Today’s author chat marks the first interview for Alberto Arcia. Like many readers, I occassionally enjoy a rollicking read. Alberto describes his work as mild-mannered and influenced by Mae West & W.C. Fields bawdy comedic style. He notes his road books are fashioned after the Bob Hope/Bing Crosby road movies.
Giveaway: As a bonus to today’s interview, the first three people to comment plus one randomly drawn commenter will receive a free ebook copy of Alberto’s novel.
1. Please provide a brief synopsis of your book.
In Search of High Ground is a comedic, bawdy, action adventure novel that makes jest of different cultures and lampoons the English language. It’s the story of a morally wicked scoundrel who fears God’s warnings and tries to find high ground.
Click on the cover to purchase via Amazon.
2. Tell us a little bit about what motivates or inspires your writing.
I’m primarily a fiction writer, and I write to escape my present world – But mostly I write to record my youth while the few remaining memory cells still think they remember what happened, and why. I spent a year and a half in Northern California during the mid-sixties, and I can tell you that I burnt many a brain cell in Marin County. If you need to pin a tag on me you can say I’m a writer of fictional memoirs – LOL – My motto: ‘The truth in its purest form is boring, which is why fiction was created.’
A writer’s artistic gift/purpose to the world is his/her ability to take the reader on a mental trip without having to leave the farm. My main purpose is twofold; I like to scandalize my readers as well as make them laugh. Towards that purpose, I batter cultures, personalities, and sexual persuasions. I do this all in fun. I also spare nothing when it comes to getting laughs. I include midgets, Cajuns, personas with a flatulence problem, blind men, priests, and children. I was accused once of being a writer of B novels. Maybe that’s what I am because if you’re looking for a literary read … my style is sticking two-fingers up your nose.
3. It’s hard to pick just one, but what do you consider your favorite novel and why?
Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities sticks out because it epitomized (for me) the standard in which to measure love. Sidney, the scoundrel died so his rival could have the woman he loved. That sacrifice, to me, was romanticism at its grandest level. A good story is one that grabs you and makes time disappear. The Tolkien books were wonderful in that sense. By the time I was done with the first one I was exhausted, yet anxious for the next one. Martin’s Game of Thrones series is one of those, but his penchant for killing the good characters is nothing more than a blatant poke-in-the-eyes-with-a-sharp stick. I slap you with my penchant for being politically incorrect, but Martin’s slap has the “I don’t give a shit about you,” feel. Killing Eddard Stark was an act that could not be forgiven! I’m working on A Feast of Crows now, but I’m reading it under protest. His cruelty and blatant disregard for his readers’ attachment to characters is abominable.
4. What is the name of your blog (include the URL) and what can readers expect to find there?
My blogspot blog, Alberto Arcia, is fairly new, and it just has my name. I’m trying to get comfortable with it, and will use it primarily to put chapters to stories I rather keep hidden. The Saga of Raymond the Poor is a raunchy far-fetched fantasy story that I wrote in conjunction with two friends, which requires a low profile. LOL
5. Are you traditionally published or self-published?
My first one, Cut & Run – The Misadventures of Alex Perez was published by Arte Publico Press. I wanted to be paid for my writing. The acknowledgement that I was a good writer was important. Once I had achieved the goal of being a published writer, the second one, In Search of High Ground – The Amorous Antics of Alex Perez I published myself. I used 52Novels, who set it up to be formatted for paperback, Kindle, Nook, and Smashwords. They were great. My daughter-in-law, Robyn did the cover design. Except for the disappointment of the editorial service, which left a lot to be desired, the whole process was painless, timely, and affordable.
Click on the cover to purchase via Amazon.
6. Can you offer one or two helpful tips for fellow writers when it comes to marketing and publicity?
The first thing we writers find out is … writing the novel is the easy part. I have yet to master the marketing aspect of the marketing labyrinth, but I’m working on it. I can’t give out any advice because I’m still running the road with one headlight. But I will say this much, e-mail everyone you know, Facebook, and hit the blogs.
