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This week it is my pleasure to interview Samuel Acosta Ynoa, Dominican writer, poet, and motivational speaker. Would you please introduce yourself to my readers and share something about your life.
Hola [hello] dear readers. My name is Samuel Acosta Ynoa. I come from a small town in the Dominican Republic called Tenares. A town with narrow streets, homes with tin roofs, and amazing people. I currently live in New York, United States. Although I live in a city full of enigmatic skyscrapers, historic bridges that connect countries and states, and three that are the means of transportation for all its inhabitants, despite this, in my heart, there is no comparison with my little Tenares. I am an animal lover. When I lived in my country, I had a variety of pets, from chickens, roosters, turtles, parakeets, hamsters, a tortoise, a parrot, among others—truly a mini zoo. But everything changed when I was just fifteen years old, when I had to move to the United States. I had to find homes for all my pets, except for a chicken named Moni and a parrot named Charo.
I completed my studies in business administration in 2010. During my studies, I was part of a network marketing organization, selling nutritional products to friends and family. Through this organization, I was introduced to a motivational speaker named Jim Rohn, who undoubtedly influenced me through his audio CDs, YouTube recordings, and books. I was introduced to the world of personal development and motivation.
Sometime later, I became interested in becoming a motivational speaker, helping people see all the possibilities available to them in the world. Just as Mr. Rohn did for me. To make this possible, I started writing thoughts and posting on Facebook and later creating audiovisual content for YouTube. Thankfully, after that, I have had motivational opportunities at Corona Public Library, Queens Public Library, Voces Latinas, Oasis Latino LGBTS Wellness Center, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Dominican Civic Cultural Center, and FEDCAP, among others.
When I was twenty-four, I decided to write a book titled Find Your Destiny. This was followed by my second book, 50 Days of Reflection and Different Interests: A Guide to Accepting Rejection. These books have given me the opportunity to participate in venues such as open mics, book fairs, and local and international cultural events in Argentina and Colombia. I’m not only exploring the art of writing motivational essays, but also poetry and narrative. These have been published in international narrative and poetry anthologies. These include Beyond the Language, Across the Seas, Antología Homenaje a Frida Kahlo [Anthology Tribute to Frida Kahlo], and Antología Internacional de Mitos y Leyendas [International Anthology of Myths and Legends], among others.
When did you write your first book and how did it come about?
I began writing my first book when I was twenty-four years old. I did it with the goal of being a medium or tool that would invite readers to take a break from the age-old noise and take a journey within themselves, where they could find the greatness within them. Everything we need to achieve a life of abundance and peace. I’ve always believed that the hero or heroine we seek in the outside world is found within.
At first, I didn’t know how to write a book. It was a path full of uncertainty and challenges. Although I had an inner fire and a hunger to live that dream. First, I watched a YouTube program called Get Published TV; it is a YouTube channel created by Australian author Dale Beaumont. Then I started reading articles on Google about how to publish a book, and I bought the book How to Write a Book ASAP by Garrett Pierson. I did everything I could to find clarity on my path. Thanks to that, I was able to make it happen, in addition to publishing my first book, Find Your Destiny.
Do you always write in the same genre or do you mix it up?
Since I began writing, it’s been through motivation, but also through my attendance at open mics, book fairs, and other cultural and artistic activities. It was very special for me to hear about the beautiful and mysterious relationship other writers have with their respective genres. I became very curious to explore other genres, such as poetry and narrative. Through creative writing and narrative analysis workshops, I began writing poems and short stories. I won’t deny that I find the mix of genres interesting. In my second book, 50 Days of Reflection, a motivational book, there are two poems—a bit crazy, but I thought it was interesting to explore.
When you write, do you start with an idea and sit down and let it evolve, or do you make notes and plot the chapters beforehand?
