Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Austin Valenzuela and I grew up in Rosemount, Minnesota. I wrote my first book for English class when I was in sixth grade. After that, I picked up writing again after dropping out of college at 19. Since then, I’ve written a novel and fast amounts of short stories. Most first published piece, however, is Unholy!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
As mentioned above, my latest (and first) published piece is Unholy. The book was inspired by a scene that actually occurs in the book, at the cathedral. Originally, the book was only 30 pages but after submitting it to my writing group and editing it about a thousand times, it came to be the story it is today. In the scene that inspired me, there is a lot of imagery and symbolism that exists in a more mature version in the book today.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to keep my writing desk dirty and write in the complete dark early in the morning. This is my most creative time.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced by almost everything I’m exposed to. I’m a strong believer that you can learn from everyone. That being said, I’m highly influenced by podcast, specifically Jordan Peterson, and music, specifically Jon Bellion and other Hip-hop artists. If you pay attention closely, you’ll find loads of rap references in my work. Quite weird for a YA Fantasy, am I right?
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on something that is cyberpunk/science-fiction. It’s a bit abstract, but the story focuses on the singularity or joining of humans and artificial intelligence.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media and Pretty Hot!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. No matter how hard it gets, no matter how bad you think your book is, KEEP WRITING. A bad first draft is easier to work with than a blank page.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Short cuts make long delays. Writing is easy, you just sit down and bleed. Read far and wide.
What are you reading now?
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (because of the current work in progress).
What’s next for you as a writer?
Write the next story better than the last.
What is your favorite book of all time?
The Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling, or the Dark Tower series by Stephen King.
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