Interview with P. R. Garcia
Published 2016-07-25.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
Promoting on Facebook and giving away the first book for free.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in rural Michigan,, the youngest of three. I didn't have a lot of playmates, so I had to make up stuff. I guess that's where my imagination comes from. It was just me and my Heintz-57 dog. I'd make up stories about exploring strange, new lands.
Describe your desk
My desk is a portable table with a laptob computer on it along with a cup of coffee. I write usually sitting on the couch in my living room.
When did you first start writing?
I've always written. Short stories in grade school and poetry in high school and college. But it wasn't until I was 61 that I actually sat down and decided to write a novel.
What's the story behind your latest book?
In the first book, EUROPA Awakenings, we learn that two of the Oonock starships settled on Mars and were destroyed by JeffRa before he came to Earth. In Book 10, which has the tentative title of “The Secret of Mars”, one of Europa’s twin granddaughters, Mary, goes to Mars in search of the destroyed colony. In the middle of a freak Mars’ storm, Mary suddenly disappears and a frantic search begins. But no one, including Mary, is prepared for where she goes or what she finds.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
In all honesty, money. I did not have the finances to hire a publicist or storm printing houses. But I knew I had a story that had to be told, so I went the only way I could go.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Telling the Oonock story and bringing it to others to love. The characters have become very dear to me and I want others to enjoy them just as much as do..
What do your fans mean to you?
They're everything. THey make writing the books worthwhile. I love talking to them about the characters and the stories. Some have even given me ideas that I have incorporated into the books.
What are you working on next?
Currently, I don't see Mary's book going past the one. However, Swaybuk has realized that only a handful of Oonocks are still alive that made the original trip to Earth. He is writing their journey, telling about Atlantis and why they sunk the city. I still need to write his book. That may or may not be the last one in the Series. We'll just have to wait and see if I get inspired for another book. But if not, I have a few ideas for different stories.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
As I mentioned in my bio, I volunteer on the whale watching boats, for both the gray whale and blue whale seasons. I also spend time at the museum talking to guests about whales at the current exhibit "Whales: Giants of hte Deep". I also spend a lot of time on the computer doing research for the books, posting to various social sites such as Facebook. When not on the computer, I crochet and knit - I usually have several projects going at the same time.
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Books by This Author
The Secret of Mars
by P. R. Garcia
Space has many secrets that it hides well. Mars is no exception.
Mary Waters journeys to Mars to discover the site of the destroyed alien Oonock colony, only to disappear in a freak sandstorm. When her twin sister rushes to help find her, she too disappears. If either sister is to be found, their family must discover what the Company has unearthed and unravel the reall SECRET OF MARS
The Shadow of Apathy
by P. R. Garcia
An unbelievable bounty on his head, a new lethal ocean bacteria, a traitor amongst their ranks and the return of glowing red eyes greet Prince EJ as he returns to save the world.
The Light of the Blue Planet
by P. R. Garcia
Do the Fates decide our path in life? Prince EJ thinks so. He begins his quest to free humanity from their dependence on fossil fuels. He offers the world a small, piece of secret alien technology. But those that have built their multi-billion dollar empires on fossil fuel are determined to stop him – no matter the cost.
Europa: The Lilac Orb
by P. R. Garcia
For 10 million years, the Lilac Orbs have divided the worlds of the Horrturn and Oonocks. Their enemy has removed the Lilac Orbs so the Horrturn can destroy the Oonocks. Three are lost and one is on Earth, three hundred and sixty-five million miles away, with no way of retrieving it. Will JeffRa's vow to end the Oonock race finally come true?
The Dream of Atlantis
by P. R. Garcia
Can the sinking of the golden city of Atlantis thousands of years ago now save humanity and the planet Earth? Or will the greed of man prevent alien technology from saving the Earth's ecosystem from collapsing? If the human race cannot choose life over wealth, their end is here.
Europa The Horrturn Truth
by P. R. Garcia
An ancient horror has returned from the distant past. Only four lilac Orbs of the Ancients can restrain the invincible Horrturn and prevent the Oonocks’ slaughter. Three are lost and one is three hundred and sixty-five million miles away on Earth.
Europa: The New Monarchs
by P. R. Garcia
Europa thought she was ready to take her place as queen over the clans on the Home World. But the price she paid to save her people was more than she was willing to sacrifice. Unable to accept the loss of her father, she turns her anger against her mate and the Quanundocii begins to break. Will she become the queen she was meant to be or abdicate her right to rule?
Europa: Engagement
by P. R. Garcia
For almost seven thousand years, the Oonock and Terrian armies have fought one another. Now they prepare for one last battle, winner takes all. The Orbs have transformed Europa into the Oonock she was meant to be so she can save her people. But will she willing to pay the price that fate will demand?
Europa: Quanundocii (Book 2)
by P. R. Garcia
The Quanundocii – a love so pure, so strong, so real, that it can even defeat death. The only hope of defeating the Terrians that hunts them, is for Europa to join with a male Oonock in the Quanundocii. But she cannot do that as a human. The Orbs begin to transform her, putting her life in peril.
Europa Awakenings
by P. R. Garcia
(5.00 from 1 review)
When Europa's mother is killed, she discovers a secret - she was never meant to be born human. She must find the truth of who and what she is before her assassin finds her. Helping her survive are four companions: A protector, a male who has an unknown connection to her, her brother transformed as a dog and a mighty sperm whale.