Hey there everyone.

To all my American friends and those who celebrated Thanksgiving, I hope you are all still enjoying your holidays, feasting and partying and to the rest of you, the weekend once again starts here!

To round off the week, I would like to introduce you all to author Angel Ramon Medina, who has kindly agreed to chat to us about his Sci-Fi/Fantasy/post-apocalyptic books and share his writing inspirations with us.

Enjoy the show and keep smiling folks – here we go.

 

Hi there Angel, thank you for taking the time to be with us to discuss your books and give us your own writing advice.

Let’s start with your latest novel in your The Thousand Years War series (Revenge of the Gloobas – Third Book in the series), which will be released in mid-December of this year. This series is Sci-Fiction/Fantasy, post-apocalyptic and involves alien encounters. Please tell us more about your series and how it has evolved over the course of three books, what the goals and motivations are of the lead characters and what challenges they are facing in a world where resources are scarce and danger lurks around every corner?

The Thousand Years War Series is basically an Epic saga, which revolves around four regular people who couldn’t be anymore different. These four know little to nothing about each other and somehow they get caught in a huge mess, which they are accused of trying to start a New World Order. They are accused with creating a virtual world that replicates Earth and anything that happens in the virtual world gets transferred to the corporeal world. To make matters worse nobody knows why this is happening.

The first book basically introduces the reader to the four heroes who are Angel, Maria, Dayvon and Luis. The four are just trying to live their normal lives, but find out that they are the chosen ones who must save Earth by finding an anti-matter ball and inserting the ball into an anti-matter machine. This is the only way they can reverse whatever effects that occur in the virtual world, to raise the stakes they only have 10 days before the effects become permanent forever. This book shows the motivation of each character. For Angel, it is avenging the death of his father. For Maria, it is to find out what true love is like. For Dayvon, it is to find out how to get along with others better. Finally for Luis, it is simply to do the right thing for Earth.

In the second book: Framed, the spotlight becomes more personalized and consolidated towards Angel. He is targeted in the latest threat, which has him facing an accusation of killing a respected police commissioner. Later he finds out that he’s been framed for a murder that he did not commit, but the conspiracy plot is much deeper when illegal plutonium distribution and dirty politics threaten the lifestyle of NYC. To make matters worse, everything is being done in the virtual world. Angel’s life is revealed to a more personal level and he finds out not everyone in his family is loyal to him.

In the latest novel: Revenge of the Gloobas, the story goes back to the formula of the first book where it’s another Epic odyssey-like adventure. In this book the four need to stop the Gloobas from using the virtual world to align the planets in a perfect line in order to shoot their death ray using the power of the sun onto Earth. In this story the personal vendettas between the four and their enemies begin to increase in intensity and battles are fought at much more personal level. At this point it’s assumed that the reader has created a bond with the characters, both protagonists and antagonists. The goal for our heroes in Revenge of the Gloobas is to take out the aliens once and for all!

The series from that point onwards could either stop or continue going with an entirely new plot. Stay Tuned!

You have also written a zombie survival horror novella called “Angel’s Nightmare Adventure”. Give us the low down on this particular tale and what kind of nightmarish ride we will be letting ourselves in for in your own unique spin on the undead monster genre.

Well, this is actually a separate series that I was working on for a short story contest. I nearly won the contest, got to the short list falling just short of winning. Instead of burying my sorrows and dwelling in defeat, I decided to make a series out of it. Basically a corporation called Hybrid is trying to make a cure for cancer, but instead cause a zombie outbreak! Trust me! Zombies are only the beginning, I can promise that.

The story consists of two people who only know each other as acquaintances during dental appointments who deal with the same outbreak in two distinct stories. Angel is a 17 year old kid about to enter senior year of High School ready to get reconstructive jaw surgery. Luis on the other hand is 25 and starting his first day as a New York Police Officer. Two men living their lives innocently are about to experience the possibility of being the only two survivors in all of NYC.

If any of your novels were to be made into films (or even a TV series), who would you cast in the lead roles?

Honestly the names of the heroes are that of real people, so I would like to cast ourselves in the movies or TV series. In my honest opinion, I think my book might actually make a good videogame as well. In that case, I would like for the voice of the anti-hero Caleb to be played by Stephen Weyte, a popular videogame voice actor.

What do you find the most difficult thing about writing? And what do you find the easiest?

The hardest thing in my opinion would have to be character development, as this is a very important aspect of any book. Ironically is also one of my favourite things about writing. That’s because I can control the emotion, actions, reactions and personality.

The easiest thing would be the world building, since I can come up with plenty of environments for the story to take place at. This is my favourite aspect to write about.

Who are some of the authors and historical figures that inspire you?

Some authors that inspire me include William Shakespeare, R.L. Stine and Ian Fleming.

Some historical figures that inspire me are William Wallace and Attila the Hun.

