Author Q&A with Asa Rodriguez
Author Q&A with Asa Rodriguez
Hi. Let me introduce myself, dear reader. I am author Asa Rodriguez. I find that art and all forms of self-expression are extremely important in life. Growing up I discovered that freedom hides in self-expression, which is the highest of art forms. Perhaps that is why I’ve chosen to be an author: Self-expression.
Relationships in life, daily work, going after what you want, even being yourself. It all can be demanding, exhausting. We require communication, a way to let others know our feelings, and a healthy system to release all that anxiety we carry. This is why self-expression is absolutely required.
2 tips for self-expression:
1- My first and biggest tip would be to always be open to trying new things, new conversations, new habits. Learn new beliefs, even if they seem uncomfortable to you. Expand your understanding and leave any attachment to old views and ways of seeing the world.
2- A second tip would be to read and also watch movies. But read and watch inspiring things, and especially fantastical things. Such are stories or things that can really make you envision and create new thoughts, maybe even silly or unreal thoughts. It’s all about remembering the child’s creative mind again. I find that fantasy mainly does that for me.
A short Q&A:
1. Tells us about your writing/ published book(s)
I have published 3 nonfiction books about spirituality, family & relationships. But I’ve always been fond of great and inspiring storytelling that increases creativity, so I am writing the BENJAMIN JONES series (right now writing book #4). It is the story of a shaman boy who has now become an orphan, and that with the help of his friends and visions of his father he starts on a journey of self-discovery and great, ancient magic.
2. Where did the inspiration for Benjamin Jones come from?
From me really. I based Benjamin Jones on me as a young boy. See, I started self-publishing spiritual books about self-love, increasing self-esteem, and increasing connection in relationships. My love to help others. And I also love fantasy, like ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Percy Jackson.’ So I sought a way to tell a coming-of-age fantasy story to entertain people; but also in a way help the same people, guide them, bring to light some wisdom. And that is exactly what the main character does. He is a young boy who has this spiritual teacher, and he learns much about himself and his journey with him.
3. What do you do when you have writer’s block?
Well, writer’s block is just a belief. A belief is just an opinion, a thought, something in your mind you choose and strengthen. So I just don’t believe in it, I don’t feed it. The mind is something truly sacred and amazing, because you can create and destroy with it. I create by making a schedule in my head to write every day, thus pushing myself. Even 30 minutes. Does not matter. I just write and condition my mind to destroy the belief of writer’s block. I build my subconscious to automatically focus on writing whenever I sit down.
4. So, your coming-of-age fantasy book “The Call of The shaman” features so many interesting, real-world cultural and religious traditions.
What did research for the series look like?
Oh yes, I did a lot of research to understand different viewpoints and better tell the story. But in honesty I always loved researching, because I just like discovering all these amazing pearls of wisdom from around the world and from different cultures.
I visited my local library many times (I still do, because I’m starting #4 in the series right now). I do a lot of research on Google. And, of course, there is the experience from family. I like learning from real people close to me.
5. Which character in the series do you most identify with and why?
I would have to say ‘Ben.’ Ben is based entirely on me. Well, all my characters have some of my traits, and that’s why I enjoy describing how they feel. But the main character, Benjamin or Ben, deals a lot with his own darkness and confusion.
I was like that when I was a child. And, like Ben, I was very curious. And, like Ben, I was always seeking my magic, to discover my inner values, and to learn more about my own life.
6. Do you like reading the same books you write?
Yes, absolutely. Thanks for the question. This is very important. I know that some authors don’t really enjoy reading their own work. Once they’re done, they’re done.
I personally love reading my work, not just because I like to experience again what I’ve written; but also because it gives me insights into how to do better, what I need to improve, and what are my weaknesses and strengths as an author. It’s really enlightening for me.
7. How do you choose your book’s title(s)?
Well, I think the title is very important to describe my work. For example, in my series I chose “BENJAMIN JONES – The Call of The Shaman.” So, “BENJAMIN JONES” is related to translated Pawnee name (indigenous peoples).
Ben in the story happens to be Pawnee (an orphan rejected by his own people). Then there’s “The Call of The Shaman,” which of course says that the main character is a shaman and following his calling.
8. What advice would you give to someone wanting to write their first book?
Well, I would say ‘Do not go the independent route if you do not believe in your work 100%.’ To be independent, you must be brave, really brave; and not ashamed or shy one bit. It is 30% about writing a good book. But 70% about sharing and talking about your work with others, nonstop. Selling is the hardest part, and when you self-publish you are alone in that.
You better build a system. And, if you have passion for your work, you will build your system and be successful. No doubt in my mind.
9. How do you fit writing into your everyday life?
I admit, not easy to do. Specially being an indie author, I spend a lot of my time sharing my book with others, joining book fairs and promos, and just talking about my work. Of course, there is the private life. It all adds up. And it can be frustrating.
Sometimes you don’t have enough hours during the day. But I push myself through the challenges, in order to remain strong and positive; and in order to remind myself that this writing business is ‘one step at a time.’ Patience and commitment are the most important here.
10. How do you handle criticism?
Well, this might sound harsh; but I like to be real and honest in how I feel. I don’t focus on critics. I respect and welcome their opinions and suggestions. But, truth is, I write for me. If you read my books you will find exactly how I am.
My books are entertaining, crazy and funny at times, spiritual and emotional; but, most importantly, it all carries my style and persona. And I do write to connect with people, but I share myself with them. So I just focus on writing what I like. If I write this way, I find the like-minded people who connect with me.
11. Describe your perfect character to me
Great question. My perfect character is Ben, the shaman boy carrying an ancient demigod’s soul. It really is. I’ve created Ben to be real. In the story, he struggles with darkness, with self-doubt, with purpose; but he also carries the light, the strength, the positive attitude to conquer himself. That’s very human.
To me, the human struggle to become better when everything seems misery and pain is what makes for a perfect character. Always after that light at the end of the tunnel.
12. Tell me the strongest theme in your book “The Call of The Shaman”?
There are shamans, spiritual leaders, gods, demons, magical creatures, friends and foes in my series. But the main theme is what we all experience, such being self-discovery. Forgive me for repeating myself, dear reader, but all that matters in this life is to grow our spiritual and moral values.
From becoming more spiritual and moral then we become better, and we start discovering ourselves and life; and thus everything in our lives turns to be better as well. Magic exists and it is within ourselves, because, just like the main character in my series, we must experience that beautiful miracle in us through daily self-expression.
Enjoy “The Call of The Shaman” for FREE:
“Ben took a few steps forward and said, “Thank you! What I meant was, how is it possible that you can talk?!”
“What do you mean?? You can talk! Why couldn’t we?!” protested the willow tree.
And so I would like us to contemplate our own magic, because life is tremendous struggle without it. But beautiful, with the right attitude, with that wonderful magic. And in view of just that, I’ve made a serious effort with these following retailers to offer the book for FREE for whomever feels interested.
So if you seek a coming-of-age story that brings fantasy and insight, gods and demons, and more, then you will absolutely enjoy this read: All I ask is that you support me by posting a brief review on Amazon, Goodreads, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, or your blog if you have one.
Links:
Amazon: https://amazon.com/dp/B08MBFXSR9
Also, I wanted to take the opportunity to let the kind reader know that #3 in the series, titled “The Book of 1st Witchcraft,” is now ready for preorder for only $0.99.
Links:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2MZK1FZ
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B2MZK1FZ
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-book-of-1st-witchcraft
More author links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Thegodwithin1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsaRodriguez35
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20322575.Asa_Rodriguez
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/asa-rodriguez
Website: https://asarodriguez.com
