Review From Here

Join Michael Estepa, author of the young adult crime fiction book, Purged By Darkness (Eloquent Books, June ‘09) , as he virtually tours the blogosphere in November and December on his first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion!

Michael self published and financed his book releasing it locally in 2004. For two years he went around talking to libraries, youth groups, his old high school and book clubs about his book, gangs, drugs, believing in yourself, the writing process etc. He even appeared in several local newspapers and on the local radio. “I enjoyed my talks with these kids and meeting new people because it allowed me to do my part in giving back to the community by helping and inspiring kids. I wrote Purged by Darkness as a vehicle to do just that and if my book is able to steer even just one youth away from the path I almost ventured into then I know everything I have been through is worth it!” said Michael.

While his book did find success locally with his old high school and a number of libraries purchasing his book, he felt there was so much more his book had to offer. So he sent his work to America and was fortunate in obtaining an American literary agency in 2006. “While they loved my work, my agent felt that my work needed to be worked on. At first, I was hesitant to change anything but then I realised, I can’t be stubborn as I only have one shot at the American reader to make an impression,” he said. After much time was spent rewriting, editing and searching for a publisher, Michael would be knocked back a total of 22 times over the course of two years by American publishers. “I definitely felt disheartened, I was even at a point where I wanted to give up and work on something else. The problem was, I believed in my manuscript too much to just give up. I honestly believed that my book would make a difference in the lives of young people or anyone for that matter,” said Michael. His patience and belief paid off as Michael finally got his break when his agent announced that they had a possible publisher interested in him. After liaising with the publisher, they offered him a contract. As of November, 2008 Michael’s manuscript Purged by Darkness will be officially published by Eloquent Books. His book won’t be released until later this year.

For more information on the book and author, please visit: www.MichaelEstepa.com

1) Can you give a brief description of your book?
Purged by Darkness is an action packed, coming-of-age story that revolves around the lives of six friends in the notorious criminal underworld of Melbourne, Australia.

The story is told through the eyes of Kai, the leader of his friends and the main character of the story as he comes face to face with drugs, bullets, and in most recent times a sense of morality. The group’s friendship endures as the six try to define their lives interweaved with their life of crime

In this strange existence, love and loyalty among the friends flourish because they can only depend on each other. But friendship is pushed beyond all normal limits, as danger waits at every turn.

2) Do you have a favorite character in your book and if so why?
Other than Kai (the main character of the story), my favorite character in my book, Purged by Darkness would have to be Mr. Wong who is the Dragon Head or leader of his Triad crime gang, which is referred to in the story as Wongshiu Society. Mr. Wong is my favourite character because he is trying to balance his traditional beliefs of the crime gang he created and led for more than 30 years with the modern age. When Mr. Wong first created his Triad society it was his loyalty for his members and their loyalty for him that kept his society together and virtually indestructible, however, as narcotics started to flood the underworld it was the lure of easy money that feeds the greed of his members (as well as his rivals) instead of their loyalty for each other. This becomes evident in the next generation of Triad gangsters coming through the ranks of his society and his rivals. Throughout the story the reader will ask itself if Mr. Wong’s age old traditions will be able to continue into the new millennium or will his beliefs become nothing more than outdated values?  

3) What do you like most in your writing?
What I like most about my writing, especially in what people have said to me is that my writing isn’t complex and it’s easy to read. I have read countless books where the author throws all these words at you and it takes forever just to figure out what the story is about. My writing reflects a lot on my philosophy in life, which is “keep it simple!” My writing style is straight to the point and the language I use is simple but descriptive. I have had teenagers who have never read a book in their life, pick up my book and instantly get hooked on it. I have work colleagues (I’m a nurse in Australia) who aren’t a big fan of reading pick up my book and are instantly drawn to it. I have friends who after reading my book tell me that it’s easy to write a book (only to quit after a week once they realise how much work is actually involved) all based on my style of writing. I am not saying that my writing is the best but that is just my style of writing and what I like most about it!

