R.J. Mirabal was kind enough to stop by
and answer a few questions for us today on his debut novel, published by Black
Rose Writing.
R.J.,
what is your current project? Please tell us under what genre it falls and give
us a short description.
I am currently
working on the draft of the sequel to my first published novel, ‘The Tower of
Il Serrohe.’ Titled ‘Extreme Dust Storms May Exist,’ it is a southwest
contemporary fantasy set along the Middle Rio Grande Valley between Albuquerque
and Los Lunas. The story centers on Esther Jiron, a sixteen year old honor
student, who is drawn into an alternate valley, the Valle Abajo, which strongly
resembles the Rio Grande except for the medieval lifestyles and the presence of
a mild form of magic. Once again the clanspeople of the Valle are under the
cruel siege of the Soreyes who terrorize and dominate the Valle. Esther is
called to the Valle to help the clanspeople fight off this continuing threat,
just as they had called Don Vargas more recently and a curandera back in 1905.
It is my hope to conclude the saga in a third installment entitled, ‘Zero
Visibility Possible.’
Is
this your first book? If not, what else have you written?
‘The Tower’ is
my first published book. Back in the late 70s and early 80s I wrote a number of
stillborn science fiction novels that were neither original enough to publish nor
skillfully written. But I learned a great deal about writing novel length
stories, character development, plotting, etc.
Who
are your favorite authors and what kind of books do you love best?
Since I first could read, I was always more fascinated by
stories beyond reality. In Junior High, I got hooked on science fiction and I still
admire the icons of that genre: Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clark, Jack Williamson,
Kurt Vonnegut, and dozens more. Then along came J.R.R. Tolkien and fantasy was
added to my list along with great mystery writers from Arthur Conan Doyle and
Agatha Christie to many new writers such as Henning Mankell, author of the Kurt
Wallander series. Two of my
favorite writers are fellow New Mexicans: Tony Hillerman, the famous writer of
Navajo detective mysteries, and Rudolfo Anaya, well known author of the
Hispanic experience. Both writers have evoked the New Mexico landscape, culture,
and lifestyle. I confess one of my all time favorite novels is ‘Jane Eyre’ by Charlotte Brontë who employed that
wonderful Victorian style of detail and depth most of us modern writers are
reluctant to attempt.
Are
you a plotter or a pantser?
I start out as a pantser once I have an idea that intrigues me. I usually
write one or two chapters (not always the first chapters) off the cuff, usually
in a torrent. Then I step back and start mulling and plotting in such detail I
can copy my notes to the draft and flesh out a few more sentences. Strangely
enough, when I’m plotting, I’m still being a pantser because I seldom go back
and make drastic plot changes, unless I’ve discovered a logical gap or have a
revelation to spark up the story.
What writing rituals do you have, if
any?
Unfortunately,
life happens and a regular ritual for writing is seldom possible; however, I
find I do best if I write after quickly checking email in the morning or first
thing after lunch. Once I have my outline/plot notes, it’s easier to jump right
in at any time since the hard thought is done.
What
hobbies do you enjoy when you are not writing?
I love to travel though I don’t do as much as desired. I have a 4wheeler,
which allows me to get out in the wilderness (desert and mountains) almost
every week. I also love music and am learning to play the hammered dulcimer. I also
volunteer in two organizations: a motorcycle club, and The New Mexico Dulcimer
Festival. Watching good movies and engaging television, particularly PBS, is a
favorite way to relax.
Please
tell my readers how they can get more information on you and your books.
You can find out all kinds of information
about me and my books at my website.
I’m also on Facebook,
Google +, Amazon Author Central, and Goodreads. My book is available at: Amazon,
Barnes
& Noble, local bookstores in Albuquerque, such as Treasure House of Books, Page One, and
Hastings (if not, ask and they will order) as well as my publisher, Black Rose Writing.
