Meet Arnie Cantarero | Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Arnie Cantarero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arnie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
It was a tough decision. The one thing our parents teach us is to get a steady job and not rock the boat. I thought this was the only way, but as an avid reader, this never sat right with me. I started writing and the sheer joy I got from doing so made realize writing was the path for me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As artists, we all want to be different. We set our own path, so to speak. What sets me apart are my life experiences. Not one person will have the same life experiences and as writers, we want to use what we know and give it new life inside the pages we write. The path is hard, even though with self-publishing getting a published book out there is easier than ever, but that’s not the point. What we want as writers is to have our books have an impact on our readers. Even if it’s just to pass the time, or maybe change a life, we don’t want to just get published; we want our readers to enjoy what we wrote as much as we did writing it.
It’s not a simple path. When you write, you bare your soul and it can be a roller coaster ride. I’ve learned that not everybody is going to like what you do. No matter what, you’ll never be able to please everyone, and that’s okay. That’s the one thing you can say I’ve learned, but we always go forward.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In my neck of the woods, downtown Riverside is not to be missed. The old town charm doesn’t escape anyone who sees it. Then there is the farmer’s market on Sunday’s is simply amazing, From farm to kitchen is the best way to describe, but it’s more than that. There are home-made products that you won’t find anywhere else. Next up would be Citrus Park, also in Riverside. The scent alone can relax even the hardiest soul and there are always the fresh oranges you can buy and take home. So juicy, you’d want to eat them on the spot, but better to take it home and enjoy them while watching your favorite show.
Naturally, you can’t come to SoCal and not come to Los Angeles. My home away from home, you can stay a month and not see everything you’d like to see, but there are a few things not to be missed.
The callejones is one of those. From the variety of products you can buy, to the street dogs (hot dogs that is) you can only get in Los Angeles, this is a place you have to see to believe. It’s almost out of a fairy tale but set in the real world.
Then there is Burgers Never Say Die, probably one of the best burger places i’ve been to. This is where I’d love for us to have lunch every day. Something about a burger made to order right there, it’s something to behold.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife, Kiyomi Sakamoto, Not only is she my inspiration to get up and write (or edit) but she creates the covers for my books, always makes sure that I give it my all when writing, acting, or even just cooking.

Website: https://shorturl.at/cjrZ1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arnie_cantarero/

Youtube: youtube.com/@arnie1020