Interview with David Espinoza

Author of Half Blind with Full Vision

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

Originally from Dimmitt, Texas. I now reside in Salem, Oregon.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I was born in South Texas and as a one-year-old baby, in 1959, my parents moved our entire family up to North Texas. Living in poverty ingrained in a small town of Dimmitt, Texas, I lost half my eyesight in a freak accident when I was five. Having a growth-mindset and resonating in my faith, I overcame many obstacles.

In 1976 just when I was making progress as a sophomore in high school, my parents packed us up again and moved us up to the Northwest. We were homeless for a few months, living off of relatives and working as farm laborers, or processing-plant jobs. We eventually settled in Gervais, Oregon — a tiny town. That’s where I met My high-school sweetheart. Now in 2019 I live in Salem, Oregon, where I have made this city my hometown.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I’ve always enjoyed writing despite the fact that I was a three-sport athlete during my high school days. I never shared much of my work with anyone. I also enjoyed drawing pictures and complimenting them with short stories. It was in 2006 when I watched my younger son, Matt, overcome some huge challenges in life — specifically in the game of basketball.

He almost got cut his freshman year at McNary High School. He loved the game of basketball. When he was selected to be the last player to make the team, we all jumped with joy. It was from that moment that I witnessed him defy the odds. He went on to help his team make it to the state tournament.

He also received a full scholarship to play college basketball helping Southern Oregon University advance to the national tournament. I knew I had a passion for my son’s story, that’s what made me decide to write my first book, “NOZA: A True Basketball Success Story,” which was published in 2008.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My books are all written with inspiring messages and most have to do with a sport story. I also write memoirs — biographies and my autobiography. The non-fiction stories I write are all resilient stories. Because of my own intense experiences in life, I have gained so much knowledge about growth-mindset. Escaping poverty was a tough challenge, and I want to send that message, that if I did it, so can anyone else.

I’ve accomplished a lot, through athletics, education, and decision-making. This has given me the visualization and imagination to write stories that can help others succeed by stretching their limitations. My books will help you escape your daily routine and come into the life of other people who rise above expectations through hard work and perseverance.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

I feel that middle-school kids, teenagers, and adults connect with my books. The athletes that love sports and the parents of athletes are also in the mix. The older generation has been a connection as well. I feel that my stories are written to reach people of all ages. My autobiography, “Half Blind with Full Vision,” would interest high school kids through retired seniors — males or females.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

There are too many to write down here, but I’ll give you a few. First of all, it is a grind and if you don’t enjoy writing, I’d say don’t do it. The fun part of the entire process for me is to become creative with a story. When I completed my first ever manuscript in 2008, I thought is was good, until I handed it over to my reader and my editing team. It was then that I realized how much more I had to learn about writing and rewriting.

I took more training on grammar studies and writing. Finding a publisher was challenging, because you want to be sure they fit in with your genre and that you can trust them. I was overwhelmed on how much it took to write a book and get it published.

The cover design, the process of publishing itself, emailing the publisher and exchanging the manuscript, cover image, photos, etc. One of the biggest surprises was receiving 300 books in my shipment and then opening the boxes only to see the covers with trimming issues. They were all bad and I had a book signing scheduled in two weeks. Just remember, as an author, everything is recoverable and the publishers work with you to help you.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

I would have started writing books earlier in my life. I never knew how much I enjoyed it. I would have started submitting proposals to traditional publishers earlier as well. I would have selected a publisher that was closer to where I live, especially when printing 300 books at a time. As it is now I have to wait seven days to receive a shipment. When ordering a shipment of books, make sure you receive them a month before your book signing is scheduled. You want to be sure you have time to reprint books if needed.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

I would love to reach millions of people if possible — as many as I can. I’m still learning how to brand myself, it’s getting better every year, and I sure appreciate any kind of help anyone can give me. I’ve been an author for twelve years now. Every year there’s a lesson to be learned.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

For me, the financial part. I don’t have the funds to help market my books. I market on my own time with three social-media platforms, @authordavidespi. I’ve been interviewed by several newspapers to do stories on my new releases. I’ve been a guest on two TV shows. I’ve done keynote talks and book signings, which take a lot of work to prepare. If you have to travel, sometimes the expenses are not all paid for. Frustrations are part of being an author. At one book signing I will sell 50 books, yet at another I will sell 6 books. It’s inconsistent. I have a website (DavidEspi.com), and people can order my books through there among Amazon and other book retailers. The maintenance on my website is not fun at times, but has to get done. I get frustrated if I don’t get too many orders, and yet I still have to pay the domain, software, the DavidEspi.com fees. Again, there are many frustrations as an author, but it’s the smiles from my readers that keep me going. It’s so rewarding to be able to serve people with my writing. There are many successes on book-signing venues. The keynote talks that encourage others give me a sense of accomplishment, especially when I know I’m helping others. Many adventures supersede the frustrations.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

A) Book Writing: I have the computer knowledge to write a manuscript and rewrite to eventually arrive at a result. My grammar has improved a great deal, and I keep learning more every day. I have the ability to stay with a thought and branch out with imagination, and then return to that thought to continue the book. I research well, and I use photos to bring back memories. I have a team that works with me, a graphic artist for book covers, editors, and a reader. I make sure I have a passion for what I write. I’m determined and I dedicate myself to completing a book. I think about what I’m going to write before I begin, sometimes I think for months.

B) Publishing: The first time I went through the publishing process, I learned from experience. Now it is easier and I save myself valuable time with sending the manuscript to the publisher, editing, rewrites, sending book-cover image, and photos. Communicating clearly with publisher is important. I make sure everything I send is clear, if I have to I get on the phone with the publisher.

C) Marketing: I have three social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. I can’t keep up with more than that. I try to come up with posts that interest my readers, I seem to do that from time to time, but not enough. I make appearances with public speaking, and I hold book signings year-round. I’ve established consistency on some of the venues and they welcome me back every year. I look for new venues every year.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

A) Book Writing: I have other chores to do around the house and I’m involved in volunteering for schools, Salem Hoops Project, and my church. My aches come and go, I deal with a few health issues, so that slows me down at times. Traveling can hold me back at times with expenses and all.
B) Publishing: My on-demand publisher is far away and every time I order a shipment it takes seven days to reach my house. Because of the long haul, some books get damaged on route. I’m having a hard time sending proposals to agents. It’s a lot of work and I know it’s a long shot to get a traditional publisher look at my work. I’m ready to start trying again though.
C) Marketing: It’s hard work and not a fun thing to go through. I love writing and being creative with my stories, but the sales part can be hectic at times. It’s something that I’ve learned to adapt with by smiling and meeting many people — much easier when it’s my own product.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I’m currently in the process of writing my seventh book. It takes time because of the scheduling with people I need to interview. I need to interview one more person to continue writing my next book. In the mean time I blog and I take trainings on writing and marketing skills. And I spend time with my wife, kids, and grandkids.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I’m a self-published author, and I use an online publisher to format and print my books. It works for me because I don’t enjoy stocking more than 300 books inside my storage space. I also like for them to take care of my library in congress and ISB number — just want it done correctly.