The Xlibris Blog is proud to feature one of our acclaimed self-published authors Evelia Cobos. Acquiring her father’s gift of writing, this Xlibris writer was born with a pen in her hand, and she has definitely put it to good use in her memoir One of Us. The book was published by the leading Indiana-based independent publishing company Xlibris in May 2012. Today we give you a glimpse of this promising author who shared her writing and self-publishing experiences, inspirations, and insights.
Reared in a writing-conducive home
As early as high school, Evelia Cobos has shown a strong interest in literature and creative writing as influenced by her late father Dr. Ruben Cobos, a polyglot, folklorist, and an award-winning writer in New Mexico, US.
“In High School and College I was exempt from English courses because I passed a test. I took Honor Studies which introduced me in depth to the classic authors: Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy, Hemingway, etc. Along with learning the thematic content of fine literature, we were educated in depth in techniques of creative writing. Aside from my formal training, my main influence was my Dad who was a Professor—a linguist—who was fluent in seven languages. Dad taught me to read prolifically from the time he read to me, throughout my lifetime of reading. Dad, being a professional writer, guided me as I wrote for Literary Magazines. My degree: BFA in Music from the University of New Mexico broadened my World to being introduced to the Fine Arts.”
Her memoirs
Because her father was a prominent and influential figure in her life, Evelia has penned her first memoir They That Laugh Win –To Dr. Ruben Cobos with Love in memory of her father. Published in 2010, the book became one of the finalists in the 2010 New Mexico Book Awards.
In May 2012, Evelia chose to self-publish her second memoir One of Us with Xlibris.
“One of Us is written in the style of fiction. It is a romance novel about an American girl who marries into a family of East Indian Moslem immigrants from the Fijian Islands. As she tries to adapt to their culture, her husband leads her in a quest which develops the novel into a suspenseful thriller.”
Inspiration behind Xlibris book ‘One of Us’
“9/11 inspired me to write One of Us. The irrational hatred and prejudice against all Moslems compelled me to write the story to portray peaceful and patriotic Moslems living in America. The project took me three years.”
A Message of unity
With the inspirational message One of Us wishes to impart to readers, the Xlibris book has the potential to achieve the same success as her first memoir.
“We are ONE on this planet. Differences in color, religion, philosophies, customs, and rituals are not differences that divide us from one another. In One of Us, I show that we all the same in the universal desires: love of family; preservation of the individual; worship of God.”
Her Words to Aspiring Writers
“Never give up.”
A Satisfied Xlibris Client
“I appreciated my agent, Toni Sales, who went out of her way to help me navigate the self-publishing process. Toni Sales emphasized to me: ‘Approve nothing until you are fully satisfied.’”
‘One of Us’ Sequel, Book Promotion Plans
“I am working on a sequel to One Of Us. Here I touch on “mind control.” The immigrants in the sequel can read minds. I want to develop further the effects of mind control on the protagonist who did not have this gift. I am eligible to enter the 2013 New Mexico Book Awards because I am a New Mexico Author. I plan to enter One of Us in seven categories. If I win one of the awards for the book, then there will be articles in the Albuq. Journal and many opportunities for Book Signings. (One of the categories is: Best Book First Self-Published by an author).”
Xlibris Author Blogs is honored to have Evelia Cobos in our Xlibris’ pool of talented writers. Xlibris Publishing is behind her and her works in the future.
Learn more about Xlibris author Evelia Cobos on her web site.
Put your ideas in writing! Learn how to be our next self-published Xlibris author with great tips at the Xlibris Writer’s Workshop.