Featured Interview With Victor Acosta
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, surrounded by stories of resilience, heritage, and deep cultural traditions. My upbringing was filled with history—both personal and national—which later became the foundation for my writing. As a Dominican-American, my experiences navigating two cultures have deeply influenced my storytelling, particularly in Shadows Beneath the Shore, where themes of legacy, identity, and historical truths play a central role.
Now, I live in Orlando, Florida, a city that has allowed me to stay connected to both my Caribbean roots and a diverse literary and artistic community. Living here has given me the space to explore my writing while being surrounded by cultures from all over the world.
As for pets—while I don’t have one at the moment, I’ve always been a dog person! There’s something about their loyalty and energy that reminds me of the importance of companionship, both in life and in storytelling.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I think my fascination with books truly began in my 10th-grade Spanish class with Mr. Parada when we read Don Quijote de la Mancha. I was around 15 years old, and for the first time, I found myself completely immersed in a story that was both humorous and deeply meaningful. The way Cervantes blended reality and imagination, questioning what is real and what is perception, left a lasting impression on me. That book opened my eyes to how powerful storytelling can be—not just as entertainment, but as a way to explore human nature, dreams, and struggles.
Despite my early love for reading, I didn’t start writing seriously until my late 30s. Life took me in different directions, but the stories were always there, waiting to be told. Eventually, I realized that I had a unique perspective and a deep connection to history and family legacy that needed to be put into words. That’s what led me to write Shadows Beneath the Shore—a novel that blends mystery, history, and personal identity in a way that feels both intimate and universal. Writing, for me, is not just about creating stories—it’s about uncovering the truths that shape us.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I’ve been influenced by a mix of historical fiction, magical realism, and character-driven novels that explore deep themes of legacy, identity, and the weight of history. Some of the books and authors that have shaped my storytelling include:
Gabriel García Márquez (Cien años de soledad) – His masterful use of magical realism, multi-generational storytelling, and historical depth has been a major influence on my writing. The way he blends history and fiction to create something timeless is something I deeply admire.
Miguel de Cervantes (Don Quijote de la Mancha) – This novel taught me about the power of perception, the blurred lines between reality and fiction, and the strength of a character’s journey. Don Quijote’s relentless pursuit of his dreams, despite the world telling him otherwise, is something every writer can relate to.
Isabel Allende (The House of the Spirits) – Her ability to weave history and magical realism into deeply personal family sagas has inspired my own approach to writing about lineage, memory, and the impact of the past on the present.
Julia Álvarez (In the Time of the Butterflies) – As a Dominican-American writer, I deeply admire her ability to bring Dominican history to life through powerful narratives. Her portrayal of the Mirabal sisters under Trujillo’s dictatorship has influenced my approach to writing about historical oppression and the resilience of those who lived through it.
Mario Vargas Llosa (The Feast of the Goat) – His depiction of political power, dictatorship, and the consequences of history has influenced my understanding of Trujillo’s impact on the Dominican Republic, which plays a role in Shadows Beneath the Shore.
Each of these authors has contributed to how I tell stories—blending history, mystery, and emotion to create narratives that feel immersive, meaningful, and unforgettable.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is Shadows Beneath the Shore, a historical mystery novel inspired by real-life events, family history, and the hidden struggles of generations before me.
The story came from a mix of my personal experiences, the political and economic history of the Dominican Republic, and a desire to explore the weight of family secrets. Growing up, I heard stories about the challenges my grandparents and parents faced, especially regarding land, identity, and power structures. I started researching the history of mining, exile, and the dictatorship of Trujillo, and soon I realized there was an untold story waiting to be written.
I wanted to bring these elements together into a gripping, emotional, and suspenseful novel that would make readers question the past, explore their own histories, and immerse themselves in a journey of discovery and truth.
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