“The Spellbound Heart” Author Interview 4/7/2012

Q. 1: Tell us about your book, titled “The Spellbound Heart”. How did you come up with that awesome collection of poetry? How does a writer such as you manage to come up with so many original pieces of work for your book?
A: This is currently my third book of poetry and what separates this book (The Spellbound Heart) from other works of poetry is the fact that every single poem written in that book follows a theme… which in this case centers around Spells, Enchantments, being under someone else’s control and many similar themes. It’s very difficult to come up with different pieces for an anthology such as this one. Very time consuming as well but in the end after going through every poem and striking out what’s been used and brainstorming on new possibilities, you’ll eventually find new material after much research.

Q. 2: How did you get interested in writing this particular genre?
A: Honestly, I enjoy writing whether it’s poetry, short stories and one day hopefully novelizations. To me, whether it’s a poem or a story, there can be no better feeling than beginning and finishing off  a story, knowing that you, yourself… all by your lonesome was able to use your creativity to create characters, plots and storylines. It’s a wonderful feeling after you write something and complete it. My interest in writing began when I was small child… and ever since, it’s blossomed into what you see now.

Q. 3: How important do you believe research is when it comes to writing a book?
A: I believe it’s a very important part of writing a book. Without doing your research, you chance making mistakes whether it’s a book of historical significance or fiction, you always want to do your research beforehand so that while writing your novel, story or poem, you know exactly what you’re talking about and so that you know exactly how to make things flow in your writing piece.

Q. 4: As the Author of “The Spellbound Heart” and 2 other similar books, what’s the best thing about being an author?
A: The recognition and earned respect from those around you in your community and elsewhere. It’s the fact that you can actually walk around and say you’ve done something that others have yet to do… and that’s~ getting your writing published. The respect from your peers and community, when you have someone that you don’t know come up to you and shake your hand, pat you on the back… then you know, you’re doing something good for the community. Having little kids walk up to you while you’re at your day job, high fiving them, and when they acknowledge you as a writer, the feeling is just awesome! I wouldn’t give that up for anything. I could be having the worse day ever but when I speak to fans and supporters no matter how old they are… it always brings a smile to face… It is for them, that I continue to push myself everyday!

Q. 5: Does it bother you when aspiring writers that have not yet been published and who are trying to get published skips the research part of finding a publisher and simply copy and pastes your publisher?
A: Of course, I’m glad they’re pursuing their dreams like me and I’m glad I’m an inspiration to people in my own community and elsewhere but I just don’t like it when they go straight to my publisher rather than do the research on publishers. You see… when I tell them to research other publishers, I tell them that because I want what’s best for the individual. I want them to find one that best represents their needs. Just copying and pasting my publisher is a sign of laziness and shows me that the individual isn’t willing to work hard for their goals.

Q. 6: As the Author of “The Spellbound Heart”, many people have criticized your continued interest in working in part time stores rather than pursuing a full time writing career, which would include book signings, greater amounts of meet and greets and other similar promotional endeavors. How do you respond to those critics?
A: I don’t see why some fellow authors would be upset about that and why they would say it prevents exposure and book promotion is beyond me. It’s just two different ways of thinking. The fact that I’m even working part time at a regular store shows that I’m just like every other working guy around… It’s also called giving back to the community that I grew up in. As far as book promotion goes… they say it reduces promotion… but I don’t see it. In fact, I think it helps build a loyal support and fan base and I believe… it’s a great promotional tool.

Q. 7: Do you ever plan on being a full time writer?
A: Absolutely… I know deep down inside that if I’m ever to be taken seriously… I’ll have to no doubt go on the road for those adventurous meet and greets and book signings while focusing on my next writing piece.

Q. 8: As you previously stated, this book of poetry (The Spellbound Heart) follows a theme… the themes being Magic and Spell works, what was it about these themes that inspired you to write about this specific topic?
A: I’ve always been attracted to the mysterious and unknown. When I was first researching a theme for this book, I started gathering up information about these subjects… and after a while of reading and studying… I realized… Man! This subject is unique and surely can catch anyone’s attention and the amount of poetic stories that can come from it… it just writes itself!! I remembered thinking. Just the aura of thinking what it must be like to be under someone else’s control and being spellbound by magic… the imagination can run carelessly away.

Q. 9: Having Published 3 books as of this time, how has the experience been so far?
A: It’s been a wonderful experience! Going through every step, every phase has been an exhausting yet fun learning experience. Going back to when I was first going through the publication of “Shadows of a Memory” two years ago… good god… I had absolutely no idea what I was doing! (Laughs). Now, having gone through everything 3 times… I now know pretty much more or less what to expect.

Q. 10: What has been the most daunting and time consuming thing aside from actually writing the book in the publication process?
A: I absolutely despise proofreading, (Laughs). It’s like after all has been completed… all hundred some pages, you’ve got to start back from page 1 and reread the entire thing to correct mistakes. It’s like you’re in such in a hurry to submit your manuscript so that the world can read your writing. But in the end, it’s all worth it!

Q. 11: As a writer and Author, I’m sure you have deadlines not to mention you also as you’ve mentioned have a steady part time job. How do you deal with the stress of writing and the stress of work related issues? How do you prioritize your time so that it’s beneficial to both your interests?
A: Let me be the first to tell you… It’s not easy. There have been times when I’ve been so stressed out that I couldn’t focus my thoughts 100 percent on the job… I would have to step outside and clear my thoughts. But at this point, I’ve gotten my writing career and work career separated and prioritized in a way so that it’s beneficial. It’s simple; I usually have a 4 day work week and a 3 day writing adventure and the results show for themselves.

Q. 12: “The Spellbound Heart” is…
A: Is a must have for anyone that’s captivated by magic and spells! The Spellbound Heart is an awesome collection of spellbinding poetic stories that capture the imagination!

The Vanity Press News would like to thank Author and VNP leader Oscar Trejo Jr. for taking the time out of his busy schedule once again and for stopping by for this sit down interview to discuss his latest book release: “The Spellbound Heart: A Collection of Enchanted Poetry”!

Be sure to check out “The Spellbound Heart: A Collection of Enchanted Poetry”!
Available through Bookamillion, Amazon, Powells, Betterworld books, Bookbyte, Barnes and Noble, Borders… etc…

Author: Oscar Trejo Jr
Author Email: oscartrejojr@yahoo.com
Author Websites: 
http://www.facebook.com/Mysterious.Enigma24
http://www.myspace.com/mysterious.enigma25
http://twitter.com/OTrejoJr
http://www.vanityshades.com

^^^”The Spellbound Heart: A Collection of Enchanted Poetry” By Author: Oscar Trejo Jr.

^^^^Author: Oscar Trejo Jr!

^^^Promotional Poster featuring Author: Oscar Trejo Jr alongside his 3 books~!