-Editorial
Poli Flores Jr. is a man of many achievements: a judge in Imperial County, a devoted family man, and now, an acclaimed author preparing to launch his second novel. Born and raised in the Imperial Valley, Poli’s journey to literary success has been as remarkable as the stories he writes. His debut novel, In the Shadow of the Sun, received national recognition, becoming a finalist in five prestigious awards in 2023 that include the American Writing Award, the International Latino Book Award, and the Best Thrillers Award.
In the Shadow of the Sun explores the life of Sammy Mendoza and his family as they grapple with the aftermath of Sammy’s brother Curt’s return from Vietnam. Curt’s severe PTSD, coupled with his entanglement in a murder case, plunges their idyllic California life into turmoil. The story delves into themes of war, justice, and the resilience of family in the face of tragedy. “This book is my tribute to Vietnam veterans,” Poli explains. “I grew up around many of them, and their experiences deeply influenced me.”
The novel’s success has not only garnered accolades but also ignited a new chapter in Poli’s life.
Poli’s love for writing began early. “I dreamed of being a professional sports writer,” he recalls, “but life took me in another direction.” After graduating from Calexico High School, where he excelled in academics, sports, and music, Poli earned a political science degree from UCLA and later a law degree from UCSF College of Law. His career in law spanned decades, including roles as a public defender, sole practitioner, and judge.
Yet, the dream of writing never faded. Years later, Poli found solace in storytelling. “Writing became therapeutic,” he says. “Once I started, I couldn’t stop.”
Poli’s writing journey has been a humbling yet gratifying experience. “I realized writing is much harder than I thought,” he admits. “It involves endless editing and review.” His debut novel taught him the art of storytelling, while his upcoming book, The Nickel Choir, challenged him to refine his craft further.
With guidance from mentors like retired English teacher Brian McNeese, Poli worked tirelessly to develop rich, multidimensional characters. “Brian’s feedback was invaluable,” he says. “He helped me see the importance of depth in storytelling.”
Poli’s second novel, The Nickel Choir, introduces a Latina prosecutor from East Los Angeles. Known for her expertise in death penalty cases, the protagonist must confront personal demons while investigating a potential wrongful conviction. “I wanted her to be a role model,” Poli explains, “especially for young Latina women.”
The book, currently in its editing phase with Pegasus Publishers in the UK, is set to be released next year.
Poli’s advice to aspiring writers is simple: start writing. “It doesn’t have to be perfect,” he says. “Write a letter, a diary entry, or a short story. The more you write, the better you get.” He credits Stephen King’s memoir On Writing as a source of inspiration, sharing how even the bestselling author faced self-doubt.
Poli’s journey from the courtroom to the bookshelf exemplifies the power of perseverance and passion. As he prepares to retire from the bench, Poli looks forward to dedicating more time to his craft. “Writing has been incredibly gratifying,” he reflects. “Knowing that people connect with my stories inspires me to keep going.”
From his roots in the Imperial Valley to the international stage, Poli Flores is leaving an indelible mark through his writing. His debut novel’s success and his forthcoming book promise to solidify his place in the literary world.
