Author Interview: Angel Ramon

Special this week as we are celebrating two releases. Now, I could say more about my book, but no, we are focusing on an amazing writer who has brought some alcohol to his release. Now, this is a man who knows how to bring some punch to the party. That’s right, I’m talking about none other than Angel Ramon as we get ready for his Frogs and Margaritas IV book, the end of the series.

So, Mr. Ramon. why don’t we start with telling us a little about yourself?

Ramon: I’m a indie horror author from the small but awesome island of Puerto Rico. I’ve been writing since I was in Junior High. However, I got writing professionally since 2017 and never looked back.

Puerto Rico, wow! That is interesting, and as I’m currently reading one of your books set this, I find it fascinated. It definitely has me wanting to visit there some day, though maybe when there are not giant toads eating everyone.

So, what inspired you to start writing?

Ramon: I started writing Resident Evil fan fiction back in Junior High School. I was a huge reader and loved video games as well. Storytelling was always something I enjoyed doing. Creating fictional and fun worlds was always something that tickled me.

You got pulled into the writing addiction, eh?

So just how many books have you released?

Ramon: I have published 39 books. 29 under my horror pen name of Angel Ramon and 10 under another pen name that I have for historical fiction. If interested in my historical fiction, the pen name is Angelus Maximus.

You really have caught the addiction. 39! Wow. That’s impressive. So, do you self-publish? Is that your preference?

Ramon: I do it all myself and hire out cover design along with editing. While I would like to have a publisher, I enjoy having complete control of marketing and release dates.

Makes sense, and I can definitely relate. Do you have a favorite?

That’s the one I’m currently reading. I see it’s in the top 32 for the BOH Indie Brawl. I’m enjoying it and wish you luck.

So, you obviously love horror, who are some of your favorite authors?

Ramon: Stephen King, my first horror book, The Langoliers, was written by him. And yes, I did see the mini-series.

Solid choice. There is a reason why he is so popular. I’m sure he’s inspired most the current generation of authors, myself included.

So, that said, what one book would you say is your favorite of all time? What is your go to?

Ramon: Another tough question as I’ve read so many of them. However, my absolute favorite would be Misery by Stephen King.

Interesting. Trying not to ask if you’ve gotten to that one part then in Bookmail. I think you’ll appreciate the homage… Nope… Not going to ask…

Would you say that is your biggest influence in your writing?

Ramon: Stephen King was a huge influence on me for sure growing up and starting my writing journey. I also want to credit R.L. Stine and his Goosebumps series

So, let’s talk a little about your writing. You have published thirty-nine books. Do you find that you prefer to write longer or shorter fiction?

Ramon: Longer for sure. It allows me to character and world build more freely. I enjoy creating large universes, blame my days of playing large scale video games when I was younger. I will say kudos to those who can write great short fiction. It is an art form for sure that I wish I could master myself.

Now, as you are crafting these stories, as you write do you plan it, or are you a panster? (Now, for those of you that are not familiar, when it comes to writing you are usually either a panster, Planner, or a hybrid of the two. A pantser is normally someone who rights without anything other than a vague plan of where the story is going to go. A planner on the other hand, outlines the story before they begin writing.)

Ramon: I’m a hybrid of both. However, I am more of a pantser. I start off with a rough outline just to make sure I have some ‘guardrails’ for the series I’m writing. I have a general idea of how the series is gonna go on a marco scale. For all the finer details and action scenes, I just write them as I go. That’s because I get inspired by something I see and I want to add it to the story or I see something that might not work too well and end up changing it. I don’t want to ‘box’ myself in with a rigid outline as it would kill my joy of writing the story/series.

As you are writing, is there a point when you know, this is it, the book is done?

Ramon: I usually have a set word count of where I want the book to be. As long as the ending is satisfactory and doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, it’s good enough for me. Usually, I like for most of the loose ends to be ‘tied’ unless it’s the first book of a series.

So, how do you come up with your characters?

Ramon: A few of them are based on people that I know. For the most part, I just let them develop their own personality as I write and adjust as I go.

Do you prefer your characters to be likeable?

Ramon: I do. I want the reader to enjoy the journey as the characters. Since my books tend to be more action/adventure, I want the reader to see that the characters are at least likeable. For me, it adds to the experience of all the vibrant locations I tend to write in. In my opinion, an unlikable character can destroy a good story, unless it’s done correctly. Again, this is only my opinion, (hehe). I want my characters to have a heroic motif to them as it fits my real-life self as a person who is resilient.

Would you ever write in any other genre?

Ramon: I write horror and historical fiction/fantasy. The only other genre I would write in is thrillers, specially spy thrillers.

So Frogs and Margaritas IV comes out this Tuesday. Do you have any other upcoming releases you want to talk about?

Ramon: Yes, Frogs and Margaritas 4 will be releasing on May 20th, 2025! It’s the final book of the Frogs and Margaritas series that has been successful. However, don’t feel bad because I do have more frogs in store. I’m currently working on a spinoff to the Frogs and Margaritas series that takes place six years after the original series. I’m excited to get that out to the world. I’m currently working on the first book, which is Frogs and Margaritas: 50 Proof and it’s due to release before Halloween.

Nothing like a spooky story just in time for Halloween! I need to get two through four red by then. Now where can people find you?

Ramon: They can find me on Amazon, check out all my books here: https://www.amazon.com/author/angelramonauthor

On Facebook, they can send me a friend request or follow me on my personal FB profile: https://www.facebook.com/angel.medina.129

I have a newsletter where they can sign up for (I promise not to spam): https://mailchi.mp/a6c47f92ebdf/jointhedarklegion

Finally, I have a Patreon for those who want to read my new work well before the general public: https://www.patreon.com/c/AngelRamonHorror

Thank you, Angel, for taking the time with me, and for everyone out there, make sure to check out Angel’s latest book, Frog and Margarita’s IV, out tomorrow.

Stay spooky everyone!