What sort of research did you do to write your books?

I did some historical research such as researching the dark ages to begin my first book and looking up historical figures such as Attila the Hun. I also researched Texas in 1888, as that is one of my settings in my series.

Why do you write? What inspired you to become a writer?

I write because it’s something that I’ve done with enjoyment since Junior High School. I’ve always enjoyed the idea of creating my own stories, my own worlds and watching my dream world come together.

As for what inspired me to write, it’s my upbringing. I was raised as a lonely child, so I got everything I wanted and that included videogames. Which ones did I play you ask? Science Fiction and Horror, what else? Also, I would ready many Sci-Fi books, although I was too young to remember them, but I said to myself, “Why I can’t be like that? Why can’t I be an author?” From that question on, it’s all a matter of history.

What keeps you motivated during creative slumps? How do you deal with Writers Block?

I like to take long walks and jot down notes on my observations. I read other people’s works and find some inspiration within the book without ripping off the idea of the author. Honestly since this is an idea I had locked away for over 10+ years, I rarely suffer from writer’s block. However, when I do suffer I take a day off or two to recharge. There’s no need to overwork myself when I know the chapter isn’t going to come out well if I am being fatigued.

You have access to a time machine. What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to publish your first book before High School! Don’t wait until you had an eight year relationship, move to Puerto Rico and go through hard times. However, I would also say that things happen for a reason.

How do you spend your free time when you are not writing?

Reading other people’s works or reading my masterpieces in paperback. If I’m not reading you can find me travelling all over Puerto Rico! My favourite place is the beach to get a nice tan!

Tell us more about your upcoming projects. Are you working on anything specific or have plans in the pipeline?

I’m actually in the crossroads now that my third major novel is done. I have three projects in mind. One would be my father’s memoir, where I would be the ghost-writer. Second would be to continue The Thousand Years War Series. Finally there is an “Easter Eggs” book where secrets of the first book are revealed, such as alternative endings and full character bios. Honestly at this point of the year, the second option is the least likely and the first option is the most likely with the second somewhere in the middle. I might just divide time between the memoir and the unabridged version of the first book.

Finally, are there any nuggets of wisdom that you can impart to other aspiring writers?

Yes, I do have advice. Write because you love to do it. While money is good, that comes second. Make sure you’re writing a book on something that you’ll enjoy writing. Finally edit once, edit twice, edit three times or as much as you can. In other words never and I mean NEVER hand in a first draft as a manuscript, it can always be improved.

And that’s a wrap! Thank you for spending time with us today Angel and look forward to being thrilled when exploring more of your books 🙂

Bio:- (In Angel’s own words)

If you were looking for a sci-fi writer who is starting out and one that has a lot of heart in what he does, you’re in luck. Bear with me and you might find yourself reading one of my novels, which I promise to be fun in their own individual way. The Thousand Years War series is an idea which is a bit complex, one that I have had since middle school. I try to stay out of reality and write books that will entertain people and take them on epic journeys to give people a bit of a reprieve from their rough daily routine. I see writing as an art, and if you give me a chance, I’ll break the stereotype that reading is boring. I feel privileged to have this talent of being able to create something out of nothing and am sharing it with everyone. So whether you like to read or are an author like me, don’t be afraid to approach me – authors needing advice, or wanting to give me advice, you are welcomed! I’m a person who loves to create, not watch. I love to create worlds and characters. I look forward to connecting with many of you avid sci-fi readers and writers alike! For the curious, I’m a humble man who lives in Puerto Rico. I also love baseball and to travel around the island of Puerto Rico.

You can connect with Angel on the following Social Media channels:-

Facebook:- The Hybrid Nation (FB)
Goodreads:- Angel Ramon Medina (Goodreads Author)
GooglePlus:- Angel Ramon Medina – Author (GooglePlus)
LinkedIn:- Angel Medina – Author (LinkedIn)
Twitter:- Angel Ramon Medina (Twitter)
Website:- Website of The Hybrid Nation

You can buy Angel’s books here:-

Buy Angel Ramon’s books in Canada

Buy Angel Ramon’s books in the UK/Europe

Buy Angel Ramon’s books in the US/Rest of the World

If you too would like to be interviewed on my blog at TooFullToWrite and you have a book or a series of books that you would like us to chat about then fill out the Contact Me form here with your details and we can arrange a future interview slot.

