by Jake Espinoza
My dad didn’t read a lot of books when I was growing up, and so I was as surprised as anyone when he announced that he was writing a book about my brother a few years back.
He spent the last three years working on his follow up project, titled Poor Kid Wealthy Kid.
The book was released earlier this month, and is his first fiction book. For more information you can visit www.davidespi.com or visit him at the Oregon State Fair’s writers booth inside the Americraft Building later this summer.
Make sure to yell “We Out Here” very loudly if you stop by to see him.
Thanks for taking the time to do the interview Dad!
So tell us about your new book.
My new book is a fiction inspired by some of my real life experiences. I was raised in a very poor family environment in Texas. In 1976 my entire family packed up and moved to Gervais, Oregon. I was a gifted field-goal kicker in football. In my book, Carlos is a gifted quarterback. Some of the things Carlos experiences are what I experienced with some situations fictionalized. I think we all have had an eye for a sweetheart at one time or another. Liz is the sweetheart. Harv (Liz’s brother) becomes Carlos’ friend in the berry field. Carlos is poor – Harv and Liz are very wealthy. Harv’s dad is prejudice – he does not want his kids associating with minority kids. Carlos and Harv work together behind their parents’ back to become successful. In today’s society, diversity is an issue. My book tears down the walls of stereotyping, and discrimination against poverty and skin color. My book has humor, first love, mystery, and sports. The setting is Gervais High School. Can Carlos and Harv help the Cougars make it to state? My book has many positive messages in it. It gives the reader the emotional feeling of being wealthy or poor and how two cultures can come together despite the differences.
What were some of the big differences between writing a fiction and non-fiction book?
My non-fiction book, “Noza: A True Basketball Success Story” was tough in its own way. All of the legal approvals and permissions to use certain names, photos, statistics etc. was a big challenge. My publisher was not too excited at first, but when they heard my story they were all for publishing it. True stories are tough to publish, mainly for the fact that someone can sue you. Publishers don’t like to get involved in court cases. With this true story, I wrote what actually happened. Not too much imagination but plenty of creativity – how I formatted it and how I laid out the story chronologically. Plenty of research on facts and photos from the past was an intense grind. But because this story is about someone very close, it made it a joy to write – I was very passionate about it. It was a sense of accomplishment to share with the world that if you work hard at something ( no matter what people say) you can accomplish it.
My new book, “Poor Kid Wealthy Kid” was written using strong memories in my head, but fictionalized a little. I used my imagination and creativity to a science to make this story an exciting one. My thoughts and ideas all came together. This story has so much more dialogue and character descriptions. I had a blast creating true life scenarios based on my experiences. I use true places in Texas and Oregon. This fiction story was easier to have published than the non-fiction. In writing a fiction, it was more challenging to come up with a solid ending that wants the reader wanting more.
What are you going to work on next?
1. I’m getting ready to spend the duration of the Oregon State Fair at the Oregon Author’s Table where I’ll be signing my books along with several other Oregon Authors.
2. I have entered the Salem’s Got Talent competition which starts in late Sept. early October. I’ll be doing a Stand-Up Comedian Act. The winner gets $1,000.00. It’s a long shot, but I thought I would try at least.
3. I will begin writing a sequel to “Poor Kid Wealthy Kid” in November – really looking forward to that.
Would you drink Jameson on the rocks with me sometime?
I don’t drink alcohol, but I do drink non-alcoholic beverages. So I guess I won’t be drinking Jameson with you (I’m assuming Jameson is some kind of an alcoholic beverage). I would love to have a soda with you sometime though, but only if it’s diet caffeine free. Wait … on the Jameson? If someone were to pay me at least $500,000.00 … I might think about it.
Tell us about you going to get your favorite hamburger, and where you go to get it.
Oh wow, the first thing I usually do is, I make sure I’ve exercised in some way. You know, work up an appetite. Then when my wife isn’t looking, I hop in my Ford Escape (American product) and I escape to the big BK (Burger King). Wearing the poorest clothes I can find, as I enter the fast-food slow-killing monster of a place, I look at the menu behind the cashier to pretend I’ve never been there before. I then order a Whopper Meal (no mayo + mustard). A better hamburger you’ll never find. After I fill myself up with an amazing taste, I tell myself, “Dang! I shouldn’t have eaten that.”
Favorite thing about Oregon?
My favorite thing about Oregon is that by moving here I was able to meet a wonderful lady who became my wife and mother of my two wonderful boys that I love and cherish so much to this day. Also, Oregon has given me a second love adding two step-daughters.
As far as a physical place, well, Silver Falls State Park is so awesome. If you haven’t been there to experience the trails and falls, you have to go – amazing place.
Least favorite thing about Oregon?
Portland drafted Sam Bowie instead of Michael Jordon. Someday I’ll find it in my heart to forgive them, but it’s going to take awhile.
The strong winds and the constant rain at times are painful.
The faults located near here. Earthquakes are very scary.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I know I’m going to Heaven, I don’t like cheese, everyone should pay their taxes, my favorite hip-hop song is, “Oregon Homeboy” by The Kid Espi, and most important of all … please buy my books!
Thank you so much for your time We Out Here magazine!