Photo of Author Gabriel Lucatero

Tapping Into the Writing Muse

Tracy Shawn: I can see that you’ve definitely tapped into your writing muse! You’re a prolific author, as well as a very eclectic one, having published books under the genres of gothic fiction, ghost fiction, erotica, and psychological fiction. What is your favorite genre to read? And to write? Why?

Gabriel Lucatero: I often say that gothic fiction is my favorite genre. It combines all those elements (or sub-genres) I like to read most of the time: ghost fiction, erotica, and psychological fiction all in one. I’m afraid I can’t give you a good answer as to ‘why’ I do it. The closest thing to a response would be that these are the kind of stories I grew up reading, watching, and hearing. In other words, it was love at first sight.

The Crazy Creativity of Writers

Tracy Shawn: Under your “Deep in Thought” section on your website you wrote: “The life of a writer is complicated. We are the kind of people who found a way to walk on the edge of sanity.” I can relate! Please explain to fellow writers—and readers—what you mean by this.

Gabriel Lucatero: It means we’re crazy. Not everyone, of course. Only fiction writers. But it is a good kind of crazy, a creative kind. It allows us to take multiple stories and scenarios from the people around us and create our own stories. But here is the kicker: we have to remember they’re just stories. That’s what I mean when I say we walk on the edge of sanity. If we start thinking of fictional characters as real people, well, I guess that’d do for another good story about a writer who can’t see the difference.

How to Increase and Maintain Productivity 

Tracy Shawn: You work full time, write novels, short stories, book reviews, and blog posts, as well as producing your own podcast and YouTube channel. How do you do it? And…what’s your advice on how to increase—and maintain—productivity?

Gabriel Lucatero: I wish I had more time, to be honest. I work with what I have and always look for opportunities rather than limitations. It also comes down to priorities and planning. I like to take a sort of pessimistic outlook and tell myself that I’m going to die soon so I’d better use every minute of my time wisely. For example, I’m working on a new book right now. That’s the main plan. I am always thinking about it and writing a sentence or two at all times, including when I’m at my full-time job, and even at the gym when I’m working out. I also read about a book a month, because, you know, we writers have to do that. As of now, I think of the blog, the podcast, and the YouTube channel as hobbies. I can’t focus 100% on them. But it’s good to have them. One day I’m sure I will do that as a full-time job instead.

How Adversity Shapes a Writer

Tracy Shawn: How has adversity shaped your writing life?

Gabriel Lucatero: I’d like to think that writing saved my life. If you read my memoirs from the start (link here), you’ll see what I mean.

Entertaining Readers

Tracy Shawn: Lastly, what would you like your readers to feel or say after reading one of your works?

Gabe Lucatero: Entertaining others is the ultimate goal. People feel all sort of emotions while reading my stuff, or when they hear me talk. A good friend of mine said it best, “You’re full of surprises. I can’t never know what you’re going to say until you say it.” This is good, I think. Because it frees me from trying to please everyone.

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Bio for Gabe Lucatero: Gabriel Lucatero is a self-published writer who is, like everyone else, looking for his very own American Dream. He has a passion for stories and loves to share with his readers his experiences as he continues fulfilling his destiny, looking to become a full-time writer. Gabriel Lucatero – Writer & Editor 

Bio for Tracy Shawn: Tracy Shawn lives and writes on the Central Coast of California with her husband, two mischievous cats, and loyal pit bull. Her debut novel, The Grace of Crows, won several indie book awards. Tracy Shawn’s short stories have appeared in Literary Brushstrokes, Psychology Tomorrow Magazine, and Steel House Review Literary Journal. She’s written numerous articles for print and online publications, and is excited to announce that her second novel will be released in summer of 2021.