#ThisorThatThursday Author Interview with Zaida Alfaro
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I’d like to welcome Zaida Alfaro back to the blog for #ThisorThatThursday!
Favorite thing to do when you have free time:
I love relaxing in my living room with a glass of red wine, strumming my guitar, and learning new songs—especially on nights when I don’t have crank out 5,000 words!
The thing you’ll always move to the bottom of your to do list:
Without a doubt, laundry.
Things you need when you’re in your writing cave:
A cozy chair, a cup of coffee or tea, my favorite playlist, a notebook to capture ideas, and my laptop to start putting it down on paper. Bonus: a scented candle to set the mood.
Things that distract you from writing:
Social media, random chores I suddenly remember, the temptation to play guitar, and tackling my TBR list.
Hardest thing about being a writer:
Staying disciplined and focused, especially when self-doubt or writer's block creeps in.
Easiest thing about being a writer:
Letting my imagination run wild and bringing my ideas to life—it’s so natural when inspiration strikes!
Something you’re really good at:
Connecting with people through music and storytelling—I love creating things that resonate.
Something you’re really bad at:
Keeping my plants alive. No matter how hard I try, I just can’t seem to get it right!
Something you wanted to be when you were a kid:
A famous singer performing on big stages around the world.
Something you do that you never dreamed you’d do:
Write an entire book series and share my stories with readers—it still feels surreal!
Something you wish you could do:
Play the piano effortlessly—I’ve always admired pianists and the emotion they bring to their music.
Something you wish you’d never learned to do:
Overthink things! It’s a skill I perfected way too well, and it’s not always helpful.
Things to say to an author:
"Your book kept me up all night—I couldn’t put it down!"
"I felt so connected to the characters; they felt real to me."
"I can’t wait to see what you write next!"
Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book:
"Writing seems so easy. Anyone could do it, right?"
"Why don’t you get a real job?"
"I skimmed through your book—reading every word seemed unnecessary."
Most daring thing you’ve ever done:
Zipline
Something you chickened out from doing:
Skydiving
Best piece of advice you received from another writer:
"Write the story only you can tell—don’t worry about trends or trying to please everyone."
Something you would tell a younger you about your writing:
Trust your voice and don’t be afraid to take risks. The stories in your heart are worth telling, even if they scare you at first.
Recommendations for curing writer’s block:
Step away and do something creative, like playing music.
Take a walk or get outside to clear your mind.
Try freewriting—just jot down anything, no matter how random, to get the words flowing.
Revisit your favorite book or movie for inspiration.
Things you do to avoid writing:
Organize my workspace (or re-organize it for the tenth time).
Scroll through social media or watch random videos.
Convince myself I need a snack or another cup of coffee.
Start doing laundry (even though it’s usually at the bottom of my list!).
About Zaida:
The vibrant city of Miami, Florida, serves as the heartbeat of the Miami Music Mystery series—a city I deeply cherish, having been born and raised there. Like the series’ protagonist, Vy, I am a singer-songwriter and Grammy-considered independent artist, with a profound passion for music and literature.
Years ago, I discovered cozy mysteries and was immediately captivated by their engaging, intriguing, and often humorous storylines. Inspired by these works, I decided to merge my love of music with my newfound passion for storytelling. This led to the creation of my debut novel, The Last Note: A Miami Music Mystery.
Following its success, I continued Vy’s story In the Key of Dead: A Miami Music Mystery. Drawing from my own life experiences, I wove elements like phobias, dream sequences, and quirky personalities into the narrative—all grounded in truth. Through these novels, I aimed to share my love for Miami, its rich Cuban culture, my family, and the world of music.
Now, with the release of The Hidden Track, the final book in the Miami Music Mystery series, I’ve brought Vy’s journey to a thrilling conclusion. This latest installment delves deeper into the city’s vibrant backdrop and Vy’s evolving story, tying together the mysteries, challenges, and triumphs that have defined her journey.
I hope readers feel the same passion for Miami, music, and storytelling that I’ve poured into these novels. It’s been a joy to bring this series to life and share a piece of my world with you.
Let’s Be Social:
Website: http://Zaidamusic.com
Instagram/Twitter: zaidamusic
Facebook: zaidaauthor and zaidamusic
