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One question about his family’s past led author Michael Travis down an unforgettable and astonishing life changing path of discovery, history, and ultimate appreciation. In “El Gancho: A Saga of an Immigrant’s Family Journey out of Mexico,” Travis infuses family history with fiction to create a memorable book of wonder. We asked the award winning author how it all got started…

Your family was the inspiration for “El Gancho.” How did the concept of the book come about?

I asked my Grandmother Anita about our family’s history. She put aside her knitting and said, “I guess you are old enough to know. Your mother’s maiden name is an alias. You see. . .” She then proceeded to tell me the story of her father and mother walking hundreds of miles out of Mexico and of her father’s train holdup in New Mexico. My jaw was on the floor and I had to find out if these tales were true. The information I found laid the foundation for this incredible story.

Why write it as a historical fiction as opposed to non-fiction?

I could not verify all stories. Therefore, I filled time gaps with logical events. By telling the story from a fiction point of view, the reader is able to see thorough their eyes, live their feelings, and understand their thoughts.

In your research and family stories, what did you learn about your family?

I never fully appreciated what my family endured to enter this country. They weathered famine, disease, and a brutal civil war to walk across the border with only the shirts on their backs. Their sacrifices enabled my family to thrive in the world’s greatest country, the United States of America. I will never take it for granted again.

In writing “El Gancho,” what did you learn about yourself?

I come from a very human and loving family and I accept their strengths and weaknesses. I also realize that I have never known hunger, crushing poverty, and complete social upheaval as they did. I only have an inkling of understanding of what they endured so I can live free and safe.

Was the novel written as a political statement, given the current state of illegal immigration?

No. I wrote this book out of love for my family. I never intended to voice an opinion about immigration.

How long was your family’s journey from Monte Escobedo, Mexico to Sydney, Montana?

Fate and twisted events brought my family to Sidney, Montana. Their journey took about 20 years to migrate about 1,500 miles.

What family story surprised you the most?

I verified that my great-grandfather stopped a train south of Carrizozo, New Mexico. He escaped this ill-fated venture and changed my family’s last name from Nava to Minjares to prevent capture. My mother never knew her last name was an alias.

What do you want your kids to learn from your history?

I want my descendants to respect their heritage and appreciate the hardships they endured so that we may live in America.

Do you feel readers will have a greater respect for immigrant struggles by reading your novel?

Yes. The novel explains the social-economics of the early 1900s and the upheaval that pushed about 300,000 people over the border in 1913. Many of the immigration issues of that era are relevant today.

How has writing the novel changed you?

As I stated in the book’s introduction, I lost many dearly loved family members during the course of writing this story–including my only son. Writing helped me drag myself from the pit of despair and reflect fondly on family memories. “El Gancho” also helped me deeply appreciate the hard working people that immigrated to America at the turn of the century to become productive citizens today.

I’m surprised at the interest “El Gancho” has generated among readers and am pleased to share my family’s story. Other questions and answers can be found on the internet at www.publicationconsultants.com/elgancho.html.

The book can be found at Amazon.com, or anywhere fine books are sold. “El Gancho” won both Alaska Professional Communicators and National Federation of Press Women awards for Best Novel in 2007.