Author Interview - Daniel Maldonado

This week's guest is Author Daniel Maldonado.

Daniel is an author of literary drama and is currently working on a legal thriller series.

I hope you enjoy learning a little more about Daniel and his writing.

About Writing/Books/Being an Author

1. Do you remember the first book you read that had an impact on you - in what way and what was the name of that book?

The first book that truly had an impact on me was Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. The sublime way that the main character struggles with his inner demons and eventually learns to forgive himself and fall in love inspired me to similarly address my own issues and those of the characters that I write about.

2. When did you first realize you wanted to write?

I started writing at an early age when I was waiting for school to start. It kept my mind busy and passed the time.

3. Where do your ideas come from?

My ideas come from real life struggles and character or an amalgamation of individuals. I like to write about things that all of us have to deal with in our lives.

4. I’ve often found that creative people have more than one talent, what is yours?

I’m an odd one in that my creativity is limited in the artistic realm, although some people enjoy my cooking which I try to mention in my books.

5. If you could jump inside a book for one day (as an observer) what book would it be?

If I could enjoy the wizarding world of Harry Potter for one day, I certainly would. Luckily, there is an amusement park but I presume it’s not the same as the real thing, magic and all.

6. How do you come up with titles for your books?

This has always been a struggle for me but in the end the titles come while I’m walking, daydreaming, or do something totalling different than thinking of a title.

7. What are you working on now and can you tell us about it?

I finished the fourth book in the Chambers Lane series which is a literary drama series centred on various spiritual struggles, disillusionment, family rivalries and quirky social interactions. Surprisingly, the fourth book, Butterflies Blue: An Interlude in San Juan, Puerto Rico is actually a romance novel surrounding the physical and emotional struggles of Layla Little. It takes place in various States including my native Puerto Rico. My next book series entitled The Daniel Mendoza Thriller series is focused on legal thrillers. I’m hoping to use my two decades worth of legal experience as a foundation for the series.

A Little More Personal

8. What is one thing you haven’t done but would like to do?

I love to travel and would like to see the Pyramids of Giza as well as Machu Picchu.

9. Can you tell us about an embarrassing/funny moment?

As a dare, I dressed up as a woman for Halloween and everyone thought I looked pretty. Of course, I didn’t.

10. Are you superstitious? Do you have any rituals for good luck?

Not at all. I may do things in a ritual way simply so that I don’t forget what stuff I need to do as I age. LOL

11. What is the strangest thing you have ever eaten?

I eat a variety of exotic meats including nutria, beaver, iguana, armadillo, and game meats. I typically cook them myself on my Traeger smoker.

12. Do you have a favourite vacation spot? Where?

Undeniably, my favorite spot is the Roman Forum. Being there is like walking into the past. I traveled there after taking the bar exam over twenty years ago. My plan is to go back to Rome for my 55th birthday in 2020.

13. Can you tell us about one of your favourite childhood memories?

My favorite childhood memory is seeing the King Tut exhibit at a Los Angeles museum. It inspired me to travel and do better in school.

14. What makes you happy?

I really enjoy eating exotic and ethnic foods and trying bizarre things that no one likes to eat.

15. Have you ever met anyone famous – who?

Living in Westwood when I attended UCLA, I met several famous/infamous people including Wilt Chamberlain, OJ Simpson, Bill Cosby, Dick Van Patten, Eddie Murphy, Lisa Whelchel, Ricky Schroeder, Magic Johnson, Loni Anderson (her daughter lived in the dorm room next to mine), Paul Michael Glasser (when his daughter was dying of AIDS at the UCLA hospital) and so many more countless stars. I even had class with former Cowboy quarterback Troy Aikman when he played football for the UCLA Bruins.

Daniel’s Links

Check out his Author Page: https://danielmaldonadoauthor.wordpress.com

Check out his Amazon Author Central page: https://www.amazon.com/Daniel-Maldonado/e/B004XW3DDM/

Like and Follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanielMaldonadoAuthorPage/

Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanielMalAuthor

Follow him on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14367577.Daniel_Maldonado

Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielmaldonadoauthor/

Follow him on Pinterest: https://pin.it/5rjxa4rrq35igh