Alan Vazquez spends most of his time as an audio engineer for TV and Film. The other most of his time is spent making way too many Spotify playlists. Intrigued by the odd and the unique, he hopes to bring stories to the world that are based in reality, while also pulling away from it. He currently lives in Nashville with his partner and a furry beast.

Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?

It’s a historical fiction taking place in the winter of 1872. A ship on its way to Gibraltar discovers another ship sailing awkwardly towards it, and after calling out to the mystery ship, there is no response. Two sailors venture to board the strange ship, and one of the greatest sea tales was born from the events that followed… I wrote it out of pure fascination with the real story. I was down a rabbit hole of creepy mystery videos on YouTube, and that particular one really stuck with me. I felt like I had to turn it into something.

What else do you do, other than write?

I work as an audio engineer for post production in Film/TV/Games. I also love making Spotify playlists for upcoming movies & random moods, (I’m getting frighteningly good at it). I also work with the Nashville Film Festival each year, which is always fun.

What do you think makes a good story?

For me, it can be so many things. I look for well written characters and a unique location. I think we all, one way or another, strive for connection with each other. Stories that highlight the human experience tap into something we all know and experience, so thats why characters are important to me.

What makes you happiest?

Honestly, going to see a new movie at the movie theater.

If you could study any subject at university what would you pick?

Archaeology. My ideal profession would be being Indiana Jones.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

I have a fascination with Sweden right now. Either there or Norway. I’d love to live somewhere with heavy mythological roots/background.

How do you work through self-doubts and fear?

Just push it deep down. No just kidding, I try and think of those feelings as momentary and fleeting. I let myself feel them but remind myself they will fade. And in thinking that, they actually do.

Why do you write?

To me, its a form of release and expression that differs from other mediums. There is something therapeutic about it. It feels like putting a puzzle together, but with words that become a unique whole.

Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?

I grew up in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. I live in Nashville now. Interestingly enough, I hate the heat and crave cold weather. Although it did hale once in my backyard in Florida.

What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing?

I’d say, starting from most to least difficult its: Marketing, Writing, Publishing.

Is your family supportive?

Do your friends support you? Both are huge supporters. It’s honestly integral to having the confidence to make something and share it. I probably wouldn’t have, had I not felt so much enthusiasm from friends and family. I’m very thankful for that.

If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask?

I’d love to talk with Alex Garland. He’s written and directed some of my favorite movies/shows, (Ex Machina, Annihilation, Devs).

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?

I just hope it gives them an enjoyable break from reality. In terms of my new story, I hope they felt like they were transported to a brigantine ship, sailing the seas in 1872.

Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?

I’d say focus on trusting yourself. Write what you enjoy, odds are, others are looking for exactly that.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I want all my characters to feel like real people. Down to their thoughts, reactions, actions. I prefer to base everything in reality from a human behavior standpoint, and then play with that reality. Maybe that’s a style. Not sure.

What are obstacles that come in the way of writing?

For me, its getting caught up with what a story is supposed to become, rather than what its organically becoming. It goes back to trusting yourself I think. With my latest story, I had to remind myself to enjoy the process and be open to where it was taking me. Not to worry too much about what I thought it was supposed to be early on.

Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?

Just a big ol’ thank you! I really hope the story made you wonder and you enjoyed reading. There are so many tales to hear and experience in the world, so thank you for taking time to hear one of mine. I hope we all continue searching for new ones.