7. Describe your writing background.
I’m a legal immigrant from the Republic of Panama. English is not my first language, so lampooning it comes easy for me – LOL – I flunked out of two colleges, and one of them twice. I took one writing course at a local community college, then hired a writing instructor and spend four hours a day, three days a week, for six months trying to learn the craft. When I was done, and under her advice, I found and joined The Woodlands Writer’s Guild in Woodland’s Texas so I could further my writing education. The WWG was a non-genre specific guild, and they specialized in reading and critiquing, a service I sorely needed. I am presently a third term president of this fine organization. I have never attended any conferences or participated in any workshops, but I’m scheduled to attend a writer’s retreat in a few weeks.
8. What does your drafting and/or editing process entail?
I write off the cuff. No notes, no outline. I write the story as it pours out of my mind, then do my endless rewrites. I do my own editing until it’s finished. Then I hire someone to fix my problems. I also have my chapters critiqued at the WWG meetings, then go home and make the recommended adjustments, and corrections. I have no discipline, which probably hurts me because my writing habits are irregular and irrational. I live in an old house with bad insulation. During winter, I write with a scarf around my neck and a flask of cognac handy. In our hot Texas summer, I enjoy several glasses of cold Coke and rum drinks. Sometimes, when I go back and reread what I wrote … I curse the libations for their intrusion.
9. What future projects can we look forward?
The third Alex Perez novel is due out in January/February. That one is tentatively called Hide the Salami. However, I have received some objections to the title and might have to come up with something not as strong. This one is actually the sequel to Cut & Run. My novels are for adults only. And adults with a well-balanced sense of humor. They are not pornographic by any means.
10. Is there anything else you want your potential readers to know?
Take a look at my website and you will be able to see, and read excerpts of the entire Alex Perez collection, as well as some other novels I’m working on. Besides bawdy comedy, I also write erotica, and fantasy. I’m also a playwright, having produced (this past July) an original fantasy two-act play titled Rejali and the Camel. Through my site you can access links to my Facebook and to Amazon where you may purchase a novel or two. When I was a young man I traveled and misbehaved. Now, with my youth slipping … I write about days gone by, and about all the good sex I think I had – LOL –
Here’s to looking forward to more fictional memoirs by Alberto!
You can connect with Alberto on his blog, Google+, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Central page.
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Wow… another new writer! This one sounds like a hoot! Look forward to reading some of this stuff.
Geek Girl recently posted..My First Kindle Book Is Coming Soon!
The next time I’m in the mood for a funny read, I know Alberto will be at the top of my list.
I’m one of the first three commenters!!
Anyway, I agree with Cheryl–he sounds like a hoot. Especially, when he said that he will get a laugh any way that he can–flatulence etc.–that reminded me of John Irving–my all time favorite writer. I can’t wait to get a free copy and see if he makes me laugh!
Bethany Lee recently posted..How to Do the Splits Part 2
I really admire authors like Alberto who can take inspiration from crazy real-life happenings and shape them into a novel.
Let me know how the book reads. I know based on the interview alone, I have put Alberto on my TRB list.
Hi Jeri: Thx for introducing us to Alberto. I love the cover of his new book.
It’s interesting how most of us writers struggle with the marketing end of promoting our books and our work. We’d all rather be researching and writing our next book!
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted..musing about my muse
I’ve found that I struggle the most with finding a balance between marketing and writing, but on the side of often neglecting the draft of my novel in favor of blogging and social networking. I think it’s because posting offers immediate gratification, whereas it’s often difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel when writing a book.
I could use a good read like this. I’m sure his 60′s experience in NorCal/Marin County has him given much to write about… LOL His books think sound like allot of fun. BTW: Anyone who is a Toilkin fan is fan of mine… just saying
Susan Cooper recently posted..Journey To My First eBook: Story
Stay tuned… you’re in the running to win the fourth and final copy that will be given to a randomly drawn commenter.
Wow, Mr. Arcia’s view of the Game of Thrones series falls into my personal critiques. I stopped reading the first book about halfway through. It just wasn’t worth my time.
