Author Spotlight: Charlene Zapata

The Author Spotlight is shinning on new author, Charlene Zapata in today's Jazzy World of E's Bookshelf spotlight series. Zapata released her first novel, Sublime Wreckage, in July and is currently working on the follow up Sublime Resistance, which is due out in December. Zapata's novel tells the story of Maggie Wilson, a girl who experiences a tragedy as a child and still deals with the tragedy today.   Zapata talks about the inspiration behind the story in my interview with her below. It's my pleasure to present today's Author Spotlight, Charlene Zapata.

Charlene Zapata's Biography

I currently live in Texas with my husband and two beautiful children. I graduated from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio with a degree in Social Work.

Although I was mostly raised in Ohio, I am a Texan at heart and glad to be back home.

Sublime Wreckage is my debut novel and will be followed by Sublime Resistance in December 2014.  

An Interview with Charlene Zapata

You just released your debut novel, Sublime Wreckage this July, how do you feel about the reception that book have received so far?

I have been thrilled with the reception my book has received. People are genuinely surprised by not only the quality of writing but by the story and how much they connect with it.

Sublime Wreckage, follows Maggie Wilson, a character who has dealt with tragedy as a child and is still dealing with the effects of that years later, what was the inspiration for this story?
The inspiration for this book came from my own life experiences. It is a work of fiction but there are some parts that are closely linked with myself. However, as the story grew, so did the characters. They became their own people and I fell in love with them.

Are the main characters Maggie and Vincent Moreno inspired by people you know?

As I said before, Maggie is similar in some ways to my own personality but took on her own persona as the book went on. Vincent is just a good guy and I guess you could say he reminds me some of my husband but I did not write him with that intention. He is what Maggie needed in her life.

Was writing something you’ve always done or was it something that you started recently?

I have always loved English and did well in my classes in high school and college. I always knew I wanted to write a book someday but I wasn't sure about what or how to do it. I used to write short stories and poems when I was younger.

What has been your favorite part of writing Sublime Wreckage?

My favorite part of writing Sublime Wreckage was the actual writing part! I found my passion in life and want to make this my career. It did surprise me to find that I need complete silence when writing because I can read with all kinds of background noise. I loved that the characters took on a life of their own outside of what I thought was going to happen. It amazed me how easy their voices came through and onto the computer screen.

You’re currently working on the follow up to Sublime Wreckage, What can you tell us about Sublime Resistance?

I think you are going to love Sublime Resistance. There will be some closure for some relationships and something that no one will expect.

What are some of your favorite books?

I am a fan first and foremost. I absolutely loved Hopeless by Colleen Hoover, The Breathing Series by Rebecca Donovan, and Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire just to name a few.

How do you like to spend your free time when you’re not writing?

I spend most of my free time with my two beautiful children. My daughter who is 7 and my rambunctious 4 year old boy.

In 10 words or less tell readers why they should read your books?

You should read my book because it's real. It deals with real life, real situations.

Is there anything else you would like to say to your fans and/or readers new to you?

Take a chance on a new author. If you are unsure about my book, check out the reviews. I promise you will not be disappointed. I am also very open to answering questions and chatting with fans! 

Books by Charlene Zapata 

Sublime Wreckage

Synopsis

After suffering a tragic accident as a child, Maggie Wilson has tried her whole life to regain the happiness she lost. She has been in survival mode ever since, dealing with a mentally unstable parent, having no one to turn to for help. Her desire to escape to a better future fuels her motivation and keeps her focused on what really matters, breaking free of the hell she lives in.

Things at home are complicated and it’s easier to push people away than allow them to get too close. She doesn't let anyone into her life except her best friend Amanda. Maggie has perfected keeping secrets, maintaining her GPA and staying out of relationships. All her energy is put into her school work so that when she graduates she can leave for college and forget her past.

All of that changes when she meets Vincent Moreno. His reputation precedes him but she quickly discovers there is so much more to him than what you see on the surface. He manages to wiggle his way into her life despite her efforts to keep him at a distance. As Maggie starts to open up she realizes how much she needs someone like Vince in her life. They form a connection like no other and it has her reconsidering everything.

Click Here to buy Sublime Wreckage

Stay Up-to-Date with Charlene Zapata

https://www.facebook.com/charlenezapataauthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8378109.Charlene_Zapata