Q&A with Author, Michael Betancourt
Michael Betancourt – Author Bio
Michael Betancourt is originally from the United States specifically the Rio Grande Valley in DEEP South Texas. When you reach San Antonio you still have 4 hours further South to drive before reaching the RGV. Which after that the only place to go is either the Gulf of Mexico or actual Mexico. Michael is a proud Geek that fell into writing by way of D&D, Saturday Morning Cartoons, and Comic Books. He currently creates events for a living when he is not talking to the voices in his head and writing down their misadventures. Michael holds a BA in Public Relations and Advertising, a MA in Communication from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and is pursuing a PHD in Mythological Studies and Folklore by way of Pacifica Graduate Institute.
Q&A
What is it about dragons that you love so much?
Dragons have been a personal favorite of mine since I was a child. Films like Dragonslayer from the 80s, and Kaiju films defined my youth. I wholeheartedly believed there was nothing better than Godzilla. These films as a genre gave ethical consideration to the effect these monsters had on their environment. There was so much to consider, so much to experience and I wanted to be part of it. The concept of these giant, intelligent creatures that we could conquer, or partner with, or spend generations learning from gave me endless inspiration to create my own worlds that I could populate and let them play through their crazy ever evolving storyline.
Why do you enjoy writing about dragons?
Dragons are just THE creature of legend. Their stories branch out across every culture, both beautiful fantasy and horrific nightmare. I love writing about them and the emotions that come with them. Dragons for me are an active reminder of what can be and may have been reality for us as a people. This raw instinctual memory that guides are collective survival. An acknowledgment of something greater than ourselves. There is a speech at the end of Godzilla 1985 which is the dubbed version of Return of Godzilla in Japan. The American Actor Raymond Burr reprises his role as Mr. Steve Martin a Journalist that had covered Godzilla’s original attack in 1954. He goes on to say “Nature has a way, sometimes, of reminding Man of just how small he is. She occasionally throws up the terrible offsprings of our pride and carelessness… to remind us of how puny we really are in the face of a tornado, an earthquake, or a Godzilla. The reckless ambitions of Man are often dwarfed by their dangerous consequences. For now, Godzilla – that strangely innocent and tragic monster – has gone to earth. Whether he returns or not, or is never again seen by human eyes, the things he has taught us… remain.”
This raw emotion and insight into our own failings was just so profound for me and it is because of all the monsters I grew up watching and connecting with I would so deeply care for these creatures and the stories they could spawn. I truly believe that writing about these monsters, these Dragons can bring to light what it truly means to be human.
What are some of your favorite books to read featuring dragons?
My favorite series has to be the Chronicles Trilogy from Dragonlance writers Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. The story spans generations and has such real relationship structures. Not everyone gets along all the time but in the end they come together to make a difference. The dragons in this series and the subsequent sequels that came from that world showcase real feeling, emotional and active Dragons. They had heart, goals, jealousy, anger, love and remorse. I remember “Evil” Red Dragons fighting their own kind to defend prisoners they had claimed as their own hatchlings. I remember Silver Dragons falling deeply in love and suffering heart break in the realization that the human they loved woild be dead and gone in a blink of an eye compared to their long lifespan. The love a Blue Dragon felt for his rider and the relentless pursuit he would undergo in order to save her soul. I still have a soft spot for Khellendros (Sky) the Blue Dragon from that series. Just so much emotion, so much heart. It’s funny to think on it but before this series I didn’t really read much. Now though. That’s a whole different story.
What got you into writing?
A healthy dose of gaming, support from other authors (Shout-out to Jonathan Maberry for his kind words) and the madness that seeps its way into every D&D adventure I put my players through (Love to my first DM Ric, the Crew of the Sally-D, and my Agents of Chaos that make every campaign a special one). Writing just became second nature when I wanted to tell my stories. I just had more to say and figured I’d give it a shot.
If there was one piece of advice you could give to other writers, what would it be?
You are your worst enemy. Imposter syndrome and self doubt are real things. You push through though. Focus on each story and the message you want to get across. I didn’t think I would ever be doing this. So if I can do it, I bet you can too.
Where can readers follow your writer platform?