By snoadmin
With a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in religious studies from Cal State Long Beach, alumnus Carlos Solorzano recently published his first book titled, “Through Time & Eternity.”
As a theology teacher by day and a writer and musician by night, Solorzano said his book is a religious science-fiction text about the faith voyage of God’s chosen one, Joaquin, who finds himself countering the efforts of Lucifer and keeping the crucifixion intact.
“Joaquin goes on a big faith journey,” Solorzano said. “He becomes a different character at the end. He suffers a lot and literally fights the powers of hell, but he makes it and gets there because of his hard work and dedication.”
After 10 years, Solorzano has finished the first of the three-part series. He said that being published for the first time is very rewarding.
“It’s amazing to hold your book in your hand and say I’ve done it,”
Solorzano said. “[Now] I am waiting for the criticism from the literary gurus.”
He hopes to eventually see the books go further into mainstream
bookstores and perhaps be adapted into a film.
“I gave the angels personalities,” Solorzano said. “I was surprised to
find myself laughing at my own dialogue.”
As a California native, Solorzano was born and raised in nearby Carson and grew up in a Catholic household and still remains strong in his faith.
Solorzano said that two great mentors who influenced his literary
journey and teaching career are CSULB religious studies Professors
Robert Eisenman and Bradley Hawkins. He said the two did great things in the classroom to inspire him.
“I admired how much they knew,” Solorzano said. “They taught and
motivated me to gather as much data as possible and to always learn more.”
Once Solorzano began his graduate studies, he was already teaching in Los Angeles. In 2006, two years after finishing his master’s degree, he moved to Arizona to continue his teaching career. He now resides in Tucson with his wife, also a CSULB graduate, and two children, teaching theology at Salpointe Catholic High School.
Solorzano is still passionate about music, as well. Playing
recreationally and professionally for 18 years, he has familiarized
himself with the drums. He is a member of the religious band Come
Thirsty, in which his wife is the lead singer. Solorzano also helps
write the music for the band. His music adapts world rhythms to the
American drum kit.
“It’s very tribal with an imitation of world music sound,” he said.
Now that his first book is out, Solorzano has been focusing more on
writing and recording songs for his band. He plans to finish the
trilogy he started with, “Through Time & Eternity,” as well as publish
the devotional, “I am His Mother.”
Solorzano advises college students aspiring to publish their own books to not be afraid to do something different; to write something others may not be writing.
“I want people to know that there are other ways to life besides just
what popular culture says,” Solorzano said. “I like to see people
happy and succeed.”
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