GJ: Can you describe your journey to publishing your first novel?

AR: The journey to my first novel started all the way back at Junior High School when I started to write short stories. I always had a dream of writing a book as I played so many video games in my life. The fact that I grew up a lonely kid kind of helped, as I could stay in my room and daydream about my ideas. I’ll admit that when I got to High School, I kind of got lazy. I put my craft away and left it for quite a few years. Till this day I still regret doing that. Nevertheless, when I decided to move to Puerto Rico to chase a peaceful lifestyle, I decided to chase my dreams of writing a story.

At the age of 26, I finished my first sci-fi story, The Thousand Years War. While it was fun and people actually loved the book, my love was with zombie stories, especially Resident Evil. So September 2016, I finished my first zombie book, Angel’s Nightmare Adventure. Little did I know that it would be a series that would expand so greatly.

GJ: Do you write full time as your career?

AR: I’m semi-full time. I’m a freelance electrician. For now, I’m not giving that up. However, with the support of my parents, I’m slowly moving into writing full time.

GJ: Can you put your finger on why you have a zombie obsession, like so many?

AR: It all started with Resident Evil. My father got me Resident Evil 2 for the N64 and I got hooked into the storyline instantly. As I grew older, I went on to play the other Resident Evil games and grew into a diehard fan. I guess another thing was the number of nightmares I would have with the undead. Instead of fearing them though, I used them as fuel for my stories and imagination. I also enticed by post-apocalyptic stories. Call me crazy but I believe that a virus can be created that causes mutations to all of us. In layman’s terms, I believe in the zombie apocalypse.

GJ: What is the most rewarding part of the writing process for you?

AR: The most rewarding part of writing is when I get good reviews and people tell me that they really enjoyed my stories. Another rewarding part is when I send signed copies to my fans, it brings me much joy.

GJ: What is the weirdest question you have been asked by a fan?

AR: The weirdest question I received was, do you believe in the zombie apocalypse?

GJ: What is the most frequent question you have been asked?

AR: The most common question I receive is, Where do I get my ideas from?

GJ: What can we expect from you in 2019/20?

AR: I’m working on my serial series, The Fifth Survivor. I’ll be releasing a book monthly. I will be working on a side quest for the series where the MC will be in a nightmare where he’s surrounded by bacon zombies. You might get more, but I will decide as the year goes on.

GJ: What genre of books do you generally read and can you name a favourite in each, or at least a book that stood out for you?

AR: I generally read horror most of the time. My favourite author is Stephen King. I just love the way he writes. My favourite book from him is Four Past Midnight.

GJ: What has been the highlight of your writing career so far?

AR: That’s kind of a hard question to answer as it’s been a fun ride. I have to say the highlight has to be when my first zombie book, Angel’s Nightmare Adventure hit #1 bestseller on Amazon for Horror Short Stories.

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GJ: What advice would you give to new writers looking to writing to publish?

AR: My best advice for new writers is to enjoy what you write. Make sure you’re writing a book where you enjoy the content. People can tell when you’re bored with what you’re writing. They can tell when your passion isn’t in the book. Just write an enjoyable story. Also, make friends with fellow writers as well.

GJ: Finally I have to ask, how prepared are you for the zombie apocalypse?

AR: I would say I’m sort of prepared with canned food, a plan, and the ability to think on my feet. Now living on an island could screw me, but that is a story for a different day.

If you enjoy Angel’s books then you’ll enjoy In The End, an apocalyptic thriller that will leave you breathless.

GJ: Thank you Angel for taking the time to speak with me today. Angel’s zombie apocalypse series, The Fifth Survivor, is available to buy from Amazon now. You can keep up with Angel’s work via his Facebook page.