Interview with J. H. Bogran, bon vivant and international master spy.

Okay, he’s not an international master spy. At least, that’s what he says. But he IS an author, his most recent novel, Firefall, can be found on Amazon.

Without further ado:
1. Congratulations on the release of your new book, Firefall! What’s it about?

Why, thanks!

I gotta say, I’ve been called many things in my lifetime, some of them are rated R, but it’s the first time somebody qualifies me as “bon vivant.” Well, at least to my face. 🙂

The release of Firefall is exciting, but hard work. Here’s a brief description of what it’s about:

New York City firefighter, Sebastian Martin, seeks sanctuary in spiraling alcoholic oblivion following the loss of his wife and child in an air crash. Consumed by rage and resentment, directed against his brother and uncle, he takes a last-ditch job in Dallas, Texas, investigating insurance fraud. In his first assignment, Sebastian ends up strapped to a chair facing torture at the hands of a former KGB trainee who enjoys playing with fire on his victims to get answers.

As you can see, the flawed hero seeking redemption got in more than he had bargained for.

 
2. Tell us about your other titles.

My first novel, Treasure Hunt, was published in 2011. Then I have a couple of $0.99 short stories out there. And more recently, I published a collection of short stories titled A Dozen Shorts. The title is kind of a play on words as I work in garment manufacturing making, well, shorts.

3. How did you get started writing?

I began telling lies—excuse me, stories—for amusement. Loved entertaining. Then of course, I developed a slight stage fright and thought it’d be better if I wrote things down. The idea of becoming a novelist took final shape during the 90’s when I took my first tentative steps.

4. What’s your writing process?

I think, therefore I type. Yeah, wish it were that easy.

Since I write both novels and short stories, I have two different processes. For novels, once I settled with an idea, I write down a brief outline, then as more ideas pour in, the outline morphs into a rough chapter list. Then I write the book. Thus begins the love/hate relationship with the chapter list as I keep changing it as a result from the actual writing of the novel.

The process for short stories is simpler, although a bit similar. I don’t sit down and write until I know most of the details and the end of the story. Of course, while writing, a few things change, but in general, I need to know where I’m going.

I tried pantsing a couple of times. Those unfinished stories are still accumulating digital dust in the hard drive.

5. What are some of your Spanish language writings?

Editorial Letra Negra from Guatemala published my novel Heredero del Mal (Heir of Evil), about a grandson from Adolf Hitler. It is set in the year 2000, with all of that Millennium Bug scare playing in the background.

After that I concentrated on writing screen plays. Movies are becoming a budding art form in Honduras these days.

6. Everyone and his brother thinks “magical realism” whenever Spanish authors are mentioned. Does this drive you crazy?

Magical Realism? Never heard of it. Wait, my laptop just levitated a few inches from my desk so now I must type while standing.

It bothers me sometimes because I think we can produce so much more than just that. One of the reasons you’ll see initials in the cover of my works is because we didn’t want potential readers to think the stories were translated from Spanish.

Oh, don’t get me started about how the same dude and his brother ask me about the Soccer War when they learn I am from Honduras.

7. Tela or Roatan, and why?

Why do I have to choose? They both have a unique charm. Considering location and easier access, I’d stay with Tela as it is only a 45-50 minute drive. Roatan means jumping on a plane, or driving about two hours—actually driving by Tela—to reach the city port of La Ceiba, and then take a boat to finally arrive at Roatan. Is it worth the trouble? Yes, it is!

8. Name the three best Centroamerican beers.

Man, that’s a tough one, particularly because there are varied tastes that could appeal to all sorts of customers.

I’ll try to keep it simple: Port Royal from Honduras. Gallo from Guatemala, Victoria from Nicaragua (although Toñita is the most popular), and Pilsener from El Salvador.

I recently learned, and complained, that they are making Heineken in Costa Rica. I found that blasphemous. Worst of all, every time it gets harder to find original Holland-made Heiniken in the local markets! What’s up with that?

 
9. How have those crazy people at Rebel E treated you?

Pretty well, actually. Jayne Southern, the editor, is wonderful. My only complaint is that I had to stand in line while she worked on your book.

10. What are you working on now?

It’s a little mystery, no pun intended.

It deals with a serial killer prowling New Orleans. I’m currently working on the second draft. The original goal was to have it ready by now so I could register in NANOWRIMO and work on the next novel. Didn’t happen. Well, there’s always December.

Author Bio and links:

J. H. Bográn, born and raised in Honduras, is the son of a journalist. He ironically prefers to write fiction rather than fact. José’s genre of choice is thrillers, but he likes to throw in a twist of romance into the mix. His works include novels and short stories in both English and Spanish. He’s a member of the Short Fiction Writers Guild and the International Thriller Writers where he also serves as the Thriller Roundtable Coordinator and contributor editor their official e-zine The Big Thrill.

Website at: www.jhbogran.com

Facebook profile: www.facebook.com/jhbogran

Facebook author page: http://on.fb.me/ZJwEq0

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4307673.J_H_Bogran

Twitter: @JHBogran

Firefall buy links:

Rebel E Publishers: http://rebelepublishers.com/about/our-books/firefall/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Firefall-ebook/dp/B00F6VYDE2

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/355941