Interview with Herbel Santiago

Published 2016-10-25.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
If you look at me in my midi-skirt and flower embroidered clothes, you would never guess that I grow up in a tough neighborhood. I had memories of growing up in the countryside, playing in the ocean as well as causing our house to burn because I didn't know that matchsticks can cause fire. I also have memories of playing "patintero" in the streets of QC and of climbing rooftops (and falling from rooftops). I have two older brothers who, like me, never seemed to stay put. These stories, and the stories of the kids and people around me, are the kind of stories that I depict in my writing.

However, my characters hate to be melodramatic so I try to infuse humor in telling their stories. There are instances where I succeeded, and people smile, even for a while.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I'm a teacher and going to our school is a daily challenge because of the heavy traffic during the rush hour. In order to be on time, I forego the car and walk instead. Always, when I do this, I make it on time.

It is the same with my writing career. There are many cars or authors who want to go to a specific place. If I want to go somewhere else, I might as well walk. In this case, I might as well publish my books as an indie author.
Describe your desk
Cluttered. The kind that freaks out a clean and organized person.
What do your fans mean to you?
I call them "readers", intellectual and smart readers who have chosen one of my books to help them see another perspective in life. They're cool and awesome.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.

Books by This Author

Calmness: How to Create Calm Amidst Chaos
Price: $3.00 USD. Words: 8,190. Language: English. Published: November 28, 2023 . Categories: Nonfiction » Self-improvement » Emotional healing, Nonfiction » Inspiration » General self-help
Every day, I am choosing to refuse outside chaos to define me. Everyday, I hold on to my #calm, creating my own safe space. You can heal, too. Together, let’s create our own safe space.
Alona's Quest for the Golden Tree
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 30,540. Language: English. Published: November 27, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Action & Adventure / Survival Stories, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Adventure
When Alona learned about the Golden Tree, a magical tree that sprang form the buried egg of the Ibong Adarna and had the power to grant riches, she couldn't forget about it. The possibility of its existence tantalized her and her best friend, Ate Rachel. Yet, the forest was a dangerous place, especially for two lost little kids. Would they be successful in finding the elusive Golden Tree?