We welcome readers to the next episode of the indie writer’s summer. I hope that as we approach the end of the hot month, this swelling weather is almost dying for some of you. I’m here to add more books and indie authors to your radar…and TBR (read). This is a very special episode for us! I had the absolute honor of interviewing Bram Stoker Award-winning author Pedro Iniguez. His collection Mexicans on the moon It won the 2024 poetry category. I’ve read it and it was amazing. Certainly, I’m not a poetry guy, but I loved the collection so I’m saying something. It really gave me the Ray Bradbury vibe, so if it’s your jam, definitely get this book.
Talk about Pedro’s journey into an indie writer and the world of independence/small press, his evolution as a writer, and what this award means to him. You don’t want to miss it, so let’s talk about it.
Abby Wolf: Tell us about the first glimpses of your previous life, such as “Yes, I want to write stories and pursue publications.”
Pedro Iniges: So, in college (2007) I spent time sitting through my heartlessly bored lectures, writing long flash fiction stories in these little paragraphs. This bookstore in Glendale, California called Mystery and Imagination, hosted this open mic night on Halloween with many amazing horror writers. I attended and brought one of the flash fiction works. Gentleman, there was a well-known and respected horror writer named Dennis Etxon, who reads one of his stories. He finished and asked if others would like to read the story before finishing the event. I raised my hands nervously and read my story. When I was finished, the room was wild with applause. They liked what I said. Dennis said he was impressed and asked to hold weekly writing classes where he wanted to meet me. Sure enough, I was in attendance and he was invited to take me under his wings and hang out with all the big shots of the LA writing community, and the rest is history. Then I wanted to be a writer. Because someone believed in me.
Photo courtesy of the author
AW: How has your writing evolved since you first started publishing?
PI: I’ve been writing for 16 years and of course my writing has improved. When you practice something for a long enough long enough, you are bound to get better with it.
AW: What is your biggest writing fear?
PI: I don’t write about my own fears, but sometimes I worry about making deadlines or running out of ideas. I never do, but that’s what lives deep inside my heart.
AW: Describe memorable interactions with readers about one of your books or stories.
PI: There are a few. My Science Fiction Poetry Collection Mexicans on the moon Publicly published Latino readers had sent me a message saying they loved seeing themselves in these far-flung futures. That meant everything to me.
AW: What is your favorite book and what is your favorite quote from it?
PI: It’s difficult to choose your favorite book you’ve never seen before (1984, Fahrenheit 451, I’m a legend(etc.) But one of my favorite opening paragraphs is William Peter Blatty’s Legion:
He thought of death with that infinite moan, the living heart and cancer and the death of the Aztecs, whose three-year-old child was buried alive, wondering whether God was alien and cruel, but recalled Beethoven and “Harley for Karamazov” and kindness. He stared at the sun coming behind the Capitol, striping Potomac with orange light, then in anger, and in the fear of his feet he descended. Something was wrong between a man and his creator, so there was evidence in this boathouse dock.
AW: Are there any other artistic efforts or hobbies besides writing?
PI: Yes, I love writing poetry, short stories, manga and picture books, but I also love painting, painting and cooking, playing music (guitar and drums).
AW: How can I connect with my readers and build a community in the world of indie publishing?
PI: Usually through social media. I like to show people I’m with my interests and creative pursuits. I like to connect with people like that.
AW: What is one aspect beyond sales that marks “success” for you?
PI: When readers connect with my work. When they told me how I wrote it, it really resonated with them, entertained them, and made them think. Also, Mexicans on the moon He was taught at Cal State LA and Harold Washington College and sent to the library at San Quentin Prison. They are the things that make the most sense to me.
AW: What was the first book that moved you emotionally and left it behind?
PI: Probably George Orwell’s 1984. It scared me and never really left my heart.
AW: What do you like to drink when writing?
PI: Water, coffee or pre-workout drinks that will help wake me up!
AW: Is there anything else you would like to share? …In your case, maybe about your stalker winning?
PI: Winner of the Bram Stoker Award for outstanding achievements in poetry this year Mexicans on the moon A book about far-flung Latinos, a highlight of my career and exploring the reach of the universe that many Latinos gained while facing deportation and mass discrimination in the United States, does not escape readers from finding comfort and inspiration within their pages.
Stay tuned for next week’s episode of #indieauthorsummer!
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