The News Site of Fresno City College

The Rampage Online

The News Site of Fresno City College

The Rampage Online

The News Site of Fresno City College

The Rampage Online

Author Manuel Munoz Urges Students To Read

Born and raised in Dinuba, Manuel Muñoz, author of two short stories collection, “The Faith Healer of Olive Avenue” and “Zigzagger”, read an excerpt from his new novel “What You See in the Dark” during his visit to Fresno City College on April 7.

“I write because it is the art that I am best at,” said Munoz. “I think if you have a certain passion, you have to go after it and pursue it with the best of your abilities.”

Currently, Muñoz resides in New York and has no sudden plans of moving back to Dinuba. However, Munoz said the valley was important to him; it is so important that it has become the focus of his stories. He also explains that he constantly writes about the valley because it shaped the person he is today. He added, “Not living here [the valley] almost haunts me.”

His new book,” What You See in the Dark” is different compared to his other published works.  His previous books were short stories; “What You See in the Dark” is his first novel. He said the transition was complicated because with a novel, he had to write the whole story and wait to the end of the draft for revisions.  In contrast, with a short story, he explains he could manipulate and maneuver everything while still writing the story.

Additionally, Munoz wrote “What You See in the Dark” in second person, which is different from his previous works. He admits wanting to experiment.

He said that unfortunately, his parents can’t read his books since they speak and read only Spanish. Munoz’s siblings are lucky to be able to read his books; however, they choose not to discuss their opinions with him. He also said that with his books, he has a very public voice and within his family, he essentially has to be quiet.

However, this does not stop Munoz from writing. He said, “Knowing things can be surprising for people, especially when I’m here in the valley and people think about their own city, that it could actually be the setting of a novel or story.”  

While reading a passage from his own book, Muñoz urged students to have a desire to read and realize they live in a place that is worth writing about.

He encouraged aspiring writers “to read.” He said one has to read a lot in order to know what is out there and what is going to inspire them. About his future plans, Munoz said his plans consist of continuing as a professor at the University of Arizona and starting work on another book.

“Honestly, I wish people could do more reading,” he said, “because reading is the key to everything.”

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