Agnes and I met through social media. She’s a cancer survivor and long distance runner as well as being an author.
Author Bio
Agnes Varona Oquendo, RN, Author is a native New Yorker who has worked many years as a nurse in a clinical setting and then as an educator. She describes her most vital life role as mother and now grandmother, most notably known to her family as MiMi. As a longtime strong advocate for women, health and education, it inevitably drew her attention to becoming an avid long distance runner and athlete, loving and learning a humbleness for the sport. But after a cancer diagnosis and hurdling over life’s challenges, she rekindled her lost love for writing, leading her to a new life role as an Indie Author. Her first published book, “Running Against Cancer,” became available through Amazon in 2018. In 2019 she has published; “My Shorts,” and “Dark Whispers of a Serial Killer.” She is presently working on her fourth and fifth book while enjoying every moment with her family.
Tell us about yourself
I am a recently retired RN who has worked in various areas of a hospital setting for over 4 decades. My life hats over the years include mother, grandmother, runner/marathoner, cancer survivor/warrior, educational speaker, educator, and now author.
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
Books have always been an important part of my life since I was a little girl. I have dreamt of writing because of my love of books. After my struggle with cancer, I wanted to write and share my struggle with others in an attempt to help others with the same or similar struggle to find hope and empowerment with keeping ourselves educated and informed, hence my first self-published book, “Running Against Cancer.”
What genres do you like to read? Are these the same genres you write in?
I enjoy reading several genres that hold my interest. I tend to read biographies, crime, suspense/thrillers but I am open to anything. I have published 3 books so far; “Running Against Cancer,”-my own biography, “My Shorts,” a novel extending over several generations of a family that immigrated to the US and their family drama, and recently, “Dark Whispers of a Serial Killer,” which delves into the mind of a serial killer and the minds of his victims, their families, also a novel.
Is your book for adults, young adults or children?
My books at present for adults, although Running Against Cancer can be read by young adults. I am presently working on a children’s book and another adult novel.
What is your current release or project?
My current release is, “Dark Whispers of a Serial Killer.”
Tell us about your key characters?
Key characters; Detective Sarah Wilson- lead detective, the serial killer and his victims.
What is your blurb or synopsis of the book?
Dark Whispers is a psychological thriller with a twist.
Share an excerpt
I think the prologue gives an indication of the killers childhood, an excerpt taken from My Shorts. It is in an essence related in only that sense to my second book. After writing My Shorts, I found a way to keep the story going but it is not necessary to read them in order. It just gives a background to the killer.
Do you have a favorite scene?
I actually love the entire story.
What advice would you give a beginner?
My advice to someone writing their first book is just write. I personally cannot write with a written plan. I just write and let it flow but that is what works for me. It may not work for everyone. I think that I have learned something new as I go along with the help of FB author groups and of course an editor. I did not have anyone edit my first book and I can look back and wish that I had another set of eyes read over it for me. I also think an eye catching cover is important, it’s a preview of what is inside. I learn something new every single day, in every aspect of my life.
Links;
www.facebook.com/AgnesVaronaOquendo.Author.RN
My books are available in paperback and kindle through amazon.com and Booksamillion.com