My Guest Author - Silvia Villalobos
Silvia Villalobos
is a native of Romania who lives immersed in the laid-back vibe of Southern California, is a writer of mystery novels and short fiction. Her stories have appeared in The Riding Light Review, Pure Slush, and Red Fez, among other publications. She is constantly drawn to premises filled with questions which arouse feelings that are often beyond imagination yet seem real. Her upbringing in Romania, the land of Eminescu and Eliade, may have contributed to such complex imagination and stories filled with peril.
When not taking long walks through the local paseos or hiking the Santa Clarita Woodland Park trails, she can be found writing, blogging, or preparing and giving speeches for Toastmasters International.
Young: Welcome Silvia Villalobos to In The Harem.
Silvia Villalobos (S.V.): Glad to be here. :)
Young: Tell us about your Latest Book about to be released?
S.V.: My latest book is titled: Stranger or Friend. It is a mystery novel.
Stranger or Friend is a literary suspense novel sparked by secrets and distrust. It took me five years to complete this mystery/suspense book, mostly because the emotional element had to be examined closely and handled carefully. Emotional depth, I think, is the lifeblood of any story. The early reviews agree.
Young: When is the release date?
S.V.: It will be released by Solstice Publishing March 24, 2015 and is available for pre-order. It is currently available for pre-order.
Here is the book purchase/order link: http://www.amazon.com/Stranger-Friend-Silvia-Villalobos-ebook/dp/B00UG0W5O8/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Young: Splendid! Can you give us a teaser?
S.V.: Here it is;
He studied her, the woman from the city, likely an oddity to a man who’d never lived outside Pine Vale. She wasn’t a local anymore, but more or less a stranger ... Zoe pulled her jacket tighter, hoping she'd make it through her first day home without having to explain she hadn't gone crazy in the city.
Young: What other books/short stories have you written?
S.V.: I’ve written several short stories. The most recent, A Blurred Reality, was published by The Riding Light Review and is available on amazon. Other early works include Ioana, published by Red Fez (this story takes place in Romania, where I am originally from), and Survivor, which deals with a cancer survivor, published by Pure Slush, among other works.
Young: Do you publish in e-book, print, or both?
S.V.: Both, but this is the publisher’s decision. A Blurred Reality is available in both formats, and of course the latest release, Stranger or Friend, is now available in kindle format, but it will soon be available in both kindle and print from amazon.
Young: Where can readers find your books?
S. V.: Amazon and Goodreads. And my website strangerorfirend.com
Young: What do you think are the biggest challenges for the type of writing that you do?
S.V.: Forgetting or overlooking the emotional element. As I mentioned, emotion is everything, even in a mystery or thriller where plot and action are so important. Without giving careful consideration to the human and emotional element, it’s difficult to touch anyone’s heart in meaningful ways. The story should leave the reader with a different outlook on things, at least for a while, and that comes from psychological depth and emotion.
Young: How did you get started in writing?
S.V.: I wrote an essay on Eminescu (Romanian poet) in high school. The teacher singled it out and offered dreams-inducing praise. I kept writing. Aside from family, writing is what makes me happiest. I can spend hours alone with my characters -- such a wonderful process.
Young: Where and How can readers get in touch with you?
S.V.: Readers can email me anytime at svillalobos.ro@gmail.com
Also, these are links to social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silvia.villalobos.140
Twitter: @Silvia__Writes
Blog: www.silviatomasvillalobos.wordpress.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Silvia-Villalobos/e/B00U8AB0QK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Young: So with your latest work released/or being released, what comes next? What can we expect from you in the future?
S.V.: Zoe Sinclair, the character in Stranger or Friend, may be ready for more. At least that’s what she seems to be whispering to me. So, will see. A little vacation, for sure, then more writing.
Young: How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
S.V.: A lot. Zoe is a lawyer, and I work in the legal field. Her thoughts on life and people are my thoughts, and her ill mother is based on my aunt, Mary, who helped raised me after my father passed away. A lot of Zoe’s outlook on life, her dislike of certain people and events, that’s all me -- since that’s widely familiar. :)
Young: Among your own books, have you a favourite book? Favourite Hero or Heroine?
S.V.: Zoe Sinclair, from Stranger or Friend, is my favourite by far at this time. She returns home after a long absence to find that home is no longer the place she left behind, or maybe never really knew. Hence the question: is she a stranger or a friend? She has to deal with the loss of a friend and her mother’s illness, with new faces and new ideas, but above all she must deal with a very real and human aspect in all our lives, a certain prejudice that hides in every heart. Not an easy task, but Zoe is not going to let a complicated issue stop her. She is a complex character, and I love complexity in story and character.
Young: Where do you see yourself in five years?
S.V.: Writing, hopefully. Continually searching for that all-important premise filled with questions, which arouse feelings that are often beyond imagination, yet seem real.
Young: What does your significant other think of your writing?
S.V.: My husband reads everything I write. In many ways, he is my very first editor. As a musician, and fellow creative, he is very supportive. We spend many hours dissecting a character, discussing a premise, disagreeing about a plot line. It’s fun, and I love it.
Young: Have you ever experienced Writer's Block? If so how did you work through it?
S.V.: Oh, yes. When that happens, I set the story aside and go out for a long walk or a hike. I listen to music. I read a lot. There are so many ways to get re-inspired, but by far, reading works best for me.
Young: Who are some of your favourite authors to read?
S.V.: Some old-time favourites are:
Eliade, Jane Austen, Tolstoy, Catarescu, Victor Hugo. I enjoy mysteries, so Michael Connelly, Harlan Coben, and P.D. James are also among my favourites.
Young: Anything else you'd like to tell our readers?
S.V.: I hope you enjoy Stranger or Friend, and would love to hear back from you.
Young: Lastly do you have any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
S.V.: Be patient. Learning from rejections is part of the process. Working on one’s art and craft every day is not only rewarding, but crucial. Reading, in and out of preferred genre, and joining a critique group is essential, because writing is one thing and writing well is something else entirely. But above all, as I said, be patient. No editor likes a writer to reacts to rejections, and building a good relationship with editors and publishers is very important.
