Q: What was the first book that you have written and published?
When America Fell Silent was published in August of 2019. It follows the story of a tyrannical First Daughter who overthrows the government after the assassination of her parents on Inauguration Day, and the martial law that ensues.
Q: When did you get started as a writer?
I’ve written 10-30 second radio copy for nineteen years. It wasn’t until 2019 that I dabbled into the fiction world, which started as a dare from my daughters.
Q: How did your career as a longtime radio personality of the daytime show on the world famous KRBE in Houston help inspire you with your book?
They Canceled the DJ was inspired by actual events. Namely, one of my DJ friends who met a woman backstage at a music festival. He thought they hit it off, but she ended up ditching him for some dude from a band. Last I heard, the two ended up getting married (ouch). I took that story and blew it into a worst case scenario, while lampooning corporate radio and rabid fandoms.
Q: Did you always see your self as a writer?
As a writer, yes. As an author, no. It’s hard to believe that since March of 2019, I’ve got two published books, one manuscript and another in the works. Flexing the creative muscle is both challenging AND rewarding!
Q: How many more books do you have planned?
As I mentioned in the previous question, one manuscript is done—it was completed during the 2020 lockdown. And I’m working on another.
Q: What three words would you use to describe your writing style?
Do. The. Work.
Q: Tell us, readers about your main character, Aubrey Cortes.
Equal parts likable, sociopathic, gullible and charming.
Q: What advice would you give to fellow dark comedy writers?
Write as if nobody will get offended. Write all the bad words you think might make your parents angry. Then go a step further and make things worse. Dark comedy means you have to go to dark places, so make your characters’ lives miserable. A good developmental editor will help you work through your manuscript, so don’t be afraid of hurting people’s feelings during that first pass. Great work is not meant to please everyone.
Q: What themes can readers find in your latest release, They Canceled the DJ?
The dangers of revenge and depths some people are willing to go to in order to achieve it.
Q: Where can readers find you and your books online?
Author website: www.thefreddycruz.com
Instagram: @thefreddycruz
Twitter: @radiofreddycruz
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