Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Efrain Alas Moran. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Efrain thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?
For a writer, an idea can arrive at the most unexpected moment. When I first began shaping the vision for this book, I was with my family visiting the Tazumal Archaeological Park in El Salvador. The park’s guide was describing a ritual to the god Xipe Tótec—its symbolism of renewal, and its profound meaning despite the fact that it involved sacrifice. I was captivated by how drastically it contrasted with today’s society, and I tucked it away in my memory.
Months later, I had the chance to visit the National Museum of Anthropology (MUNA), where one of the exhibition halls displays a representation of the same god. In that instant, it felt like a spark—an unshakable vision, a scene unfolding before me, one that could mark the beginning of a compelling story.
It is difficult to explain the feeling—even for a writer—the exact moment when realization strikes, when you stumble upon an idea worth pursuing. But I can describe it as a turning point: if you have an idea, you must act on it, shaping and transforming it into something tangible. For me, that idea became the written word.
The thought of creating something entirely new—something I had never done before—was a challenge in itself. The uncertainty of wondering whether I was doing it right lingered. Yet, the moment I began to write, all doubts vanished. The characters appeared vividly before me, the story seemed to write itself. It was a moment of pure inspiration, of connection with something beyond myself.
Efrain, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a civil engineer with a master’s degree in hydrology, and a writer. I have devoted most of my life to continuous learning in environmental risk management and languages. As an independent consultant, I have worked with various government institutions. In my personal life, I have always been deeply drawn to culture, architecture, archaeology, history, music, and literature—interests that have led me to explore different cultures and travel to many places around the world.
From a young age, I discovered my passion for reading and writing, journeying through the fantastic landscapes and adventures crafted by J.R.R. Tolkien, the magical world of J.K. Rowling, the wit and mastery of Monsieur Poirot in Agatha Christie’s novels, and the meticulous storytelling of Stieg Larsson. Writing has always been, for me, the most natural way to communicate, to connect, and to express myself. Over the years, this passion has led me to write songs, poems, and now, my first crime and mystery novel.
For my readers, my greatest wish is that they experience stories so captivating they cannot put the book down; characters that resonate across time—each facing struggles they can relate to, possessing great strengths but also unafraid to show their vulnerabilities and rely on others. I want them, through my words, to be transported to El Salvador, to explore a country that has so much to offer, yet whose story has too often been told only through the lens of its civil war or difficult social conditions.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
“That you must have formal studies to be an artist.”
I had to unlearn this mindset, which came from my background in the applied sciences. As an engineer, you study for many years, gain experience, and build credibility in a highly competitive field. In contrast, the arts often allow you to develop your own voice and style by simply doing—by creating.
This is not to say that studying the arts is unnecessary; formal education provides invaluable tools to refine and polish one’s talent. What I mean is that if you have the passion, you will inevitably face challenges and grow by working through them. In writing, for example, it might mean rewriting the same paragraph over and over until it feels right.
In the artistic world, learning and mastery often happen in the act of creation itself. Sometimes, the most important step is simply to act on an idea—without letting the lack of a degree in that field hold you back.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
The Role of Social Media Management
Today, promoting any form of art—including books—requires a solid repertoire of skills centered around understanding how social media works. It’s no longer enough to simply create; you need to know how to find your audience, how to communicate your art effectively, and how to present yourself as a writer or artist in a crowded digital space.
Electronic devices such as Kindles, tablets, smartphones, and computers have become essential tools in our daily lives. They shape how we consume content and engage with culture. Therefore, having a presence across multiple platforms is vital. Consistently generating content and creating exposure for your work is no longer optional—it’s an indispensable marketing strategy.
Mastering social media means learning the nuances of each platform, understanding what type of content resonates best with your audience, and building authentic connections that go beyond mere promotion. It’s about storytelling in new formats, adapting your message to fit the medium, and staying relevant in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
For an artist or writer, social media is a powerful extension of your creative expression—a place to showcase your work, interact with readers, and cultivate a community that supports your journey. Embracing this tool not only increases visibility but also opens doors to opportunities that traditional channels might not reach.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: alasmoranwriting
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578136747879#
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/efrain-alas-moran-5b2a80ba/
- Twitter: alasmoranwriting
- Other: https://linktr.ee/alasmoranwriting
Image Credits
Ana Sofía Alas