4) What do you feel sets this book apart from others in the same genre?
I know there have been countless books written on organised crime but according to my knowledge there is yet to be a book (not written in Asia) published fictitiously about Asian organised crime, in this case the Triads, set in Western Society that specifically targets the young adult audience. What sets my book, Purged by Darkness apart from the others in the same crime fiction genre is that not only is my book written about the consequences of youth being involved in organised crime but it is also details of how this group of friends come of age in the dangerous criminal underworld of the Triads, but it also explores the innermost thoughts of a gangster rather than just the brutality and violence that is their world. To top it off, young readers can relate to the story because the author was only 18 when he wrote the story!

5) You know the scenario – you’re stuck on an island.  What book would you bring with you and why?
That’s a tough one. I would say the Lord of the Rings Trilogy because their long and interesting, which depending on how long I am stuck on the island would hopefully be enough to sustain my attention from boredom (hahaha)!

6) If you could go back and change one day, what would it be?
There is one particular day, but it’s something I’d rather not talk about.

7) Are you a different person now than you were 5 years ago?  In what way/s?
I would like to think so (hahaha). There are a few people that I used to roll with who will tell you that I am a different person and that they don’t recognize the person I have become, which coming from them is a compliment!

I was told once that I have an old man’s soul trapped in my young body. Given all the negative things I have experienced in my young life, looking back, I do feel that those experiences forced me to mature faster than I would have liked. In my teenage years, I was often seen by my closest friends as someone who is quite mature for his age, however, I still believe that what has changed most about me in the last 5 years is my maturity and my outlook in life. There are a lot of things I know now that I wish I knew 5 years ago, but with life experience brings wisdom and happiness. Thanks to my girlfriend I am a lot more patient as well! 

What is the most important lesson you have learned from life so far?
That nothing and I mean nothing is ever set in stone. If you believe in yourself and you are willing to work your arse off to get it then nothing should ever stop you from reaching your dreams! My parents are living proof of that!

9) Is there anything you regret doing/not doing?
I am sort of torn between my answers for this question. On one side there is a regret, but on the other, I believe I would not be the confident (but not arrogant) down – to – earth person I am today had I not experienced that sense of loss, physical pain or mental anguish I did in my past. Everything happens for a reason and I truly believe that, and to live with regrets is not living at all!

10) What is your favorite past-time?
There are a couple favourite past-times. I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend, watching a good movie, grabbing a bite to eat with friends, working out at the gym or training in Krav Maga (Israeli Fighting System).

11) Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time out to interview me and I would also like to tell all the viewers out there that if you want a book that excites as well as thrills, has non – stop action, heartfelt moments, a clear message at the end of the story, enough romance to warm your heart and is reader friendly, then Purged by Darkness is the book for you! Regardless of your age or reading skill, you will not be disappointed! 

Feel free to check out my official website: www.MichaelEstepa.com for further information about me and my book.

Purged by Darkness revolves around six friends in Melbourne, Australia, and their journey inside the organised crime syndicate known as the Triads.

In the gang lifestyle, honor and absolute loyalty is demanded of all members, while fear, death and betrayal often follow. The group’s friendship endures as the six try to define their lives interwoven with their life of crime. In their world, no one ever wins and everyone involved finds it too difficult to ever get out. To them, the city represents violence and the countryside, peace.

In this strange existence, love and loyalty among the friends flourish because they can only depend on each other. But friendship is pushed beyond all normal limits, as danger waits at every turn.

What is it like to live in a world of death and violence? Is every moment cherished because it could be the last? Finally, what does it take to survive life in the mob?

Related posts:

1. “Purged by Darkness” by Michael Estepa Virtual Book Tour
2. Interview with Kathleen Crawley, author of “Colonel Trash Truck”
3. Interview with Carol Zelaya, author of “Emily Waits for Her Family”
4. Interview with Avi Perry, author of “72 Virgins”
5. Interview with Sheila Roberts, author of “Angel Lane”