That’s a great question. I’m quite excited about it. When I got the urge to write my first book, Find Your Destiny, what I did was write down all my thoughts and ideas for a month. I recorded everything I had on the D train on my way to work or home in voice notes. I did this for a month. Then I sat down to generate chapter names and decided the book would have twelve chapters. Then, I took those sheets full of ideas and read them, line by line. I placed each line or paragraph in the chapter that suited me best. When I finished developing my first chapter, I already had content for the other eleven chapters to work with. That way, I avoided the dynamic of “facing a blank page,” or writer’s block. This helped me finish the manuscript in seven months.
Would you like to give us a short excerpt from one of your books?
Find Your Destiny is a work that addresses the importance of personal and professional development. Through themes such as the art of goal setting, how to leave your mark in the world, ways to find the “Real You,” why it’s important to maintain the mindset of a child, my grandmother’s teachings, Jim Rohn, Nelson Mandela, and people who have created possibilities in the lives of so many beautiful people, I share all of these things from a very everyday and humble place.
Who is your favourite character and why?
There’s a story that will be published in my book The Pink Knight. It’s called “My Mother Spoils Me,” and it’s about the unconditional love of a mother named Aleida Peterson, the main character. She leaves her homeland of Germany to escape the Nazi hatred. She’s carrying a child growing in her womb. She moves to France and starts from scratch. She works hard to raise and educate her son, Luther. It’s a story I’m deeply passionate about because it teaches the reader the importance of appreciating those angels of light called mothers, among other wonderful things the reader will discover in the story. When the book gets published.
Which of your books gave you the most pleasure to write?
For me, the book I’m struggling with is one that combines fiction with poetry. Its title will be The Pink Knight. I wrote it during the pandemic, as I had a lot of free time at home. To write it, I took numerous online creative writing classes in both poetry and fiction. I wrote a piece on all the topics I wanted to cover in this work. The hardest part has been crafting the narrative structure, character development, dialogue construction, narrative tension, language, and personal touch, among other challenges. This book will be published in 2026, marking the beginning of something very special.
What is the best marketing tip you have received?
For me, it was the moment I heard this quote from motivational speaker Zig Ziglar: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” I realized that I didn’t need to have all the tools to begin my journey. Instead, I had to start and learn along the way.
If you want your book to be presented in a variety of venues, I invite you to visit cultural centers and nonprofit organizations where you can donate your time through talks related to your book or your professional topic. The best part is that doing so provides practice for improving your public speaking skills and creating a list of organizations you’ve worked for. It also helps you build a network of connections, potential readers, and strategic allies. Additionally, you can share the photos and videos on your virtual platforms, YouTube channel, or personal blog. This helps create an organic community interested in your content.
The most interesting thing about these free presentations is that you only have to prepare the topic, and the institution takes care of the logistics, support staff, food for the audience, and more. Thanks to this, I’ve had the great opportunity to have angels of light believe in my project and support three events: the launch of my first book, Find Your Destiny, in both Spanish and English versions. Also, my second book, 50 Days of Reflection. But beyond all that, you can touch the hearts of many wonderful people. These are just a few of the many benefits you can get when you make presentations for free.
How would you describe yourself? I feel that I’m a very home-oriented person—I love spending time at home. But I’m also passionate about exploring new places, meeting people, and trying different types of food, both in the United States and in other countries I’ve traveled to.I’m someone who holds on to humility, compassion, and other values I learned from my grandmother. I love keeping that childlike curiosity alive, always eager to learn from both the unknown and the familiar.What do you do when you are not writing or reading?
Usually, if I’m at home, I clean with good music playing. For me, that’s my therapy. I also spend time with family and friends, sharing meaningful experiences that I’ll always carry in my heart.
If you could holiday anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
If I could spend Christmas anywhere in the world, it would be in Spain, in Seville, in a small bar or theater, with a glass of wine in hand, enjoying good flamenco music and watching women dance passionately, amid clapping, heel tapping, and emotion.
If you have owned pets, do you have a funny story you would like to share with us?
