Author Michael Colon on Hard Work, Perseverance, and Believing in the Power of Imagination

Michael Colon is a freelance writer and novelist, born and raised in New York City. He uses his craft to profoundly impact the lives of others with thought-provoking words that breathe life into his characters. He often equates his writing to painting masterpieces with prose.

Can you tell readers a little about yourself?

My name is Michael Colon born and raised in New York City. I am a novelist and a freelance writer. My author’s story is about hard work, perseverance, and believing in the power of imagination. My inspiration comes from various societal abnormalities, the beauty in cultural differences, and my own life experiences. Outside of writing I enjoy working out, watching sports, and going on hiking trails with my wife.

What made you decide to become a writer?

What made me want to become a writer was when various platforms and magazines accepted my art. Also, writing feels like a natural way for me to communicate what I am passionate about. I often live in my thoughts throughout the day, and creative writing blends perfectly with me, showing others what’s in my art in a tangible format.

Who are some of your favorite authors and books you like to read?

I enjoy reading books about personal mental development. Ironically, most of my inspiration doesn’t come from other writers who write fiction.

What is your writing process like?

My writing process starts with writing down story ideas and concepts on paper. I usually stick with pen and paper when organizing my ideas into a more structured storyline. When I am ready to bring to life a clear and concise experience for the reader, I go to Google Docs.

Can you talk about your published books and what sets them apart from other books within this genre?

My sci-fi book, The Gift from Aelius, combines the speculative with real-world ideologies and philosophy. Most stories in this genre can come off as redundant. My book’s plot starts In the not-too-distant future, A191, a Codex with artificial intelligence, feels like a misfit in Paradise, a walled city in the middle of an endless desert where humans imprisoned his race long ago.

He’s not like the others of his kind; he longs to meet humans and make peace with them so man and Codexes can be reunited in the world. These thoughts and feelings are not allowed in Paradise; he risks banishment to the desert by the Overseer A. I. who rules by fear and force.

Complicating matters, A191 has a glitch in his programming that conjures up a human boy named Aelius who tells him to go to Old Haven where he will find freedom. However, he’s drafted into a rebellion against the Overseer, and as Paradise enforcers close in with orders to terminate him, he escapes the city to wander the desert in search of humans.

The journey reveals the truth about his existence, the Overseer’s lies, and the consequences of mankind’s untethered technology.

How did you get published and do you have any tips for writers seeking to be published?

I got published by never giving up on myself. Second, I spent time researching and finding contact information and was not afraid to put myself out there. There will be rejection, but that’s okay. It’s part of the creative journey. The best advice I can give to writers trying to get a book deal is to be open-minded and humble when selling their work.

Do you have more books planned or stand-alone books?

I plan on writing a sequel to The Gift From Aelius.

Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for aspiring writers?

The book or whatever writing goal you have won’t write itself into existence. Put in the hard work and fun in the process. Never lose the fun aspect of it.

Michael Colon’s current book The Gift From Aelius is out now!