Did you always want to be a writer?
I showed signs of being a writer early on in life. I stared at clouds constantly, I was comfortable spending time alone and I loved to read. I also used to hoard paper and pens under my bed just to use for my writing time. I still do that.
Me, age 10, with my brother, Enrique, and our puppies. These rambunctious dogs were the inspiration behind the character of Spike in Gaby, Lost and Found and Lety Out Loud.What were some of your favorite books growing up?
The first children’s books I remember loving were Where the Wild Things Are and fairytale books like Thumbelina and Three Billy Goats Gruff. Later, I read the Narnia Chronicles over and over. I loved the Narnia series so much that I didn’t want it to end so I wrote my own sequel.
I also enjoyed all the Ramona Quimby books by Beverly Cleary and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien.
In high school, I was really into poetry and absorbed anything by Sylvia Plath and Langston Hughes. I also discovered Kurt Vonnegut and he’s one of my all-time favorite authors.
What books are you reading now?
I always love a good mystery story! Lately, I’m reading a mix of middle grade and adult novels. The last middle grade book I read was Manatee Summer by Evan Griffith. So good! And the last adult book I read was a collection of Agatha Christie mysteries. Super fun! I also enjoy memoirs and biographies.
Besides writing, do you have any other interests?
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Read and write every day. Then, share your writing. I know it’s scary to get feedback and critique, but be brave. Feedback and bravery is important to improve.
Do you like to visit schools and meet students?
Yes, I LOVE school visits! It’s fun to meet students. As a writer, I spend so much time writing a book and once it’s done and released to the world, I’m not certain if kids will pick it up and like it. So, it’s nice to meet students and teachers and hear their thoughts about my books. I especially like it when they ask me to write another book. :) For me, that’s the best feeling in the world. You can learn more about inviting me to your school on my Author Visits page. :)
