Today on the blog, we are so excited to have SZ Estavillo as our guest. She’s here to talk to us about her thrilling debut novel, The Serpent’s Bridge, and everything that went into writing it.

Welcome. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what got you into writing?

I’ve been passionate about writing ever since I was a child. I always carried a pen and paper with me, jotting down stories wherever I went. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have notebooks filled with my thoughts and ideas. Over the years, I accumulated countless spiral notebooks filled with poems and stories. As I grew older, my stories matured, but I’ll never forget my second-grade teacher telling me that I was destined to be a writer. At that time, I thought I’d rather be a doctor or a lawyer because being a writer didn’t sound exciting to me. Yet, here I am, all these years later, living out my teacher’s prediction. It’s amazing how they just knew. This passion for writing blossomed from simple storytelling exercises in class, and it has grown into something as essential to me as breathing. Storytelling and writing are like air to me.

What have been some challenges you face as a BIPOC author?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a BIPOC author is navigating the industry’s call for diversity and representation. Being biracial and dealing with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, insomnia, and OCD, I strive to create authentic characters that reflect these experiences. However, the industry often struggles to connect with stories outside the non-BIPOC norm. Many times, decision-makers say they can’t connect with a story, which often translates to a disconnect with a culture or experience different from their own.

To truly champion diverse stories, the industry needs more than just acquiring them; it needs to hire decision-makers from diverse backgrounds who understand these experiences firsthand. This includes not only BIPOC individuals but also those who have lived with mental health issues, disabilities, or other forms of neurodiversity. Without this representation among the decision-makers, it’s challenging to see real change.

Despite the industry’s calls for diversity, the reality often falls short. There’s still a significant disparity in the acquisition and advancement of non-BIPOC stories compared to those from marginalized communities. The advances for BIPOC authors are often much smaller, if they receive any at all. We still have a long way to go to make the publishing world genuinely inclusive, and it requires moving beyond mere marketing campaigns to systemic change.

Are there any books that have really influenced you as a writer?

I’m an avid reader and enjoy a wide range of genres, so it’s hard to pinpoint a single book or author that has changed my life. Instead, I find inspiration in a diverse array of works. I’m open-minded about both well-known and indie authors because I believe their stories matter equally. The quality of writing from small press authors can be just as good, if not better, than some traditionally published works.

Throughout my publishing journey, I’ve learned that all books, regardless of their publication path, play a significant role in shaping my growth as a writer. I view myself as a perpetual student, always eager to learn and never too proud to admit I don’t know everything. Each book I read, regardless of genre, offers new lessons and influences my writing in some way.

What drew you to writing crime thrillers?

My interest in crime thrillers is deeply rooted in my family background. My father served in the military and worked as a U.S. Border Patrol and Customs agent, and my uncle, Nicholas Estavillo, was the highest-ranking Puerto Rican to become a three-star officer. He has an impressive history as a Vietnam vet, Marine, and FBI Academy graduate. Growing up in a family with such strong ties to law enforcement, I gained a unique perspective on both sides of the law. This personal history naturally drew me to the crime thriller genre and the detective angle.

Additionally, my fascination with true crime shows on Discovery Channel, Oxygen, and Dateline has significantly influenced my writing. As a true crime enthusiast, I’ve watched countless shows, and this passion, combined with my family’s experiences, has shaped my taste in storytelling.

Are there personal, cultural components in your own life that influenced this novel?

Absolutely. My family’s background has profoundly influenced this novel. My father and uncle’s careers in law enforcement and my mother’s experience as a Korean immigrant have given me a unique perspective on the themes of immigration and law enforcement. Growing up with these diverse influences, I understand both the immigrant’s struggle for a better life and the challenges faced by those enforcing the law.

In The Serpent’s Bridge, I explore the complexities of these experiences, particularly focusing on undocumented immigrants being targeted by a serial killer. I aimed to present a balanced view, avoiding political biases, and instead highlighting the human stories on all sides—the detective solving the crime, the immigrants seeking a better life, and the ICE agents doing their jobs. By drawing on my personal history, I hope to create a narrative that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, addressing pivotal issues around immigration without taking sides.

What aspect of the novel’s theme was important to you?

The theme of immigration was particularly important to me, given my mother’s experience as an immigrant. I wanted to honestly portray the complexities of immigration, including the legal challenges and the human stories often overlooked by the media. The way undocumented immigrants are treated, especially in the reporting of their deaths, as if their lives don’t matter, is something I felt compelled to address.

In The Serpent’s Bridge, I aimed to explore these themes in a balanced, bipartisan way. I didn’t want to lean heavily towards any political stance but rather present the issues from multiple perspectives. This approach was crucial in creating a story that is not only a gripping thriller but also a meaningful discussion on immigration.

Who is your favorite character in The Serpent’s Bridge?

I love all my characters, but if I had to choose, it would be the three main POV characters: the detective, the pastor’s wife, and the witness. Each of them brings a unique perspective to the story. The detective is focused on solving the crime, the pastor’s wife provides insight into the life of the undocumented immigrant she employs, and the witness represents the immigrant’s experience. Through these different viewpoints, readers get a comprehensive understanding of the situation, which I hope makes them connect with and enjoy each character.

What aspect of writing The Serpent’s Bridge was most enjoyable to you?

One of the most enjoyable aspects of writing The Serpent’s Bridge was delving into the various perspectives and exploring the unique challenges faced by a BIPOC detective like Detective Nazario, who is Puerto Rican. It was fascinating to depict her struggles in keeping a leadless case open, especially one involving undocumented immigrants who are difficult to identify due to false identities and the challenge of finding next of kin. The police department’s inclination to close such cases added another layer of complexity to Nazario’s fight to seek justice.

I also enjoyed interweaving the different points of view and demonstrating how they connect and influence each other. This narrative structure allowed me to explore the story from multiple angles, adding depth and richness to the plot. Another exciting realization during the writing process was that Detective Nazario’s story shouldn’t end with just one book. I was immediately drawn to her character and felt she had the potential to be a dynamic protagonist with longevity, capable of leading a series. Writing her character has been both fun and fulfilling, and I’m eager to continue her journey in subsequent books.

What can readers expect next in this series?

In the upcoming books, readers can expect themes of feminism and morally gray characters. I like to stay independent in my politics, but the series definitely leans towards feminist themes with strong female characters. The stories will continue to explore vigilante justice, with morally complex characters who blur the lines between right and wrong. Much like a modern-day female “Dexter,” these vigilantes seek justice where the law fails, creating intriguing dilemmas for the detective trying to solve the crimes. Readers can look forward to more thrilling, thought-provoking stories that challenge traditional notions of justice.

SZ Estavillo is an adult thriller author passionate about writing since childhood. As a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion, SZ works tirelessly to amplify the voices of underrepresented and marginalized communities within the publishing industry. Her biracial heritage, being half-Korean and half-Puerto Rican, deeply influences her book themes.

SZ is not only a feminist whose principles echo throughout her works, but also a true crime aficionado, having devoured every episode of true crime on networks like Discovery ID and Oxygen. Drawing from a rich family legacy in law enforcement—her uncle retired as the highest-ranking Puerto Rican cop in New York’s history— she writes books that try to illuminate all sides of the story.

As a devoted mother and an enthusiastic digital marketer, SZ brings her professional expertise into her personal passion. With over 85,000 followers on social media, she uses her platform to inspire and uplift the writing community with motivational and positive content. Alongside her two children and two senior dogs, she cherishes the simple pleasures of family sushi outings in their Los Angeles home.

You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, BookBub, TikTok, and YouTube, as well as on her own website.