Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Interview - Aftermath by Joe Reyes


1.    What inspired you to become an author?

Happiness. I hope it doesn’t sound too cliché, but I love to write and want to do it for a living. My biggest fear is being an old man who didn’t go for what he wanted in life. A big pet peeve of mine is when people say that they wanted to do something and gave up. We have one life to live so I want to make the most of mine and do what makes me happy.

2.    Do you have a specific writing style?

I’m not the biggest reader, so when I write it is in a way that catches my interest. Aftermath reads like you’re watching a TV show. It has multiple characters and storylines so the chapters cycle rapidly between them. The chapters are really short, about 3-4 pages each. I like to keep the action and story constantly flowing, so the reader isn’t bored. I hate filler scenes and find them to be book killers.

3.    Do you write in different genres?

Yes. I don’t want to be an author that can only write in one genre or style.

4.    If yes which is your favorite genre to write?

I do love the action and adventure based storylines. I like to put the characters in constant states of danger and give the sense of impending doom.

5.    Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

People will do whatever they have to if it means their survival is on the line. The whole premise behind it was to put these characters in different positions and see what they would do. I like to turn the nice guy into someone who would kill you for your can of beans.

6.    What books/authors have influenced your life?

I’m a big fan of The Hunger Games. I have said before that I’m not a big reader, but I love the style of Suzanne Collins in that series. I like the short descriptions and the story’s fast pace. On the other hand, I hate the style of George RR Martin in A Song of Ice And Fire. I think the characters are too boring at times and the chapters drag on to the point that I can’t help but put the book down.

7.    What is your current “work in progress” or upcoming projects?

I have a total outline done for the sequel to Aftermath, but I am hesitant to get started on it. Most of my time and effort goes into promoting my book at the moment.

8.    Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Not when I’m actually writing. When I finished my book was when the challenges started. I was never a fan of social media. I just had a Facebook and barely used it. I knew I needed to create a following for my writing and had to learn about all the major outlets. Keeping motivated when I write isn’t the problem. When I’m in a groove I can get a lot done quickly.

9.    Do you have to travel much to do research for your books?

The setting of Aftermath was in mostly wooded areas so I would go for hikes and take a lot of pictures for inspiration, The best form of research I did was build my own weapons from the story. Since the weapons are handmade with ordinary things, it was interesting to see what I was able to create from  materials I would stumble upon in a post-apocalyptic world.

10.Do you have any advice for other writers?

A friend asked me “What if your book doesn’t sell,” and I said, “That’s what separates winners from losers. Winners aren’t afraid to try. Losers give up and settle when things get tough. If this book doesn’t sell then I will write another and another and another until one makes it.”

Just for fun 

1.    If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be?

To fully utilize any ability you must be creative and push your boundaries. Earth-bending is my favorite ability. I could use nature to my advantage and the Earth would be my weapon. I can jump into the ground and create a golem type body. I would use projectiles made of hardened dirt in the form of spears and spiked balls. Enemies farther away could be collapsed by the ground around them or held in place. Obviously I would use my powers for good.

2.    If you could keep a mythical/ paranormal creature as a pet, what would you have?

A talking bear. But sadly ever since my girlfriend and I watched The Revenant she refuses to get one. I don’t think she was ever on board for getting one because she would always say “We aren’t getting a bear,” but I think the movie is an example she can always use against me.

3.    If you could spend a day with anyone from history, dead or alive, who would it be, and what would you do? What would you ask them?

Stan Lee. I’m a huge Marvel fan and want to come up with my own superhero universe. I would love to learn from the best on how to market and bring my heroes to life. I have started on a superhero universe and have created back stories to all of my heroes, but with the guidance and wisdom of Stan Lee, I think he would be the best person to turn to for advice.




Aftermath
Book 1
Joe Reyes

Genre: Young Adult Post-Apocalyptic

Publisher: Wasteland Press

Date of Publication: April 29, 2016

ISBN: 1681111128

Number of pages: 284
Word Count: 79, 722

Book Description:

Aftermath is a growing series about war, love, brutality and most of all, survival. What was once the United States has become a savage post-apocalyptic environment where the worst of the worst prosper and the remaining good hide.

The series features a brutal setting, where seven characters in different parts of the United States must adapt to this new environment. The "fight or flight" mentality plays into the story, as the nation is divided into factions fighting for control of the country. The government is outnumbered, outgunned, and forced into hiding as well to recoup their forces. The novel follows a fast paced momentum from the first page to the last word. The plot pits these characters against the elements and each other, with plot-lines intertwining on opposite sides of the war effort. And one character's quest for revenge can jeopardize not only the war outcome, but the reshaping of the entire nation.

With an ever-changing storyline and evolving characters, the Aftermath series gets more intense with every chapter. But what these characters don't realize, the terrifying evil is making its way across the ocean.

Amazon    BN

Excerpt Ian:

“Steady, dude,” Brendon says while kneeling behind Ian. “I got it,” Ian says, steadying his rifle. A deer is picking at a low branch about fifty yards away. Ian lines the deer up in the crosshairs.
“I bet you a bag of chips he misses,” Adam says to Mike. Mike nods as he leans on a tree, holding Fang’s chain.
Fang sits quietly and still.
Ian exhales deeply and then pulls the trigger. The deer looks over at the sound but doesn’t get out of the way in time. The bullet hits the deer in the neck, grounding it.
Ian looks surprised and stands up. He looks back to the guys and points. “You see that?” he says, laughing. Adam looks at Mike, who just shrugs back at him.
Brendon pats him on the shoulder. “Nice shot. Now the gross part.”
“Well, let’s get to it, then,” Ian says while putting his rifle strap around his arm.
They start walking to the deer. “You got him?” Ian asks Mike, who still has a good grip on the dog chain.
“Yeah, he likes me. I don’t know why you have a hard time with him,” Mike says, petting the dog on the head. Ian watches and shakes his head.
“So did you ask her out yet?” Adam asks Ian. “Gonna do it when I get back,” Ian says.
“He’s nervous,” Brendon says quietly to Adam.
“I heard that,” Ian says.
“I know,” Brendon says.
The deer has bled out by the time they walk over there. Its tongue is hanging out. The dog starts to smell the carcass. Mike gives the chain a tug, stopping him.
“Well, I’ll start then,” Brendon says, pulling out a knife.
“Good idea,” Ian says, trying to look away.
“No, pay attention. You’re doing the next one,” Brendon says, pointing the knife at Ian.
Brendon stabs into the deer’s chest and starts cutting down to the stomach.
This is why you do it, Ian thinks, looking on, disgusted.
“Now, the key is to get all the guts out,” Brendon says as he pulls out some entrails. The men cover their noses. The stench of blood and flesh fills the air. The cold air makes the heat from the inside of the deer visible.



About the Author:

Joe Reyes has never been afraid to go for what he wants in life. His goal is to be a full time published author and is taking all the steps necessary to make that dream a reality. He hates when he hears about people who give up on their dreams.

His writing style is fast paced. When he wrote his novel Aftermath, he wanted it to feel like a television show. Joe doesn’t like boring descriptions. He finds filler scenes to be a book killer and makes sure that every chapter has an immediate purpose or a purpose later on.


Twitter: @JoeReyesAuthor



Instagram: @JoeReyesAuthor






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