The novel introduces Reyesville, a mythical small town in Texas. In order to explore my favorite themes of mysticism, corruption, history, and popular culture, I have created De La O County and its collection of inhabitants with the intention of writing a series of stories that follow the lives of these characters. This set of novels (and other works) is called The Reyesville Series.

As a student of history, I am fascinated by the unique culture of the U.S. border from Texas to California—what I call “The Border Nation”—and the role that the nation’s southern border has played in this country’s history. Of particular interest is the symbolic nature of “the border,” as we all contain borders within ourselves, those internal judgments whose parameters ultimately determine how we lead our lives. Are souls with “border” issues attracted to “the border?”

A vital component of the novel are the romantic boleros, love songs made popular in movies created during Mexico’s “Epoca de Oro,” the Golden Age of Mexican cinema (1936-57). I consider recovering the beauty of these songs as a vital part of rediscovering a lush vocabulary for expressing devotion, longing and passion—as opposed to the superficial themes with which the popular culture is currently saturated. While I made the decision not to quote lyrics, I did want to share a list of boleros called The Reyesville Top Ten. This list has song titles, composers, and references to my favorite groups and songs.

A third theme is exploring the concept of susto, which is Aztec in origin. Susto (pronounced soos-toe, accent on soos) means emotional fright or shock. Susto is a Spanish term for the Aztec concept of emotional shock which they equated to “soul” shock. The condition can result from scary events, shocking news, long-term abuse of any kind, abrupt endings, deaths, or things as minor as falling down or getting startled. Untreated, the condition can lead to actual physical disease in the body and a gradual lessening of joyfulness. Susto can also result from extreme, violent experiences—and from protracted disappointment. It is vital to our sense of wholeness that our emotional needs are identified, acknowledged with respect and supported accordingly. We need to heal our wounds in order to find what brings us deep fulfillment. That is the quest.