Still want more? Well, Angel’s novels deal with post-apocalyptic situations that are exciting, dangerous and chaotic in the extreme. For more articles relating to the theme of ‘Chaotic’ then check out the links below:-

1. A Joy To Write – Chaotic
2. Laidig’s Broadway – Belated Birthday [1]
3. chamael290 – Your death will make me a legend…
4. Khaos – Leaking Ink
5. Chaotic – Inner Whispers
6. Quill & Parchment – Preceded By Chaos !
7. Betcha Didn’t Know! – Hey! Over Here!
8. Sasha’s Writings – Choatic Thoughts
9. Business of Life – Meg’s Magical Musings
10. BodynSoil – Chaotic Holiday Preparations
11. Purposive Writer – A House Divided
12. Let The Snow Fall Where It May – 5AcresAndShe
13. Being an INFJ – Phoebe Louise
14. Christmas Is Coming – psychedelicwizard
15. Organized Chaos – Inside Mama’s Head
16. Chaotic birds – for art lovers
17. What if your friends to officiate your Marriage! – passiondesignerblog
18. Smell of the Beach – Let your words speak what your heart thinks.
19. Two minute stories – No More Thanksgiving
20. Beautiful rocky mountain at mount cabuyao santo tomas
21. Fiery in the sky – mines view park
22. Not Again – Leigha Robbins
23. Mitigating Circumstances – My Chaotic Life
24. POETRY: Perpetual Paradox – Zibell’s Treasure Trove
25. Fluffy Pool – Chaotic and Day 24
26. Chaotic – Writer2011
27. Chaotic – Swa-Mikosho
28. debooWORKS – Holi Art!
29. inspiration in progress – Black Friday
30. Chaotic Fireworks – littleborneogirl
31. PROJECT ASTRAL – Magician Debunks Seances
32. My Favorite Bulky – raszyfibers
33. Leanne Murphy – Raised veggie boxes (making of)
34. Chaotic – 2amcoffeebreak
35. Chaotic – thinkinkadia
36. Random Musings – Chaotic Things and its Significance
37. Observing Friends/ Parents – WORDS from SONOBE
38. sukies original – weekly Photography Challenge: Chaotic/Magic
39. The Chase… – Serendipitous Web Life
40. Success Inspirers’ World – The town became chaotic
41. Devil Doll Musings – You Are A Memory
42. Train Tracks – Letters From The Ocean
43. Lost Property Repository – The forgotten victim
44. The Stranger – A Short Story – jmwwriting
45. La Tour Abolie – Winners, losers and survivors
46. PLUR makes chaos mello
47. wordsareallihavesite – Daily Prompt:Chaotic
48. Vaidus World – Emotional Diffusion
49. CHAOS – Threewheelergran
50. Life Out of Control – Debbie Gravett
51. Chaos – crashcoursedummy
52. 83 Unsung Heroes – Chaos And Over-Complicating
53. Loli – keriloa
54. The Zen of Chaos – Love it Now
55. Insidious Cravings – Chaotic Pleasure
56. Exploring the World around us – Chaotic Situations
57. Beautiful Mayhem – The Dreaming Lady
58. wordsmither web – The Countdown Begins
59. Le Drake Noir – Heaven can wait
60. A City Soldier – Pete’s Chaos
61. 5-minute Rush – Exploring Mama
62. Going Home – The Abject Muse, aka SusanWritesPrecise
63. On this chaotic day – In my world
64. Chaotic – The Inkwell
65. I moved again to a new city…… – soul n spirit
66. Lanterna nel suo Caos… – The Crimson Quill.
67. kStan(ly) kSays – from the west coast to the east
68. THE ICONOPHILE – There is a Crack in Everything
69. Autobiography – S. Thomas Summers
70. The Wandering Poet – A bit of peace from life’s endless chaos
71. Christine’s Collection – Dirt Devils
72. Mightily – The Light & Simplicity Project
73. Chaos: From within to around. – Ananya, The Verbal Seduction.
74. Neil Gaiman’s How the Marquis got his Coat Back – onturningpages
75. debooWORKS – Game Over
76. LiteYourSoul – 10 Things About Me That’s Similar to Rob and Chyna
77. debooWORKS – The Silence of Others
78. LiteYourSoul – The Perfect Crime
79. Insach – Chaotic chaos…
80. Zombie Flamingos – Kitten Thursday and ‘MurKan Thanksgiving!
81. “Soon you will get paid to suffer instead of paying to suffer.” – Sincerely, Loewe
82. Chaotic mind of a lover girl – musaafirana
83. Chaotic – Wings Of Poetry
84. The mystery of riding – ARMY OF THE FALLEN BIKERS
85. Thanksgiving Blessings – Sisters of Christ
86. The good and the bad – Lifeisgoodinsidemyhead
87. Wide Eyed In Wonder – Six Word Story: Chaos
88. life is great despite its troubles – Chaotic Booze
89. CHAOS IS IN MY BLOOD – rhymeagination
90. The Lazy Wanderer – 100 Days of Happiness – Day 63
