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Former Sabinal resident writes science fiction novel


Lane Riggs

Staff Writer

It’s the end of the world – at least in Joshua DeLeon’s first science fiction novel “Destiny, and the Red Orb,” available now through Amazon.

Rustic Charm in Sabinal will host a book signing for DeLeon on Saturday at 1 p.m. to show the community his novel. Though he has taken to working on projects within the last few years and most recently published this book, with a second in the works, he said he has always enjoyed writing.

DeLeon, who lives in Hondo but is from Sabinal, said he realized he liked writing during his childhood, specifically in the third grade, when he finished the “Goosebumps” series by R.L. Stein at the local library. Once he had finished the available books, he set out to write his own stories.

“I wanted more stories, so I started coming up with my own. I would use the family’s computer and write short stories,” he said. “I at first only showed them to my siblings. That’s when I first started to really write.”

Since then, DeLeon has continued to write, and his stories have gotten progressively longer.

“The novel that’s out right now is 380 pages. I feel like it’s an easy novel to read, though,” he said. “It took a little over a year to write.”

After he had finished writing, DeLeon had to edit the novel and come up with a cover design. The entire process took over a year.

The writing process didn’t take long, however, because DeLeon said he is consistent with his writing.

“Every now and then I would find I was taking a long break and hadn’t focused on my writing in a while,” DeLeon said. “But I always knew when I had to work. I try to maintain that balance, I try to take breaks and focus when I have to.”

DeLeon said his style has changed throughout his writing career, but science fiction – the theme of his series – is his primary genre.

“Science fiction has always really interested me. There were tons of shows and memories from my childhood that have influenced me,” he said. “I like science fiction, it’s a lot of fun.”

DeLeon said most people are interested in his novel because he has published them himself.

“When people find out I have a book, they always think it’s fascinating. The few that have read it, seem to really like it, too,” he said. “I’ve had lots of positive feedback. It feels nice when they tell me they like it, because I’ve worked very hard to publish my own books.”

DeLeon published the book through Amazon, who companies with CreateSpace, a self-publishing business. Essentially, DeLeon designed everything himself and Amazon distributes copies. All three partners – Amazon, CreateSpace and DeLeon – will get a percentage of book sales. He will publish the second book through Amazon as well.

“They make a copy every time a book is ordered,” he said. The Kindle version of the book is available for 99 cents, while the paperback is priced at $13.99 directly from Amazon.

DeLeon owns 23 copies that he will take with him to the book signing.

“I’m not sure how many people were going to show up, but I went with my gut and ordered 23 copies,” he said. “It’s a small town, so I think it’s a good amount.”

DeLeon said he has also heard many people tell him they like to write as well.

“People say they like to write but that they can’t finish the story or book they’re working on,” he said. “I tell them to plan it out. When I have an idea, I create an outline and look at what needs to be done in each chapter.”

Similarly, DeLeon said staying motivated is another important factor.

“You have to make sure you’re consistent. You have to make sure you’re enjoying it, too,” DeLeon said. “Staying motivated is the most effective way to finish a story.”

DeLeon is hoping to work on the last part of the series. He also hopes to work on another series in the future.

“I want to do another series later. I’d love to do more,” he said. “I’m really happy with my writing and how I’m expressing myself. I want to continue doing that with another series and more projects.”

But for now, his focus is on finishing up the current series. He said the second book in the series will be out in a few months.

“I have worked so long on this series. I have put so many hours into this project,” DeLeon said. “I’m excited that everyone finally gets to read it and hopefully, enjoy it.”

DeLeon, the son of Lupita and Lupe DeLeon of Sabinal, graduated from Hondo High School in 2014 and attended the University of Houston-Victoria, where he was pursuing a degree in creative writing. He then took a year off to write but hopes to go back to college in the fall.

 

 

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