Author of Shui Gui; A Water Ghost Novel
I came to the realization after journaling the stories of my adoption experience and writing some spiritual poems during my fight against breast cancer back in 2006. Although I have been writing since high school, I opted to follow a different career path that kept me in healthcare management most of my life. When I decided to become a full-time mother, I ventured into the author/publishing world.
Is being an Author all you dreamed of, or did it just happen?
I’ve dreamed of writing and expressing my feelings using my words, hoping others would enjoy my stories for as long as I can remember. When I opened the door to my dream, I realized that this is a much more complex, emotionally draining, humbling, and competitive business than I expected.
As an Indie author, I’ve had to learn so many facets of this business. Three years of work and hard lessons, I am still a newbie, preparing to embark on the next phase of my journey. If I had started in this business when I was younger, I don’t think that my ride would have been as bumpy or draining as it has been. But, as I tell my daughter, life is what it is and you have to make the best of it. And if you’re in for the long run just focus on what you want to do and get help on those things that you feel bog you down. The biggest plus is the amount of information and resources that are available and shared by top experts. To them, a big Thank you!
What was the very first thing you ever wrote?
In my junior year of high school, I entered the English Forensics club and wrote a few original pieces. During my senior year, I placed second in a national competition in Puerto Rico, where I was raised.
What was the inspiration for your book?
I am a big fan of the Paranormal and of the TV series, Ghost Whisperer. Curious about the topic of ghosts, I came across an article on the different Chinese ghosts that are part of Chinese folklore. That is how I came across the story of the Shui Gui. Shui Gui stands for ‘Water Ghost’ in Chinese and is believed to drown its victims to possess their souls. It took me several months to research New Age, Chinese culture and Chinese mythology, all topics that I included in many scenes of the novel.
The idea of Hunter Wells came from wanting to experiment with writing from a male perspective using first person narrator.
Once all the elements were together, I let my imagination run wild.
Who is Your literary hero?
If I can only name one, it would have to be Stephen King. I love his repertoire of books and how he builds suspense in each one of his stories. But what I admire the most about this author is his resilience and how, according to some of his interviews, he doesn’t let public opinion divert him or interfere with his creations.
How much of your characters are based on your traits or someone you know personally?
I can see parts of me in Hunter’s mother’s character, June. Her desperation as a mother to help her son and never giving up hope is an example. And Hunter Wells is like the son I wished I had.
Describe your main character in six words.
Young, old, immature, mature, adaptable, and fearless.
Describe the world you’ve created in six words.
Rural, oriental, spiritual, paranormal, traditional, and mythical
What scene was your favorite to write?
My favorite scene to write was the chapter where I introduced Dai Ling, the Shaman or Chinese Wu (Spirit Healer) who helped Hunter and his mother understand what had happened to him. Writing the details of his cleansing ceremony required intense moments of concentration.
What scene was the hardest for you to write?
The hardest scene to write was the day when Hunter’s father returned from his tour duty in Iraq. The physical altercation that ensued between Hunter, his mother, and his father was very difficult and emotional for me to flesh out.
What are you working on now?
In addition to focusing on the sequel for Shui Gui, I have started drafts for four fiction novels and an outline for a one non-fiction book on my concerns regarding the future of the health care system in the US.
Goals? Accomplishments? Improvements?
My goals are to be a good human being, raise my daughter, fulfill my life’s mission, and write as much as I can.
I feel my biggest accomplishments have been my education (no one can ever take that away from you), my healthcare experience, owning several businesses, and writing this novel.
Improvements are to continue working on my craft and learning how to better manage my time.
Are there any authors or books you recommend?
There are too many to list. As for unpublished authors who plan to publish soon, lookout for Audrey Rich and Cary Morton. Some relatively new YA/NA authors that have published either their first or several novels are Meg Collett, E.E. Holmes, Karina Espinosa, and Jenna Nelson.
One of my favorites, well-established authors is John J. Geddes. His paranormal stories and sultry words will give you goose bumps.
What's your favorite thing to do when you're not writing?
In addition to taking care of my daughter and family, of course I love reading and painting in acrylic and pastels. I also play the piano and do volunteer work for school and help elders.
