Oswald Rivera

As with most authors, people often ask the question: “Why do I write?” I don’t know about other writers, but for me, the answer is simple: I write to challenge the status quo. The British author, Evelyn Waugh, stated that a writer should be a bit of grit in the machinery, be it capitalism, communism, socialism or fascism. I want people to sit up and challenge the prevailing viewpoint, be it beneficent or repressive. In a small way, I want to contribute to the collective dialogue about ways to expand our social conscience and improve our collective good. I know that this philosophy of writing makes some people uncomfortable. I am aware that I am a sometimes unfashionable, but I am always true to myself and my attitudes and hopefully this authenticity is reflected in my fiction.

When it comes to my fiction, all is seldom happiness and light. I want my readers to consider alternatives, be they in the present or past. Those who want happy endings versus positive endings may well read my work from the perspective of a glass half empty. However, if they can move past this initial reaction, they will discover that the glass is actually half full, as revealed by some kind of positive transformation before the story ends.

I am a seeker, as we all are in our own ways. Personally, my writing seeks truth, including all its complications, complexities, and contradictions. What I believe is that there is always something better out there and it is up to us to find it.