Name of Author: Jimi Rodriguez

Title of Book: From Chaos Comes Order

Favorite Authors: @Brandon_Sanderson , Robert Jordan, Rick Riordan

Bio: Jimi Rodriguez is from Houston, TX. He is a teacher, a sports coach, a husband, and a father. He writes in the hopes that his students will find connections with the characters in the story, and learn from their struggles. His dreams are to be a published author, a college basketball coach, and a great father to his two children.

From Chaos Comes Order

http://www.wattpad.com/story/36441751-from-chaos-comes-order

FCCO takes place in The City, an area hidden from regular mortals. The inhabitants of The City are powerful humans who enter the Order or Chaos. Order students learn healing and creation; Chaos students study destruction and the elements. A small group of special students have the talent to study in both disciplines. Jacob Titus, JT, is the story's main character. He is seventeen, and struggles to understand his own potential. He makes friends with the sexiest, most dangerous students in the school on his way to growing up. While he navigates the social waters of being friends with dangerous people, he tries to help his mother who forgot he existed and save the world from a growing werewolf army.

Who is your target audience - and why?

My target audience is the 13-25 age group. This coming of age story is packed with authentic life lessons that are supplemented with a world of magic. Insecurity, heartbreak, potential, friendship, and love are all a big part of their lives, and they all play crucial roles in FCCO.

What is 'paranormal' about your story?

There is lot of magic in FCCO, but it is set in a modern world. Foul creatures from mythology roam the forests, and vampires and werewolves have their own agendas in the plot.

Does it contain other genre elements, if so which ones - and why?

Fantasy, adventure, action, and teen fiction are all prevalent in From Chaos Comes Order. The magic of the world sings through as JT learns for himself. The group of friends has to learn to coexist while having their own issues to save the world from a werewolf army. Of course, there is a ton of romance and drama along the way in their teenage lives. They are far too grown for their age, but it catches up to them.

Tell us about your writing process - how do you get from story idea to a Wattpad published story?

I've had a lot of help along the way. The story was a patchwork with the help of some friends like Maria Hami, Lisa Hambly, Courtney Schell, Alex Dye, Ellie Brigid, Rob Thibault, and more. They created characters, helped me flesh out the plot, and have supported me by telling me every time I mess up! I have a ton of things about the story that even they're surprised about, and that comes with a lot of planning. I like to get their input since they created many of the characters people love. Sometimes though, I just go with it. They usually approve. It's nice to have a team of people to help. I also share the story orally with my students from time to time. They're good about telling me who they like or dislike, and they make great beta listeners!

Did you encounter any challenges when writing, if so - how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge I've been facing is that I've never been brave enough to receive feedback. Wattpad is great for this, and I've developed thicker skin. On the actual writing front, I just run into the fact that I'm not a professional. My passion to get better and tell JT's story always gets me through! I take the feedback when I can, and I always try to make each chapter better than the last.

You often hear that 'writing well' is the baseline for success. What does that mean for you?

I try to remember that not everyone has to like my characters all the time. They're teenagers! I want them to sound like teenagers no matter how mature they are. They are going to be put through some true life struggles that most adults can relate to as well. I want that to be real and true to the experiences of the characters. I try to produce works that have a good flow, clear voice, and proper grammar as well. When people read my work, there should be no doubt that I put my best effort forth.