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barriers, help, and a question about the Natl Latino Children's Lit Conf
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From: Meg Medina <Meg6000_at_aol.com>
Date: Sat, 09 Feb 2013 08:12:26 -0500
Roseanne Parry asked: For those you you who have managed it, what help was most helpful to you? What barriers were most difficult to overcome?
Most helpful to me was simply reading the ground breaking book The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. It was revelation to see that the stories of my own life/culture could make a compelling book. It is easy to overlook the simple fact that seeing examples of your heritage in books empowers you, but there it is. (Another essential reason to support diversity in the literature in our classrooms and libraries.) Over time, the company of wonderful writing organizations, such as SCBWI, was also instrumental in helping me understand the business and craft of writing for young people. I would also add that more recently, my connection to other Latino authors has been very gratifying.
As for barriers, I suppose the biggest barrier is the nagging question of whether writing from a starting point of culture (e.g., a Latina author, a Native American author, etc) narrows your appeal, your audience, your sales, and ultimately your success as a writer. I have made complete peace with that point. I write what I write, and my work will move through the world as it will. However, I would be lying if I didn't admit that those anxieties have existed.
I would like to ask others if you attend the National Latino Children's Literature Conference at the University of Alabama, held every other year? Dr. Jamie Naidoo does an amazing job, but I couldn't help but notice that attendance was relatively small for the quality of presenters that he gathers. (Alma Flor Ada, Isabel Campoy, Joe Cepeda, Monica Brown, Rafael Lopez…just to name a few). Also, are we throwing support behind The Amйricas Awards presentations/reception?
Meg Medina www.megmedina.com www.girlsofsummerlist.wordpress.com http://megmedina.tumblr.com
Milagros: Girl From Away (Christy Ottaviano Books: Henry Holt Books for Young Readers) Tнa Isa Wants a Car (Candlewick Press) The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind (Candlewick Press; Walker Books pbk) Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass (coming March 2013, Candlewick)
Received on Sat 09 Feb 2013 08:12:26 AM CST
Date: Sat, 09 Feb 2013 08:12:26 -0500
Roseanne Parry asked: For those you you who have managed it, what help was most helpful to you? What barriers were most difficult to overcome?
Most helpful to me was simply reading the ground breaking book The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. It was revelation to see that the stories of my own life/culture could make a compelling book. It is easy to overlook the simple fact that seeing examples of your heritage in books empowers you, but there it is. (Another essential reason to support diversity in the literature in our classrooms and libraries.) Over time, the company of wonderful writing organizations, such as SCBWI, was also instrumental in helping me understand the business and craft of writing for young people. I would also add that more recently, my connection to other Latino authors has been very gratifying.
As for barriers, I suppose the biggest barrier is the nagging question of whether writing from a starting point of culture (e.g., a Latina author, a Native American author, etc) narrows your appeal, your audience, your sales, and ultimately your success as a writer. I have made complete peace with that point. I write what I write, and my work will move through the world as it will. However, I would be lying if I didn't admit that those anxieties have existed.
I would like to ask others if you attend the National Latino Children's Literature Conference at the University of Alabama, held every other year? Dr. Jamie Naidoo does an amazing job, but I couldn't help but notice that attendance was relatively small for the quality of presenters that he gathers. (Alma Flor Ada, Isabel Campoy, Joe Cepeda, Monica Brown, Rafael Lopez…just to name a few). Also, are we throwing support behind The Amйricas Awards presentations/reception?
Meg Medina www.megmedina.com www.girlsofsummerlist.wordpress.com http://megmedina.tumblr.com
Milagros: Girl From Away (Christy Ottaviano Books: Henry Holt Books for Young Readers) Tнa Isa Wants a Car (Candlewick Press) The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind (Candlewick Press; Walker Books pbk) Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass (coming March 2013, Candlewick)
Received on Sat 09 Feb 2013 08:12:26 AM CST