When I was around twelve years old, I watched a TV show called Hamtaro. I was so fascinated by those little toys that I decided to buy a pair of hamsters. I loved dressing them up, letting them explore my home and yard. Of course, under my supervision. The funniest thing was when they had babies, which I felt was a source of innocence. I tried to hold one in my hands. And the mother, as a defender. I got bitten. Then I realized I couldn’t touch them. I spent weeks holding them with special gloves, for fear they might bite me again.
What is the biggest factor for you when selecting a book to read?
For me, it’s the title and the content on the back cover. I don’t get carried away much by the cover. Although, as many have said, “the face of a work.” I once heard someone say, “The information on the back cover has to be viewed strategically.” It’s all about positioning. This is where you can capture the reader’s interest. However, I feel that in every work, there are secrets to be discovered through reading the pages.
Do you have your own website?
I don’t currently have a website. However, I’m sharing motivational posts in English and Spanish on my Instagram. I’ll have a website later where I can share motivational content and future events so my community can stay tuned.
Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/destinoliderazgo/ (I’ll be uploading content there)Personal Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/samuel_acosta_ynoa/ (I share both personal and professional content on this one)
Are you working on a new book at the moment?
I’m currently working on a short book that will tell the myth and legend of my country, the Dominican Republic, called The Avocado Bush. I’ll be publishing this book this summer. It will first be published in Spanish, and later in English. In 2026, I’ll be publishing my book of short stories and poetry titled The Pink Knight.
Do you have any events or book promotions coming up that you would like to tell us about? Different Interests: A Guide to Accepting Rejection is my third book, and it is currently available in both English and Spanish for anyone who wishes to purchase it on Amazon. Additionally, the digital version will be available for free download on a website I’m currently developing.I’m also working on a short book that will share a myth and legend from my country, the Dominican Republic, titled The Avocado Bush. I plan to publish this book this summer. I invite you to follow me on social media to stay updated on all upcoming news and releases. Thank you so much, Rita, for the wonderful opportunity you’ve given me and other artists to share our life stories and connection to literature on your amazing virtual platform. It is truly appreciated from the bottom of my heart.
Hola [hello] dear readers. My name is Samuel Acosta Ynoa. I come from a small town in the Dominican Republic called Tenares. A town with narrow streets, homes with tin roofs, and amazing people. I currently live in New York, United States. Although I live in a city full of enigmatic skyscrapers, historic bridges that connect countries and states, and three that are the means of transportation for all its inhabitants, despite this, in my heart, there is no comparison with my little Tenares. I am an animal lover. When I lived in my country, I had a variety of pets, from chickens, roosters, turtles, parakeets, hamsters, a tortoise, a parrot, among others—truly a mini zoo. But everything changed when I was just fifteen years old, when I had to move to the United States. I had to find homes for all my pets, except for a chicken named Moni and a parrot named Charo.
I completed my studies in business administration in 2010. During my studies, I was part of a network marketing organization, selling nutritional products to friends and family. Through this organization, I was introduced to a motivational speaker named Jim Rohn, who undoubtedly influenced me through his audio CDs, YouTube recordings, and books. I was introduced to the world of personal development and motivation.
Sometime later, I became interested in becoming a motivational speaker, helping people see all the possibilities available to them in the world. Just as Mr. Rohn did for me. To make this possible, I started writing thoughts and posting on Facebook and later creating audiovisual content for YouTube. Thankfully, after that, I have had motivational opportunities at Corona Public Library, Queens Public Library, Voces Latinas, Oasis Latino LGBTS Wellness Center, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Dominican Civic Cultural Center, and FEDCAP, among others.
When I was twenty-four, I decided to write a book titled Find Your Destiny. This was followed by my second book, 50 Days of Reflection and Different Interests: A Guide to Accepting Rejection. These books have given me the opportunity to participate in venues such as open mics, book fairs, and local and international cultural events in Argentina and Colombia. I’m not only exploring the art of writing motivational essays, but also poetry and narrative. These have been published in international narrative and poetry anthologies. These include Beyond the Language, Across the Seas, Antología Homenaje a Frida Kahlo [Anthology Tribute to Frida Kahlo], and Antología Internacional de Mitos y Leyendas [International Anthology of Myths and Legends], among others.
