Friday, November 16, 2018

Virtual Book Tour + #Giveaway: Song of the Boricua by Olivia Castillo @OliviaCAuthor @GoddessFish



Song of the Boricua
by Olivia Castillo
GENRE:  Fiction


BLURB:


Puerto Rico an island of contradiction, serves as an enchanting backdrop following three generations of women.

Elena:  Resilient and ambitious, but trapped by duty to her children.
Maria:  Passionate and headstrong, but married to a man she does not love. Josephina: Optimistic and romantic, but in love with an alcoholic.
Isabella: Clairvoyant and spiritual, but denies her heritage and roots.

Like the land these women are held hostage, unfulfilled and unable to find their happiness. Each generation like the land is cursed. Can they defy the powerful bond of the curse and free themselves to find love everlasting?

New Author, Olivia Castillo, like the jibaros of the past weaves a tale of sorrow and joy. Castillos' fiction is timely, offering a glimpse into the islands rich history and offering insight into the story that has plagued women for all of time, the search for true love and acceptance of self.



Excerpt:

Maria
Bronx, NY, February 1957
As Maria glanced around she spotted the most gorgeous guy she had ever seen. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with thick brown hair pulled back in a shiny pompadour. He had olive skin and his eyes were a deep onyx. Under a letterman's jacket he was wearing a tight-fitting sweater.

She watched him from across the room, unable to look away. When he looked up, their eyes met. She felt a shiver go down her spine; he smiled at her, flashing dimples. Maria, trying to be nonchalant, walked over to the table and poured herself a glass of fruity punch, aware of his eyes still on her. She kept her eyes down and swayed to Elvis singing

“Jailhouse Rock.” Only seconds later she felt someone step beside her.

“Hi, doll,” the dark-haired guy said to her. “Are you new? I’m Rick, by the way.” He held out his hand in a friendly gesture.

Wow, he is tall! Maria thought in awe. Giving him her most beguiling smile she said, “I’m Maria, and no, I’m not new, but this is the first school dance I’ve ever been to.”

“Boss,” Rick said enthusiastically, showing dimples again, and brilliant white teeth. “So, who are you here with? Or rather, where is he?” Rick asked, looking around.

“No boyfriend,” Maria admitted, laughing a little. “My mother would flip. Unfortunately, I am here with my little sister,” Maria said raising her voice so Corinna could hear. Corinna, who had not gone too far, looked up upon hearing her name and waved.



Interview with Olivia Castillo

Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Song of the Boriuca?

Song of the Boricua is a multi-generational story about four women, conflicted, searching for self acceptance. Elena who is über responsible and studious, yet gives up her dreams for love. Maria who is impulsive and passionate, is married to someone she hates. Josephina who is a hopeless romantic, is  married to an alcoholic, and Isabella, who is clairvoyant, but not in touch with herself.

Can you tell us a little bit about your next books or what you have planned for the future?

I am planning write two more books based on this book, Song of the Boricua. After I have written them, I have another book that is the same genre, but based in England and America.

How long would you say it takes you to write a book?

For this book it took six years. It was mostly done in four, but then I let it go for two more. I plan to have the second book finished by next summer.

What is your favorite childhood book?

My favorite childhood book is, The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams.

If you could spend the day with one of the characters from Song of the Boriuca who would it be? Please tell us why you chose this particular character, where you would go and what you would do.

The character I would choose from Song of the Boricua to spend the day with is Josephina. I would love to go back to the Puerto Rico of the 1930’s and visit Yauco, the coffee plantation I wrote about.

What was the hardest scene from Song of the Boricua to write?

I think the hardest scene from Song of the Boricua is the rape scene. I am a survivor of rape, and I know what it’s like to be used, abused, and then not believed.

What made you want to become a writer?

As a child books were a way I could escape my home. I loved how you could be transported to another time and place just by picking up a book.

Just for fun:

a) Favorite song- “Moonlight Sonata”

b) Favorite book-  Gone with the Wind

c) Favorite movie- “Cinema Paradiso”

d) Favorite TV show- “Naked and Afraid”

e) Favorite Food- Seafood

f) Favorite drink- Pina colada

g) Favorite website- Anything with travel.



Thanks so much for visiting with us today!





AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Olivia Castillo is a New York native. After going to the prestigious Fiorello H. Laguardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, she went on to study graphic design at Otis Parson's College in Los Angeles. Along with being an entrepreneur, she is the mother of three children, and grandmother of two. When not writing or spending time with her family, she travels the world and paints. Song of the Boricua is her first novel.

Author website and blog:  www.oliviacastillo.org

Buy on Amazon now:  https://amzn.to/2P63Wh9

The book will be on sale for $0.99.

Giveaway:

$10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC



Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.


5 comments:

Bernie Wallace said...

How long did it take you to write your book? Congrats on the release. Bernie Wallace BWallace1980(at)hotmail(d0t)com

Beyond Comps said...

Really loved the blurb, sounds great!

Bernie Wallace said...

Which author had the biggest influence on your career as a writer? Best wishes on your books release. Bernie Wallace BWallace1980(at)hotmail(d0t)com

jean602 said...

Loved the excerpt can't wait to read this.

MammaMi2 said...

On behalf of Author Olivia Castillo: I have limited internet access until Wednesday. I will respond to all comments as soon as I can. Thank you all for following.