1. What inspires your authorship?
Nothing inspires my writing more than reading. When I finish a great book, I feel a combination of excitement and motivation to create my own stories. It’s a feeling I’ve had my entire life. My experiences are a huge influence as well. Some are deeply personal like with my Stella Díaz series, but it can be something small like a favorite ice cream flavor, too. (It's lime sherbet by the way.)
I’m also just a naturally observant and curious person. I like to dream up scenarios and imagine what happens next. When it’s the right idea, then a story starts to grow, and I start investing my energy into it. It’s sort of magical that way.
2. What advice do you have for young writers/creators?
Reading is my number one tip. Not only does it inspire you, but it also teaches you what makes a wonderful story or a great sentence. Second tip, if you love to create, do it as often as you can. Practice doesn’t make perfect, but certainly makes you better. Third, be willing to take feedback from others.
A book isn’t made alone and it certainly is not finished in one draft. It’s revised countless times. A book is a real collaboration between the author, editor, art team, illustrator, and publishing house. My editor’s suggestions make my writing and illustrations better every single time. While it can be overwhelming at first, especially when you’ve worked so hard to get it to a point, learning to take feedback and revise your work is an essential skill to have.
3. What is the message you hope rings out to the world from your work?
I hope readers may find humor, joy, and comfort in my work. But my biggest wish is that they may be inspired to be kinder to one another and to the environment.
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