
Behind the Book: Why I Wrote The Road of a Dreamer
- Hector Ibarra

- May 23
- 3 min read
People often ask me, “Why did you decide to write your story now?” The truth is, you never know how long you have to sit down and share your life. For years, my job kept me constantly on the move — from hotels to airports to conference rooms. Instead of watching TV while traveling, I started jotting down thoughts. Little by little, those notes turned into stories. Those stories turned into chapters. And eventually, I realized I had a book.
I didn’t want to write something boring or overly polished — I wanted it to be real. That’s why in just over 100 pages, I cover more than five decades of my life. Not everything is there, of course. There are still many stories to tell, but the ones in this first book felt like the right place to start.
Why The Road of a Dreamer?
The title wasn’t mine — it was my wife’s idea. I had a different name in mind, but when I explained it to her, she said, “Your life is about chasing dreams… and you’re always driving somewhere. Why don’t you call it The Road of a Dreamer?” She was right. That title captured everything — the constant motion, the pursuit, the vision that keeps pulling you forward.
To me, being a dreamer means having a clear goal, a sense of direction, and not letting go of it — no matter how many detours life throws your way.
The Hardest Chapter to Write
There were a few emotionally tough moments, but the hardest by far was writing about my father’s passing. Some emotions are so deep, so personal, that words feel too small. But I wrote through the pain because it shaped who I am. Those difficult chapters are part of my journey — and I didn’t want to skip them.
Not Just My Story — Yours Too
One of the most rewarding things has been hearing from readers who saw themselves in the book. That was my hope all along. I wanted people to see that you don’t need to be famous to have a story worth telling. We all go through trials. We all carry regrets, failures, victories, and lessons. Sometimes we think people in leadership roles are somehow different — but we all face doubt. We all start somewhere.
I didn’t hold back from sharing personal or even painful moments because those are the ones that define us. Character is built more in storms than in calm seas.
Family Reactions and Unexpected Surprises
My family has been incredibly supportive. My wife, my daughter, my mom, and my brothers all embraced the book. Some parts were new to them — especially the stories from my early work life or my younger days before they knew me. Their reaction? “I can totally picture you doing that.” That made me smile.
A Message to Young Dreamers
If you’re chasing a dream and it feels far away, my advice is simple: don’t give up. Take every opportunity that comes your way — even if you’re not sure where it will lead. You might be surprised how far it can take you.
When I started writing, I never imagined the book would reach readers in different countries or be accepted into a public library. I just wanted to leave something behind for my daughter — a legacy. Something she could read one day and say, “Now I understand a little more about who my dad was.”
What’s Next?
I’ve been posting short essays and untold stories on my blog — stories that didn’t make it into the book, but still carry lessons or moments worth remembering. A second book? Maybe. If I can find more stories that aren’t repetitive, and if they can still offer value or insight, I just might.
If I Could Talk to My Younger Self…
I’d tell him this:
“For every challenge, there will be a lesson. Keep pushing forward. Don’t forget where you came from, and always remember who you’re doing it for.”
Thanks for reading.
If you haven’t yet, feel free to explore my book The Road of a Dreamer or visit the blog section of www.theroadofadreamer.com — where I’ll be sharing more reflections week by week.
Join the journey. Join the dreamers.





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