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ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN VORAKA
Article Published on 4 November 2024 by Kelley Rose | www.vorakamag.com
F.A.T.E. My Future After Traumatic Events is a powerful book that tells a remarkable story of overcoming great challenges and finding strength in the face of adversity. The book describes a journey filled with significant struggles, from early hardships to the intense difficulties encountered during wartime. It provides a detailed and honest account of the battles faced and the pain endured, highlighting the author’s incredible ability to endure and keep moving forward despite overwhelming odds. In this autobiography, readers will find a story that connects deeply with their own experiences. It offers a message of hope and inspiration, showing how one can turn tough situations into sources of strength and motivation. The book is not only a compelling read due to its dramatic and action-packed content but also serves as a meaningful reminder that, no matter how big the challenges are, there is always a way to overcome them and keep moving forward.
Hailed as “a must-read” by multiple readers and receiving numerous five-star reviews on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Kindle Library, Book Club, and Instagram, “F.A.T.E. My Future After Traumatic Events”, the autobiography by Miguel De La Rocha, stands as an example of the power of resilience and determination, making it an engaging and encouraging read for anyone who faces their own struggles and seeks inspiration.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Miguel De La Rocha is a multi-talented author, veteran, and photographer who has lived a life full of adventure and triumph. Tragically born dead, Miguel was brought back to life on his first day in this world and has been defying the odds against him and the Angel of Death ever since. With a passion for storytelling that began in high school, Miguel has written multiple books across genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and autobiographical works. He also wrote poems throughout his younger life, long before becoming a teenager. His debut poem, The Birth of Spring, won a top ten best poem award in 1994 by the National Library of Poetry and was the only poem he published.
A combat veteran of the first Iraq War, Miguel has overcome multiple severe debilitating injuries and PTSD to pursue his dreams. The most severe and critical injuries include a mass concussion, a traumatic brain injury (TBI), a spinal cord compression injury, severe heat exhaustion in the desert, and chemical weapons exposure. Although Miguel excelled at multiple universities, like Hebrew University Jerusalem and Capella University, making the Dean’s List, the tragic effects of war took its toll. Yet, after earning over 300 credit hours and being one semester away from attaining a degree in abnormal psychology, the effects were too severe. Miguel dropped out and left another dream of being an on-air radio host due to too much dead-air time.
With his military and psychology background, and being a former state corrections officer, private investigator, and nature photographer with hundreds of thousands of likes on Google Maps, Miguel brings a unique perspective to his writing. Miguel De La Rocha aims to become a best-selling author and see his story adapted into a movie or series.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR MIGUEL DE LA ROCHA
How did your early life struggles influence your approach to writing?
Multiple deaths and violent, traumatic events early in life helped forge my author’s voice into a conversational style. I wanted to make sure everyone with a basic knowledge of English would be able to understand my story and my message.
What inspired you to write F.A.T.E.: My Future After Traumatic Events?
When I shared my personal battles with others after almost ending it all, I saw it gave them hope. I knew I had to write my tell-all so others might be inspired and choose not to give up.
How did you continue writing despite the challenges of PTSD and severe injuries?
At times, I had to crawl. Other times, I had to set it aside. Writing my tell-all meant having to relive each traumatic event multiple times over. At times, I couldn’t write for several days, but I never quit.
What was the hardest part of your life to write about in F.A.T.E.?
Writing about the deaths of my three sets of twins was the part I could only write a few words at a time. I had to come back after a few days each time. It took months.
What key message do you hope readers take away from your autobiography?
Simple: Semper Anticus, Always Forward. Never give up; you can have a great Future After Traumatic Events. You can live a good life from your F.A.T.E.
How did poetry influence your growth as a writer, and do you still write it?
Discovering my poetry skills in the first grade gave birth to that spark as a writer. It showed me I had a natural talent that could positively impact other people’s lives.
How has your military experience shaped your writing, especially in F.A.T.E.?
The structure of the military has helped me write my autobiography, from all the attention to detail to organizational skills. And, of course, the Army Infantry motto, Semper Anticus, Always Forward. No matter what, keep moving forward; don’t give up.
How do you balance writing in different genres, and do you have a favorite?
The creative writer in me still loves fantasy/sci-fi, while the military and investigative parts of me love factual and historical nonfiction. Normally, I have to focus on one project at a time, but when inspired, I can have multiple projects going.
How do you see the connection between mental health and storytelling?
Storytelling was my escape from a violent and abusive world. It helped me keep my sanity and also healed me by sharing my struggles with others. Helping others allows me to release the hatred and anger bottled up within.
How did your academic journey influence your writing, despite your challenges?
I used to wait until the last minute to write and thrived in the rush. As I got older, it caused panic and anxiety. Now, I write on my schedule, bringing out the best in me as a writer.
What advice would you give to someone currently facing life challenges?
Read my autobiography and learn from it. Things will get better; don’t give up. You are not alone, and you can still live out a good F.A.T.E. Oftentimes, we must go through hell to enter into our Promised Land.
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