As an indie author, you meet all type of creatives. From people who forge their own swords to all sorts of writer types. One of the coolest things is meeting people whom you share an odd sort of kinship with, people who might share some of your struggles, but who have gone through several others and still keep pushing on to achieve goals and still give their best as humans. Robert Cano is one of these guys that’s easy to root for. Well spoken, thoughtful, inquisitive, super honest, and someone who embraces his own voice. To boot, he’s a good dude and as with all these interviews, my intention here is for you to get to know the Robert behind the Cano… or something like that.
1. So as usual, welcome to the blog, Robert. Although we’ve known each other for a while, been on a couple of live panels, and chatted about music, writing, and life, others have not had the pleasure. So tell us, who is Robert Cano and why should people have their calendars at the ready?
Robert Cano… is one strange fellow. But I think I’ve always embraced that part of myself. I am a husband, father, author, and gamer. I tend to enjoy most those more simple aspects of life – peace and quiet, a good movie, or stimulating conversation. Must be why you and I get along so well.
As for why people should have their calendars at the ready, my next book has just been given its official release date of October 29th. So yeah, I’m quite stoked about that. The Shadow Cult picks up where The Dark Archer left off, only now we seek the answers to who or what created Bene in the first place, and to what end…
2. You also published The Dark Archer. What can you tell us about that book and what are your expectations going into the release of The Shadow Cult?
I write with a very specific ebb and flow style and pattern. With The Dark Archer, I wanted to dig into the internal aspects of life. Of those decisions we made in the past but maybe regret in some way. What do those things say about us as people? Can we grow? Or are we doomed to forever be that person we had been. With The Shadow Cult, however, I go external. There is an external locus for this tale, and while the storytelling aspect is the same voice, the focus is no longer internal.
Currently, I am writing The World Soul, which will wrap up the story we began with The Dark Archer, but will only be the next step into a much much bigger arc. With The World Soul, we are digging back into the internal, but going much deeper than the mental. We will be going deep into the soul itself. Ideas of hope and hopelessness are explored at length. So there you go, a sneak peek into what is coming next year!
3. You’re a very outspoken dude and always promote and encourage people to take care of their mental health. Where does this interest come from and what does it mean to you?
Mental health is something that is supremely important to me. I have struggled nearly all my life with ADD, PTSD, depression, and body dysmorphia. I try to help others realize firstly that they’re not alone, but more importantly I seek ways to ease their respective pain through the catharsis of candid, open discussion, and through laughter – specifically through seeking and finding that joy in life that is found within us. Life isn’t always easy, but if we can find a way to laugh, even the hardest times become somewhat lessened in their bite.
4. Music is also something you greatly enjoy. What are some music artists that are a little under the radar that you think people should check out and why?
Oh man, I can have some serious fun with this one. I think it should be noted that I do listen to a lot of what I might term ‘quiet’ artists, and many of these choices have little or no lyrics at all in their music. This is something that I’ve found really helps me when writing, as they provide me with layered music that helps focus the mess that is my brain, but without lyrics for me to focus on and lose my way. That being said, here are a few of my favorites:
Ferven, Phaura, Sappheiros, Michael FK, Cash, Wayr, and Headphone Activist, to name a few.
5. You were in the armed forces and I suspect that’s something that’s impacted you in several ways in your life. What does it mean to you to be a veteran? What’s some of the good that you received from the experience and what would you have done without?
Yes, I served for six years in the Air Force. To answer your question about what does it mean to be to be a veteran, it’s honestly a tough question, but I’ll do my best to keep it concise. When I look around at society as it is currently, when I see people up in arms about the stupidest things, all the while weaponizing and politicizing nearly everything, I become saddened. What I see in this country isn’t what I fought for. The status quo is find a cause and fight tooth and nail for that cause, whether or not the need for it exists.
Let’s use an example… Right now, with the whole Epstein thing, we have seen the prevalence of human and sex trafficking was so much worse than we ever imagined, but the focus, while I’ll never say is too late, is still too little. Children being forced into this is a horrible thing, let’s be clear, but women who were basically born into it, or raised in it, or the boys who have had to deal with the same, are often minimized when these discussions are raised. The problem is so much bigger than “our children” and to think otherwise mitigates the horrors of just how systemic this issue is. Also, this is nothing new, where were all these voices years ago? Did they not matter because ‘my political alignment’ didn’t say they matter?
I’ll be completely honest with you, no one likes a mirror to their face. But I’ll be the first to make someone stare into the proverbial mirror. If we aren’t fighting for a better future, then we’re a part of the problem, not the solution.
As for the experiences, I learned how much I despise bureaucracy. The internal politics of places and people is too much for me. But I also learned how wonderful a true camaraderie is. The friendships I made in the military have lasted, and I love each of them like a brother, and would fight for them as such even now.
6. What does writing mean in your life and how would you describe your creative process?
Writing has often been a catharsis in my life. From my poetry to my novels. Anything in which I get to be creative helps me work through the thoughts in my head or the hurts in my heart.
When writing, I look to create something uniquely me. Not entirely unique, but something that is me. What I mean by this is that there is nothing original anymore, only derivations of previously existing art, and therefore when I sit down to create, I look to my inspirations for ideas on how to design something and then I tweak it to suit my world. Likewise, I have drawn from classical literature to develop my voice in my worlds. I find there is a beauty to be found in the classics that is often neglected or completely ignored in today’s world.
7. You have been called up by Ninja Warrior to design a short course with 4-5 obstacles, what’s on the course?
Ooh, I would have to have the salmon ladder, naturally, but then I’d have to have the elevator climb, jumping spider, wingnut alley, and ultimate cliff hanger.
Which would look like this:
8. You are given the option of adapting one of your works into graphic novel form, movie form, a live action series, a cartoon, or a video game. Which do you choose and why?
Well, right now I am in the process of writing the screenplay for The Dark Archer, so there is that. However, to see Bene’s story, or that of Feorin, on a video game could be mind-blowing… I’d go for that. Feorin’s story, especially in the events leading up to The Dark Archer, could make for a fantastic game. All of his military exploits being explored right up until he walks away from it all to seek peace… Hell of an arc.
9. A magical time traveling genie appears out of nowhere. He wants to go on a road trip to grab a bite to eat. Where do you take him and what do you eat?
We go back to home to Day’s hamburgers. With green chile. Damn, my mouth is watering just thinking about it… Best burgers, period.
10. And of course, if more people want to tag along for the ride, where can they find you?
Website: www.shadowyembrace.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/620898828753102
Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @shadowyembrace
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And there you have another Creative Connection. Cheers to Robert on his upcoming release and all the good things coming along. He's a good dude and will be all to happy to hear from you. If you do swing by, tell him I said hi. Til next we connect...
Peace, love, and maki rolls
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