It’s always about the interesting leading characters, notably the likable protagonists, like lawman Jacob Moon. Additionally, unforgettable and detested villains like Brian Clay are a necessary mix for a dark crime thriller novel. I am interested in knowing what they most want because they’re each distinct. However, they’ve all tightly grasped my full attention and, hopefully, the readers. In Jacob Moon, I wished to know more about his incredible willpower to solve a cold case, his trained sergeant skills, and applying his rare talent for crime investigation. Also, I wanted to uncover Brian Clay’s secret motivations, and I was sure there were several. But chiefly, how ordinary situations brought out the real fears, changes, and suspense in their story world.
What does the book title mean, Savage Light?
Even beautiful things like light can be ruthless enough to turn savage. What it serves out to the living is everything and nothing of sacrifice.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
My parents purchased me a typewriter; I was a teenager with a strong interest in writing. I remember it was gray with a cover. And after several failed attempts at fiction writing, I gave up the dream and stored it in the closet. Later, I would discover its purpose and that failure is a precious marker to an important destination. I didn’t realize that something fantastic was ahead! So the typewriter amusingly went unused and eventually was lost.
How long does it take to write a book?
Three, six, or twelve months, perhaps. are still considered reasonable and optimistic timeframes. Savage Light is my debut book, and I am working on its second and third drafts, scheduled to be completed in three to four months. I hope to stay closer to six months than twelve for the remaining books in this series, The Remover of Darkness: Savage Light, Savage Dark, and Savage Wind. I’ll be writing Twenty-four hours a week, and one-fourth of this time is allowed for doing research.
The biggest fear?
Writer’s block, of course. I believe many writers experience varying spells of it; I scorn it but cope with it confidently. My best advice is to be prepared for it when it comes; a good practice is to keep with all your stories from the initial journal idea through the entire drafting process. A quote by Sidney Sheldon, “Nothing Lasts Forever.”
What and who inspires you?
Other writers inspire me because they value narrative and writing elements in fiction and nonfiction. They are extraordinary, and I admire their quiet continuous courage. My first passion was always reading, and it was instinctive to want to become a writer. A quote from Sidney Sheldon, “Life is like a novel. It’s filled with suspense. You have no idea what is going to happen until you turn the page.”
What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
Be alone in a room with a laptop, lamp, and TV show or movie playing in the background. Also, I find the sound of a fan pleasant and relaxing. Also, Sidney Sheldon quotes, “A blank piece of paper is God’s way of telling us how hard it is to play God.”
If you could spend a day with another famous author, whom would you choose?
Sidney Sheldon. I was taken by his book Memories of Midnight. (1990). The sequel to The Other Side of Midnight (1973). It was his signature fast and intense plots that entertained me splendidly. His characters are guaranteed to be interesting. I much enjoyed how he masterfully told a story through complex lead characters. I can recount his plots and principal characters. I knew then that someday I would be a writer of the same contemporary genre, thriller.
At what point do you think someone should call themselves a writer?
It is different for everyone. You might not write every day, but you consider yourself a writer. The opposite can be true as well. Although being traditionally published is an excellent signal you are a writer. Because “a writer” produces quality writing with rounded characters in compelling story plots anchored by universal themes. Possessing a brand voice with commercial appeal is recognized by either small or big literary presses.
What difference do you see between a writer and an author?
They both have an equal joy for craft. Yet, an author has a literary agent and seriously published pages.
Have you ever considered writing under a pseudonym, and why or why not?
Yes, all the time. I would enjoy the freedom that it offers any writer. They can experiment with several tropes, settings, and characters. Unrestricted by the corner styles and rules of a singular genre, allowing writers to engage with other audiences.
What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you?
Using one craft element like character and not joining other critical factors like setting, dialogue, or conflict. Not having any more fun with words and losing all involvement in the main story.
What part of the book did you have the most challenging time writing?
Writing the end, and solving all the conflicts, at least for the time being, is a struggle. Knowing exactly when the story is over and accepting it. Or where it doesn’t depend on anything else to be complete. A quote from Sidney Sheldon, “I was scared. Do you know what it’s like to hold someone else’s life in your hands? It’s like playing God. Can you think of anything scarier than that?”
What part of the book was the most fun to write?
The beginning is always fun to write. I like using prologues, though they aren’t done as often as before by writers. I don’t care, as I still immensely like these special types of introductions. Well, the same is true for the endings by using epilogues. I delight in showing what happens a day, week, or month before and after in a story to the leading characters. Readers deserve great beginnings and endings which are unexpected, satisfying, and exciting.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
The last name of a person I met by chance immediately struck me, becoming the title of my upcoming debut novel, Savage Light. It had buzz and heartache, made me nervous, and disarmed me. It was the grain to a meaningful theme of an engaging story.
Celia Garza 