Fuzionz Magazine and TV Summer Issue 2013 | Page 16

“As Happy As Ling”
Author, Carlos Aleman…
Humble doesn’t even begin to describe the
personality of Author/Artist Carlos
Aleman. Born a Cuban-American in New
York City, Carlos is the writer and author of
“As Happy As Ling.” He studied fine art at
Miami-Dade College and has been the
senior designer for a technology
company in South Florida for over ten
years. Carlos is married and has one son.
Fuzionz: Could you share with our readers who or what inspired you to become an author?
Carlos: I felt it was time for a new form of expression. I had been painting since I was in high school. Increasingly, I
considered painting with words. Combining my love of books with the tedium of doing the same thing repeatedly, inevitably, I
was bound to find a new medium.
Fuzionz: What has been some of your biggest challenges in being an author?
Carlos: The hardest part is writing something you're happy with. You can fuss with all the technical considerations of writing,
but in the end, the story has to be satisfying and leave you with an emotional connection to the characters [they become like
real people]. The other aspect, which can be equally as difficult, is getting the book published. Several literary agents rejected
me, which was a bit discouraging, but led me to self- publishing my novel as an e-book. I've received a tremendous amount of
positive feedback, and I may be on the verge of publishing a printed edition.
Fuzionz: For our young people who have their minds set on becoming an author, what direction would you advise them to take?
Carlos: Live an extraordinary life. Savor the intensity of pain and the intensity of joy, so that you will have something
interesting to write some day (but stay safe). I would also recommend reading authors that you feel you somehow identify
with. Once you're ready to write, remember that you must keep polishing your work. A first draft of a chapter may appear
perfect, but the next day, you'll look at it again with fresh eyes and notice many things that don't 'sound' right. This could go
on for a long time until you get to a final draft. You're not in school -your work is not due at the end of the hour. You have
an exquisite freedom -two years, ten years, it doesn't matter.
Fuzionz: What overall advice would you give our youth today?
Carlos: Care. Love people unconditionally and refrain from judging anyone. Hold the door open for people, and smile
often. Life is short, don't waste too much of it by trying to get others to accept your point of view. Get comfortable saying, 'I
know very little.' Moreover, because life is short, don't take too long to find balance. Many people, you will no doubt notice,
will swing like a pendulum between extremes. Sometimes this is because of emotional wounds that take time to heal, but be
sensitive and aware of this. Do whatever you can to stay away from extremes. Finally, when you're old, do not talk down to
young people. Speak to them exactly as you would an adult.
I would like for our you