91. Countdown to moving 2 – Elaine’s Bloggers Paradise
92. JonahzSong – A Chaotic Life
93. Chaotic – Lifestyled Islander
94. SERENDIPITY – CHAOS AS THE ARROW BATTLES ON
95. Musings of a Random Mind – A Woman In Sorrow
96. Escape From a Chaotic World – atrangizindagieksafar
97. SERENDIPITY – CHAOS AND MADNESS AS THE ARROW BATTLES ON
98. Full-Time – Piles
99. There Are More Poets than Stars in the Firmament – thankfully the tavern had stocked up
100. Chaotic – suzhalgal
101. THE BLANK PAGE – Chaos
102. Early Periods of Literature – English Lit Geek
103. Writing with Spirit – Talking Turkey, Trump, and Testosterone
104. Crossing Colorado – 9 Ways to Reduce Stress this Holiday Season
105. B_ up to date – I’m sure
106. Relax – Sometimes it’s not about me. Wait.. oh. 😉
107. CHAOTIC – spirit480
108. Flowers and Breezes – Chaotic
109. The Gad About Town – Captain Chaos
110. Covert Novelist – Chaotic
111. Musing Moment 099: A Few Words… – Warrior Freya
112. A Chaotic Mind – emotionsoflife2016
113. 5 Reasons I Avoid the Chaos – ELLA LOUISE – Black Friday
114. debooWORKS – Web of Turbulence
115. Lamont and Dude Contemplate our Chaotic World – I’m a Writer, Yes, I Am!
116. I’m Grateful For It All – Kurilane Guests
117. Be Thankful for Life’s Little Messes That Make Us Stronger – Mid-Life Inspirations
118. Grieving allowance on a widowed birthday – Afterlife Love Story
119. Southern By Design – When It Comes To Family
120. Vlog – The Life of Jan – ‘Tis the Season
121. thelonerose – Not chaotic
122. The Heirloom Platter – Random Storyteller
123. The Cat Chronicles – Daily Feline Prompt: The chaotic feline
124. Beautiful and Scary – wanderlustandcoffeelover
125. Two peas in a F****D-up pod – Insidious Temptation
126. Chaotic – Daily Prompt – ladyleemanila
127. LadyLebz – WHAT IS A GOOD FATHER?
128. Netdancer’s Musings and Photography – Daily Prompt- Chaotic
129. Michel Montecrossa Blog – Today’s Art: ‘Cybercelebration Reloaded’ by Michel Montecrossa
130. ACCEPT OTHERS, WITHOUT SEEKING ACCEPTANCE. – Rainbow
131. Turnaround – Sassycook
132. Artistic calibre – seequoyah
133. Treat You Better – Fenix Verde
134. Mealtime Grace – Bits of Poems
135. Thanksgiving & Black Friday: The Epitome of American Culture – Zone of Non-eing
136. Chronicles of an Anglo Swiss – Chaos cures boredom
137. What Would You Do With Chaos Love – eddaz
138. MY OWN PRIVATE IDAHO – Chaotic
139. A beautiful disaster… – purpleorangesite
140. debooWORKS – Fray
141. s1ngal – my Chaotic life
142. sonja benskin mesher – .. chaos ..
143. Light & life – Gratitude
144. Fool’s Gold – japanesewh1spers
145. Devil Doll Musings – Mad World
146. Roasted Butternut Squash Protein Smoothie – art of being fabulous
147. As I write to vent… – Random Thoughts and Musings
148. Travel Much? – Halloween-smiles
149. Chaotic #DailyPost – Of Glass & Paper
150. And then there was one – Chaotic no more…and thankful!
151. the miscellaneous journal – Among The Chaos Lies Good News
152. Don’t Be Psychotic! – Pete Gardner Psalms
153. Chaotic – Her Snippets
154. lifelessons – a blog by Judy Dykstra-Brown – Chaos R Us
155. Trying to pack it in – Don’t hold your breath
156. the15thday – where’s that roger world bubble gone
157. Chaotic: The Daily Prompt – Sorkrates
158. poorhaiku – Chaotic Overthinking
159. Nostalgia – teenspirit
160. Chaotic Catalyst – Chronicles of an Orange-Haired Woman!
161. Merry Tidings – Sunken Thought
162. Frank Prem – sound in the clock-man’s workshop
163. Frost At Midnite – Chaotic life
164. Chaotic… – Emotions that matter.
165. Lost Property Repository – Living your nightmare
166. Chaos and carnage – Back On The Grid
167. Designer Sophisticate – The Turkey Story.
168. The Poetic Syndrome – Toothless smile
169. Influencing the Next Generation With What Matters – Lance Price Blog 2016
170. I digress #2: Happy Thanksgiving – The DADgum Blog
171. confessions of an indian curry-eater – Shapla, The Moor, Sheffield (64%)
172. What’s wrong with a little chaos? – A Wandering Memory
173. I wrote a book. Now what? – Bacon, Banter and Coffee
174. the FLAVORED word – An Open Letter to Everyone Worried About Gaining Weight on Thanksgiving
175. Lantern Words – Be Not Chaotic