When did you write your first book and how did it come about?
I began writing my first book when I was twenty-four years old. I did it with the goal of being a medium or tool that would invite readers to take a break from the age-old noise and take a journey within themselves, where they could find the greatness within them. Everything we need to achieve a life of abundance and peace. I’ve always believed that the hero or heroine we seek in the outside world is found within.
At first, I didn’t know how to write a book. It was a path full of uncertainty and challenges. Although I had an inner fire and a hunger to live that dream. First, I watched a YouTube program called Get Published TV; it is a YouTube channel created by Australian author Dale Beaumont. Then I started reading articles on Google about how to publish a book, and I bought the book How to Write a Book ASAP by Garrett Pierson. I did everything I could to find clarity on my path. Thanks to that, I was able to make it happen, in addition to publishing my first book, Find Your Destiny.
Do you always write in the same genre or do you mix it up?
Since I began writing, it’s been through motivation, but also through my attendance at open mics, book fairs, and other cultural and artistic activities. It was very special for me to hear about the beautiful and mysterious relationship other writers have with their respective genres. I became very curious to explore other genres, such as poetry and narrative. Through creative writing and narrative analysis workshops, I began writing poems and short stories. I won’t deny that I find the mix of genres interesting. In my second book, 50 Days of Reflection, a motivational book, there are two poems—a bit crazy, but I thought it was interesting to explore.
When you write, do you start with an idea and sit down and let it evolve, or do you make notes and plot the chapters beforehand?
That’s a great question. I’m quite excited about it. When I got the urge to write my first book, Find Your Destiny, what I did was write down all my thoughts and ideas for a month. I recorded everything I had on the D train on my way to work or home in voice notes. I did this for a month. Then I sat down to generate chapter names and decided the book would have twelve chapters. Then, I took those sheets full of ideas and read them, line by line. I placed each line or paragraph in the chapter that suited me best. When I finished developing my first chapter, I already had content for the other eleven chapters to work with. That way, I avoided the dynamic of “facing a blank page,” or writer’s block. This helped me finish the manuscript in seven months.
Would you like to give us a short excerpt from one of your books?
Find Your Destiny is a work that addresses the importance of personal and professional development. Through themes such as the art of goal setting, how to leave your mark in the world, ways to find the “Real You,” why it’s important to maintain the mindset of a child, my grandmother’s teachings, Jim Rohn, Nelson Mandela, and people who have created possibilities in the lives of so many beautiful people, I share all of these things from a very everyday and humble place.
Who is your favourite character and why?
There’s a story that will be published in my book The Pink Knight. It’s called “My Mother Spoils Me,” and it’s about the unconditional love of a mother named Aleida Peterson, the main character. She leaves her homeland of Germany to escape the Nazi hatred. She’s carrying a child growing in her womb. She moves to France and starts from scratch. She works hard to raise and educate her son, Luther. It’s a story I’m deeply passionate about because it teaches the reader the importance of appreciating those angels of light called mothers, among other wonderful things the reader will discover in the story. When the book gets published.
Which of your books gave you the most pleasure to write?
For me, the book I’m struggling with is one that combines fiction with poetry. Its title will be The Pink Knight. I wrote it during the pandemic, as I had a lot of free time at home. To write it, I took numerous online creative writing classes in both poetry and fiction. I wrote a piece on all the topics I wanted to cover in this work. The hardest part has been crafting the narrative structure, character development, dialogue construction, narrative tension, language, and personal touch, among other challenges. This book will be published in 2026, marking the beginning of something very special.
What is the best marketing tip you have received?
For me, it was the moment I heard this quote from motivational speaker Zig Ziglar: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” I realized that I didn’t need to have all the tools to begin my journey. Instead, I had to start and learn along the way.