Jon Jefferson recently posted..Questions of Note: Adam Stacey
I have similar feelings about the GOT books, but still plan to keep reading, at least for now (I’m only on the second book). The HBO series seems to be doing a respectable job of portraying George R. R. Martin’s intent and his novels are quite long
His work sounds totally fun, and it’s really refreshing to see a writer who doesn’t take himself too serious. Personally I like the title Hide the Salami! Sounds like great material when you want a light read. Kind of depressing -again- to hear how the marketing is such a haul. C’est la vie, I guess. You’re posts are so good Jeri!
A.K.Andrew recently posted..Developing a Plot without Flat Lining
Thanks for the compliment. I’m quite enjoying putting these interviews together. Getting to know a writer through their work is one thing, but often, it can be their personality that draws a reader toward picking up a writer’s books. I know that is the case when it comes to Alberto.
Alberto’s work sounds like fun. Misbehaving during your youth and then writing about it during your old age is a time-honored tradition.
Thank you for sharing the interview with Alberto. Sounds like a promising author and I wish him the best of luck.
Catarina recently posted..Do you agree with Harvard that global people are more creative?
Looks like a hoot. I am more of a Vince Flynn type of guy, but a good comedy is always good for a change-up!
Martin Casper recently posted..GMO Foods…Finally a Common Sense Approach
Thanks for stopping by my blog! It’s always nice to see a new face. Stay tuned later in the week to see if you win a copy of Alberto’s book.
Congrats to Cheryl, Bethany, and Doreen for being the first three commenters. Be on the look-out for your free copy from Alberto in the near future. One more copy will still be given away at the end of the week to one randomly drawn commenter!
I found it interesting that he writes without an outline because every piece of advice you see for writers says you should outline your blog posts, books, presentations. I confess that I often let the writing flow without beginning with an outline;
Jeannette Paladino recently posted..Is Letter Writing the Next Innovation?
I go back and forth over outlining. Given how long it took me to get a handle of the plot of my first novel, I believe in outlining more than ever. Yet, with writers such as Alberto or even Jack Keroauc, a spontaneous flair can often seep into the writing done by the seat of one’s pants
You are right he is funny. I think I may just need to take a look at a few of his books – I love a good belly laugh
Becc recently posted..Christmas Gratitude
I related to almost all of Alberto’s comments here, and loved the politically incorrect attitude; I too love to do that in the name of entertainment; kinda cross the line a bit, and highly appreciate it when I come across it. Also the comment about truth in its barest form; indeed, I was taught that it should never get in the way of fiction – which is just as well as I do love to blacken the thumbnails of even my most beautiful characters/places. Unfortunately, I find it difficult to find a readership that as one person says here, would appeal to those who love a good belly laugh, which I do attempt to induce even amid my more literary works, and so it was very interesting to read the comments here from those who appreciate the kind of candid humour that Alberto writes; obviously there is one. Great interview. Well done to both of you.
S P Mount recently posted..Writing is a journey
I learned a long time ago that I often take myself too seriously. Perhaps that is why I am drawn to outrageously funny literature. I admire writers who can handle humor with skill.
This quote “My motto: ‘The truth in its purest form is boring, which is why fiction was created.” is so true. I thought I was the only that felt this way.
Thanks Jeri for introducing us to Alberto. I am certain there are a few more pointer I can pick up from him!
Tope Olofin recently posted..Tales of Love: I’m quitting because his mummy doesn’t like me!
Woot! Of the 10 commenters eligible for the fourth copy to be given away to a randomly drawn name, Rolando is the winner. Thanks to all who commented
Jeri, thanks for the exposure and your efforts on my behalf. I love to read comments to do with my work, especially from those in possession of a balanced sense of humor -LOL- Sometimes crazyness is a gift that must be taken seriously. It separates you from others around you, and then elevates you into an area where there are no real rules. Unhampered by social correctness, a writer can do wonders. I would like to thank all those who took the time to make a coment on the interview. Let me say, as a final statement here that the gift of laughter, be it bawdy or gentle, is a gift worth giving and receiving. Laughter will open doors normally closed to those lacking real talent. That’s how I became a published author. The editor in charge of my manuscript laughed her arse off so much, she kept bringing Cut & Run into one committee after another, until the man in charge had to read it. He offered me a contract, and he’s still laughing.
It was a pleasure posting your interview. Here’s to bawdy prose and the talent it takes to achieve it!