Books, Blogs, Authors and More discussion

This month's read-in is Halls of Ivy, by Roland Nunez. I'm sure you'd like to know more about the person behind the book - and so here you have it!


What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
That I used to be a TV weatherman in parts of Florida, Maine, and Canada.

You’ve found a time machine on your driveway this morning – where are you going to go in it?
1950s, I’ve always been curious to see that era for myself.

What is the one book you think everyone should read?
The Giver, pretty easy reading, and was the first book I read that encouraged me to question conformity and the status quo.

How do you react to a bad review?
Initially, it stings a little if accompanied by a poor rating, but I appreciate the content of the review and incorporate the feedback into my future writing.

Which authors have influence you most, and how?
I’d say Max Brooks influenced my writing style a lot. He has a way of telling one major story from the points of view of several minor characters, giving you the impression that you are in a living, breathing world that isn’t all centered around the protagonist.

If you could have any superpower, what would you choose?
I’d find really valuable and practical the ability to speak any language.

One food you would never eat?
Onions, I just never liked them.

Your most unusual or random habit?
I love to juggle. I don’t know why, but I’m fairly competent at it and will randomly do it when I have three similarly-sized objects lying around.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
This book begins a series that chronicles the ultimate downfall of a corrupt university through a chain of events triggered by a curious doctoral student.

What are you working on at the moment – do you have any other books in the works?
Just finished Book #2 in the Halls of Ivy series. Taking a break before starting Book #3. Thinking of writing a how-to book called “Faith in College” in the meantime.

What inspired you to want to become a writer?
My third grade teacher pushed us all to write stories as often as we could. Her words just stuck to me and I discovered that I love writing.

What has been your most rewarding experience since being published?
Since this book is based on real research and gives a realistic view on college life, the most rewarding moments for me are high school readers who feel they have a better understanding of college life after reading my book. There have been a few that have gone out of their way to reach me and let me know it has helped them.

If your book was to made into a film, who would be your dream cast ?
I’d say as far as looks go, Zooey Deschanel looks the part of Cheyenne Winters the best. Another good option that could pull off her personality well is Taylor Schilling (Orange is the New Black), though she would need to dye her hair black and get bangs.

What was your favorite book when you were younger?
The Giver.

Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book?
A song I think fits really well with the theme of the series is “Home” by Phillip Phillips, since the series is about a group of students who are trying to make the university their new home.

This song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoRknt...


When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?
I wanted to be 3 things: a pilot, a writer, and an actor. I did manage to become a pilot (I have a pilot’s license), I am currently a writer, and while not an actor, I did get to work on live TV as a weatherman.

Can you see yourself in any of your characters?
The interesting thing about this book is that each character was originally created off of a specific character trait I have. You can say I see myself in all the characters. Though you’ll find that the character of Steven Garcia bears a striking resemblance to me. ;)