Spotlight & Giveaway: Santiago, Chronicles of a Young Traveler by Eduardo Rios Lasso

Welcome to Book Zone's stop on the book tour for SANTIAGO: Chronicles of a Young Traveler 

SANTIAGO: Chronicles of a Young Traveler
by Eduardo Rios Lasso
Genre: Fiction, Coming of Age, Travel
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: June 6, 2022

Synopsis:

Fresh out of college, 26-year-old Santiago has always longed to see the world, but his anxiety gets in the way. How can he possibly travel abroad if he feels sometimes heart-pounding pressure by simply riding a bus? But one day, after years of saving, Santiago courageously buys a ticket around the world. His parents think he’s crazy, but he takes a leap of faith and sets out alone. However, the world he had imagined was far from reality.

Meanwhile, Santiago finds out his best friend Laura, who could not join him on the trip, battles a recently diagnosed autoimmune disease. Will he regret his decision to leave her behind? Will their friendship survive or blossom into something more? On his journeys from New York to Lisbon, Paris to Sarajevo, and Istanbul to Bali, Santiago must overcome his shyness and open up his heart despite facing challenges, such as scams, and confronting complex issues like human trafficking. Join Santiago on a journey of self-discovery and adventure like no other.

Links:

- Goodreads
- Amazon

Author Bio:

Eduardo Rios Lasso emerged as a writer during his career as a medical doctor. Born and raised in Panama City, Panama, his journey has taken him around the globe to dozens of countries. Along the way, he found a passion for travel writing that seeks out positive life experiences while also sharing the common interests and challenges that bring different cultures together. Eduardo currently resides in Germany, where he is completing his training in Internal Medicine. SANTIAGO - Chronicles of a Young Traveler is his first book.

Author links:

- Website
- Instagram

INTERVIEW

How did you do research for your book?

-        Since this book is my first, I educate myself first on how to write a book. Every book that came to my hands about “how to write a book” was devoured by me. I also attended writers’ conferences to learn more about the different literature and writing genres. I touched on topics like prostitution and human trafficking, which was very hard to show in the book the way I wanted. I made my best effort for it. I interviewed people who work in NGOs with trafficked victims and with people who work as sex workers. Read and inform myself as much as possible about every topic I will discuss in the book.

 

Which was the hardest character to write? The easiest?

    -    The hardest was probably Laura. Since I wanted (I hope I made it) to show her as a strong          woman who could move forward despite moments of sorrow, I hope it can lead young girl readers to stay strong.

-           The easiest was Santiago. When I came up with the idea, I knew exactly how I wanted him to be.

Where do you get inspiration for your stories?

-        From my own travel. The more I travel, the more stories and ideas come to me.

 

There are many books out there about travel. What makes yours different?

-        My book combines traveling with social issues affecting our cities and where a traveler can potentially make a big difference. And it is also directed to a younger audience.

 

What advice would you give budding writers?

-        If you don’t know how to write a book and you want. Start writing your idea as if you were talking with yourself; explain and try to convince yourself of what you write. On the way, your creativity will be unleashed. And read, read books; if you know what type of book you want to write, make sure you find excellent examples. And last, get involved in writing groups and get to know fellow writers who support each other. Prepare yourself for it.

 

If you could put yourself as a character in your book, who would you be?

-        I could see myself as Adyn, the character that plays in chapters 7 through 9.

 

Do you have another profession besides writing?

-        Yes, I am a medical doctor; I work in internal medicine and emergency medicine in Germany, where I've lived for the last seven years. It happens that I love both traveling and writing combined. I want to establish myself now as a writer.

 

How long have you been writing?

-        Continuously since 2016.

 

What is your next project?

-        I am already working on the second part of Santiago. I am building the story arc of a family saga – more of a local story in Panama, fiction, but as always inspired by real-life stories. But probably the most significant project is to travel west and south of Africa and write a story about my connection as Latinamerican to Africa. That would be my first non-fiction book.

 

What genre do you write in and why?

-        Fiction mostly! Because it allows me to do more, say more, and express more. I also love coming-of-age books because they can teach, inspire, or give a lesson. I am convinced that the generation of the 80s and 90s is our future. They are the ones who can make changes in our society.

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What is the last great book you’ve read?

-        The last great book I read was Pachinko von Min Jin Lee. I loved it!

 

What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?

-        That my writing reaches readers’ hearts!

 

How are you similar to or different from your lead character?

We both love traveling and have a strong desire to see the world but also to do good!

 

What were the biggest rewards and challenges with writing your book?

-        The most significant rewards were:

●        The learning.

●        Knowing that I could do it.

●        All the people I got to meet and be in touch with during all these years.

The challenges? Probably was the time since I had some demanding schedules at work and sometimes a little free time where I also had to study. With a lot of work, it somehow worked.

 

In one sentence, what was the road to publishing like?

-        Tough, very tough, and lonely sometimes.

 

What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author?

-        To sit and write and believe you can do it, everybody has the potential to do it. It would help if you also have patience.

What is something you had to cut from your book that you wish you could have kept?

-        The scene when Santiago sold his old car to get more funds for his travel.

  

If there is one thing you want readers to remember about you, what would it be?

-        That my books are fun, but they also left them with a message that they could put into action at some point in their lives. Be more empathetic to other cultures, especially the ones different than them.

 

What is something you've learned about yourself during the pandemic?

-        Patience! That I need more patience!

 

Tell us about your longest friendship.

-        My older sister! She has been there like a guardian since day one! Helping me through all my challenges, dreams, wishes, and all!

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate the release of his book, Eduardo is giving away a copy of the book and a $10 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky person from 7/19 through 8/2/22 at 11:59 pm EST. Please note that entries will be verified.

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