I realized I wasn’t happy. I currently teach and I now have time to pursue my passion of writing. I love both. I hate that a teacher can’t make a decent living, but there is some peace that comes from serving others. If you do that with love, then your life begins to turn around for the better.

End of Interview:

For more from Michael, visit his website, follow him on Twitter, or like his Facebook page.

Pick up your copy of Forgotten Colony from Amazon US or Amazon UK.