If you want your book to be presented in a variety of venues, I invite you to visit cultural centers and nonprofit organizations where you can donate your time through talks related to your book or your professional topic. The best part is that doing so provides practice for improving your public speaking skills and creating a list of organizations you’ve worked for. It also helps you build a network of connections, potential readers, and strategic allies. Additionally, you can share the photos and videos on your virtual platforms, YouTube channel, or personal blog. This helps create an organic community interested in your content.
The most interesting thing about these free presentations is that you only have to prepare the topic, and the institution takes care of the logistics, support staff, food for the audience, and more. Thanks to this, I’ve had the great opportunity to have angels of light believe in my project and support three events: the launch of my first book, Find Your Destiny, in both Spanish and English versions. Also, my second book, 50 Days of Reflection. But beyond all that, you can touch the hearts of many wonderful people. These are just a few of the many benefits you can get when you make presentations for free.
How would you describe yourself? I feel that I’m a very home-oriented person—I love spending time at home. But I’m also passionate about exploring new places, meeting people, and trying different types of food, both in the United States and in other countries I’ve traveled to.I’m someone who holds on to humility, compassion, and other values I learned from my grandmother. I love keeping that childlike curiosity alive, always eager to learn from both the unknown and the familiar.What do you do when you are not writing or reading?
Usually, if I’m at home, I clean with good music playing. For me, that’s my therapy. I also spend time with family and friends, sharing meaningful experiences that I’ll always carry in my heart.
If you could holiday anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
If I could spend Christmas anywhere in the world, it would be in Spain, in Seville, in a small bar or theater, with a glass of wine in hand, enjoying good flamenco music and watching women dance passionately, amid clapping, heel tapping, and emotion.
If you have owned pets, do you have a funny story you would like to share with us?
When I was around twelve years old, I watched a TV show called Hamtaro. I was so fascinated by those little toys that I decided to buy a pair of hamsters. I loved dressing them up, letting them explore my home and yard. Of course, under my supervision. The funniest thing was when they had babies, which I felt was a source of innocence. I tried to hold one in my hands. And the mother, as a defender. I got bitten. Then I realized I couldn’t touch them. I spent weeks holding them with special gloves, for fear they might bite me again.
What is the biggest factor for you when selecting a book to read?
For me, it’s the title and the content on the back cover. I don’t get carried away much by the cover. Although, as many have said, “the face of a work.” I once heard someone say, “The information on the back cover has to be viewed strategically.” It’s all about positioning. This is where you can capture the reader’s interest. However, I feel that in every work, there are secrets to be discovered through reading the pages.
Do you have your own website?
I don’t currently have a website. However, I’m sharing motivational posts in English and Spanish on my Instagram. I’ll have a website later where I can share motivational content and future events so my community can stay tuned.
Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/destinoliderazgo/ (I’ll be uploading content there)Personal Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/samuel_acosta_ynoa/ (I share both personal and professional content on this one)
Are you working on a new book at the moment?
I’m currently working on a short book that will tell the myth and legend of my country, the Dominican Republic, called The Avocado Bush. I’ll be publishing this book this summer. It will first be published in Spanish, and later in English. In 2026, I’ll be publishing my book of short stories and poetry titled The Pink Knight.
Do you have any events or book promotions coming up that you would like to tell us about? Different Interests: A Guide to Accepting Rejection is my third book, and it is currently available in both English and Spanish for anyone who wishes to purchase it on Amazon. Additionally, the digital version will be available for free download on a website I’m currently developing.I’m also working on a short book that will share a myth and legend from my country, the Dominican Republic, titled The Avocado Bush. I plan to publish this book this summer. I invite you to follow me on social media to stay updated on all upcoming news and releases. Thank you so much, Rita, for the wonderful opportunity you’ve given me and other artists to share our life stories and connection to literature on your amazing virtual platform. It is truly appreciated from the bottom of my heart.