Ask the Author: Roger Mendoza
Answered Questions (8)
Roger Mendoza
I use to have nightmares and then mysterious vivid memories about riding in a stagecoach on a bumpy road. These experiences were really strange and unnerving. I finally gave in to them in order to understand them. When I finally surrendered to the memory, a story of a man that lived in the mid 1800's came to me. It was really strange. The whole story came to me in two parts. I wrote the whole story in my first book: "My Little Cowboy: My Reincarnation Story" Once I wrote the book, the nightmares and waking dreams ended. I believe in reincarnation as the only valid explanation for this mystery.
Roger Mendoza
Yes. Book No. 3 of the E. B. Roberts Chronicles is called "The Widow: Darkness Finds the Light" I'm working on that right now. Book No. 4 depends on what happens to Elizabeth in "The Widow"
Roger Mendoza
The idea for Loaded for Justice, actually the entire Dark Sheriff series, came from a book I wrote a while back called "My Little Cowboy." It was a past-life regression story, and some of the characters in that book really resonated with me. I felt they had more potential than I explored in "My Little Cowboy."
So, I decided to give them a new life in a historical Western setting. Loaded for Justice is the first book in the series, and it brings those characters to life in a way I just couldn't do before. In fact, I even went back and reimagined a few other stories I had written – "Alexander's Journey," "Broken Widow," and "The Sheriff" – and folded them into the Dark Sheriff series. I never felt I truly did justice to the characters in those earlier books, and this series gave me a chance to fix that. I'm really excited to see how readers respond to this new take on these characters and this world.
So, I decided to give them a new life in a historical Western setting. Loaded for Justice is the first book in the series, and it brings those characters to life in a way I just couldn't do before. In fact, I even went back and reimagined a few other stories I had written – "Alexander's Journey," "Broken Widow," and "The Sheriff" – and folded them into the Dark Sheriff series. I never felt I truly did justice to the characters in those earlier books, and this series gave me a chance to fix that. I'm really excited to see how readers respond to this new take on these characters and this world.
Roger Mendoza
When I get excited about a character or a topic, I can hardly wait to write it down. Sometimes, I'm not inspired and I just start working on one of my books. After a while I'm really getting into the book.
Roger Mendoza
Currently (2024), I'm working on a new series: "Dark Sheriff" series. The first book's publication date is June 26, 2024. Here is the synopsis:
Set in the 1850s, Loaded for Justice is a tale of former outlaws, lawmen, and families entangled in a complex web of betrayal, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of justice in a volatile Western backdrop. The narrative delves into the dichotomy of loyalty and duty, the profound impact of past actions on present relationships, and the constant struggle for peace amidst the ever-present threat of violence.
Unlike the damsels in distress that clutter history books, Martha refused to be confined by society's expectations. She possessed a sharp mind, a fierce spirit, and a surprising talent with a six-shooter – a rare combination for a woman in her time. Fueled by ambition and a thirst for knowledge, Martha yearned to carve her own path in a world designed to keep women on the sidelines. However, societal constraints weren't her only hurdles.
After a decade of forced respectability, Randall Pruitt craved the adrenaline rush of robbing stagecoaches. The thrill of the chase, the roar of the shootout, the easy pickings – it all called to him. But his glory days were a fading memory. His once-loyal gang had scattered, leaving Randall a solitary shadow of his former self. Resourceful as ever, he began piecing together a new crew, his resolve fueled by a twisted sense of obligation. "Family takes care of family," he'd mutter. This mantra rang hollow considering his strained relationships with his brother Joseph, nephew Thomas, and Alexander, the son of his deceased best friend.
Set in the 1850s, Loaded for Justice is a tale of former outlaws, lawmen, and families entangled in a complex web of betrayal, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of justice in a volatile Western backdrop. The narrative delves into the dichotomy of loyalty and duty, the profound impact of past actions on present relationships, and the constant struggle for peace amidst the ever-present threat of violence.
Unlike the damsels in distress that clutter history books, Martha refused to be confined by society's expectations. She possessed a sharp mind, a fierce spirit, and a surprising talent with a six-shooter – a rare combination for a woman in her time. Fueled by ambition and a thirst for knowledge, Martha yearned to carve her own path in a world designed to keep women on the sidelines. However, societal constraints weren't her only hurdles.
After a decade of forced respectability, Randall Pruitt craved the adrenaline rush of robbing stagecoaches. The thrill of the chase, the roar of the shootout, the easy pickings – it all called to him. But his glory days were a fading memory. His once-loyal gang had scattered, leaving Randall a solitary shadow of his former self. Resourceful as ever, he began piecing together a new crew, his resolve fueled by a twisted sense of obligation. "Family takes care of family," he'd mutter. This mantra rang hollow considering his strained relationships with his brother Joseph, nephew Thomas, and Alexander, the son of his deceased best friend.
Roger Mendoza
Write. Write. Write. And, keep writing. Don't worry about it being good or bad. I also believe it's important to keep writing till you get to the end, no matter what. I finally took my own advice with my first book "My Little Cowboy" It felt good really good to get to the end. Although, the next step was major editing - painful, but necessary. I learned so much from writing that book. Also, for my second and third book I used the outline process and found it much easier to keep my ideas cohesive and sensible. My first book was a little unusual in that it kind of came to me in two big chunks (as if they were actual memories). I still had to commit them to paper in an interesting and sensible sort of way.And, I still used a rough outline to keep the sequence of events correct. Lastly, don't give up!
Roger Mendoza
I'm able to imagine and feel like I'm in a "universe" where I can create the best possible world [that I can imagine]. I love writing. It feels like a very powerful creative outlet.
Roger Mendoza
I work on something else or do some chores around the house (there are many). Once I complete that distraction, then I feel a little sense of accomplishment. I feel like I've moved forward. Feeling good about accomplishing something I move back to my book and I am able to approach that book from a better feeling place. I like to be always moving forward on something.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more