Rogue's Angels Present: Song of the Boricua by Olivia Castillo

Please welcome Olivia Castillo author of Song of the Boricua

Olivia Castillo will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Song of the Boricua

by Olivia Castillo

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GENRE:   Fiction

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INTERVIEW:

1. What or who inspired you to start writing?

The reason I wrote Song of the Boricua is I wanted to leave my children a history of their people. It is historical fiction, but a lot of the story was based on true events.

2. What elements are necessary components for this genre.

The elements that I feel fulfill the genre of historical fiction is bringing the past to life, basing your characters on people you know, having a dialogue that fits the time period, creating a theme for your book, and having conflicts.

3. How did you come up with your idea for your novel?

I wanted to write a book about my family that followed true life events, but I also wanted to embellish and create answers to questions that were never answered.

4. What expertise did you bring to your writing?

Having experienced many if not all the emotions and events that took place, I have a first hand experience.

5. What would you want your readers to know about you that might not be in your bio?

I want my viewers to know that I love to salsa dance and that salsa dancing was what helped me not only find myself, my roots, and my passions, but my now husband.

6. As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans?

I plan to continue to write for as long as I can. I am also following this book with two more.

7. If you could be one of the characters from this book, who would it be and why?

I would want to be Josephina because I love her optimism and joy of life.

8. Can you give us a sneak peek into this book?

“The cool, ocean breeze tickled Elena’s face as she cut the sugar cane with a small knife.”

9. Do you belong to a critique group? If so how does this help or hinder your writing?

No, I don’t.

10. When did you first decide to submit your work? Please tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step.

It took me four years to complete the book. I waited another two years after that to do anything. I wasn’t going to publish my book, but after attending a friend's book signing, listening and watching authors talk about their books, I was encouraged.

BLURB:

Puerto Rico an island of contradiction, serves as an enchanting backdrop following three generations of women.

Elena:  Resilient and ambitious, but trapped by duty to her children.

Maria:  Passionate and headstrong, but married to a man she does not love. Josephina: Optimistic and romantic, but in love with an alcoholic.

Isabella: Clairvoyant and spiritual, but denies her heritage and roots.

Like the land these women are held hostage, unfulfilled and unable to find their happiness. Each generation like the land is cursed. Can they defy the powerful bond of the curse and free themselves to find love everlasting?

New Author, Olivia Castillo, like the jibaros of the past weaves a tale of sorrow and joy. Castillos' fiction is timely, offering a glimpse into the islands rich history and offering insight into the story that has plagued women for all of time, the search for true love and acceptance of self.

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EXCERPT:

Elena

Bayamón, Puerto Rico, May 1937

During those late-night hours, the old fort was deserted, with the exception of a few amorous couples who embraced in dark corners, not caring if they were seen. From the top of El Morro, she would stare out in awe at the vast, black, beautiful sea, waves breaking along the rocks, stars bright above her.

The melody of the coquí kept her company and she promised herself and God that someday she would finish school. The spirit of her grandmother’s Taino ancestors filled her and she felt at peace, knowing that her grandmother was watching over her. One balmy night as she was coming back from one of these walks, she was startled by a low whistle behind her.

Regretting that she had ignored her mother’s warnings about being out so late, she swiftly removed her shoe to use as a weapon. She spun around to see who the culprit was and what she saw left her speechless.

An older, sophisticated man smiled at her, white teeth flashing in the dim Spanish streetlamp.

He was impeccably groomed, from his black brillian- tine hair and thin, polished mustache down to his shiny black patent-leather shoes. He was dressed in a white suit, with a white fedora cocked down over one eye.

She stood there, dumbfounded. Her experience with men had been limited to her father and a handful of childhood crushes. The man looked her up and down like a cat ready to eat a canary.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Olivia Castillo is a New York native. After going to the prestigious Fiorello H. Laguardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, she went on to study graphic design at Otis Parson's College in Los Angeles. Along with being an entrepreneur, she is the mother of three children, and grandmother of two. When not writing or spending time with her family, she travels the world and paints. Song of the Boricua is her first novel.

Author website and blog: www.oliviacastillo.org

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/songoftheboricua/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliviacauthor

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/oliviacauthor/

Buy on Amazon now:  https://amzn.to/2P63Wh9

The book will be on sale for $0.99.

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE:

Olivia Castillo will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f2842