Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. Hello, I am Maximiliano Moreno Sastre. But, recently I started going by my Hebrew name, Meir-Gedalya. I was born into a family of Colombian immigrants in London, Ontario. Ever since infancy, I grew up in British Columbia as a proud Colombian, Gay, Jewish man.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Ain’t No Way This Is Real”?
A2. I think when it comes to writing “Ain’t No Way This Is Real”, you have to take it into consideration that this was inspired by a personal experience of mine. Thus, going through all those former memories and thinking back to the trauma I faced wasn’t easy.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. I don’t really have authors who have influenced me or books in this sense. I think when It is something personal to you, you don’t truly need other authors or books to influence a personal piece of yours.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. Here in Canada, I have two special spots. I go to my synagogue, Temple Shalom, almost every Saturday, and my Jewish community has lifted me and carried me. My Rabbi, my friends, the bonds I made there saved me. I never was a religious person, but since the summer of 2024, I found my way to have such a stronger connection with God, again. My second special place is a little cafe in White Rock called “Five-Corners Cafe”. Every time I go in and visit, the owners, the Honeywell family, have become such good friends. They treat their customers and family and I have never met such amazing and talented people like them.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Ain’t No Way This Is Real’?
A5. I wrote ‘Ain’t No Way This Is Real’ shortly after I went through a brutal friendship breakup with my best friend. I had just arrived in Colombia in August of last year and my other best friend, Chaya, called me to see how I was doing. She then asked why I don’t turn my experiences into a book. I also wrote ‘Ain’t No Way This Is Real’ because when we look at the media, what do we see represented more? Romantic relationships and breakups. In my opinion, friendships, and friendship breakups are just as equally important and harmful. And I want to be able to bring comfort to someone out there who Is going through what I went through, and is felt seen.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Ain’t No Way This Is Real’?
A6. Honestly, 5 hours. After my friend, Chaya, suggested the idea of turning my experiences into a book, I was hesitant at first. Until I talked with my therapist, Dr. Sandra Alvarez. And she told me this: “Writing isn’t just a gift, it’s a healing tool. It takes your pain and creates something beautiful.” That phrase alone, when I returned home, I sat down and within 5 hours, I had written the first draft of “Ain’t No Way This is Real.” The writing process was hard, I had to stop and take a break or cry. But at the end, it felt like such a giant weight was lifted.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. There are multiple platforms available. Amazon, Indigo, Booktopia, Waterstones, Abebooks, Better World Books, Alibirs, Walamrt and BAM (Books-A-Million).
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Ain’t No Way This Is Real’?
A8. The cover, I decided to make it a bit of an illustration of both of us, in a way as if we were both moving away from each other, yet looking back. To represent the years going by, yet whenever we look back, we will see each other.
When it came to deciding to pick a title, it was hard due to not really knowing which one would be a good fit and connect with the story and its content. Until, at the sametime, Aretha Franklin’s ‘Ain’t No Way’ played in my headphones. That song talked about how someone went through the heartbreak of being left by a partner. And if you listen to the lyrics, you can see that the song not only connects with relationships, but on the aspect of friendships, too. ‘Ain’t No Way’ came from the Queen of Soul, and ‘this is real’ came from me, as I still find it hard to believe our (Me and my friend) friendship ended.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
A9. When I think about how I keep things fresh, I don’t really have a specific method. I write what I feel, what I think, what I picture, what I imagine. And when it comes to books, I try to think: will this story be entertaining for a large audience, or can it help/connect with a lot of people at this time?
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
A10. I will restate what my therapist told me: “Writing isn’t just a gift, it’s a healing tool. It takes your pain and creates something beautiful.” If you’re going through a hard time in your life, and want to find a way to heal. The best way is through your craft. Any form, writing, painting, photography, sculpting, taking what you love and healing your scars.
Buy Ain’t No Way This Is Real on Amazon
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