If you’ve seen the movie Freaky Friday, you know that its premise is about change and growth through role reversal. For my Friday Blog entry I thought it would be interesting to interview aspiring writers; the same writers who spend lots of time reading the interviews of published authors and dreaming of the day when they might get their book on the shelves…
Marie Cruz is a wonderful friend that I met on Livejournal, but haven’t had the opportunity to meet in the flesh. I know this sounds kind of strange, but I really do consider the friends I’ve made in this wonderful writing community real friends. The idea of some day meeting Marie at a writing event, is the ultimate cherry on top of a conference sundae.
Let’s get to it. Marie, can you tell us a little bit about who you are and how you came to be an aspiring children’s author?
I have to start by saying that I’m not one of those people that wanted to be a writer when I was a seven. What I wanted to be at that age was an artist. Throughout my life so far, I’ve had a creative compulsion that needed to be expressed. Drawing and painting were my first forms of creative expression. Then as an adult I fell in love with all forms of textile arts and crafts. I’ve tried all kinds of different embroidery forms, you name it, I’ve done it! I’ve also crocheted, knitted and quilted. Throughout my adventures into the various art forms, I was also an avid reader.
I LOVE BOOKS. My book collection is bigger than my yarn stash! Oh, wait … yup, my husband just confirmed it … sigh. 🙂 I read whenever I can (even while cooking). My friends would ask about what I was reading and I would tell them about the story. The desire to write my own stories came to me quite suddenly. You know, like those light bulbs that light up above the heads of cartoon characters! I was browsing in a book store one day looking for a gift for my niece. I saw lots of picture books that featured stories set in Chinese, Japanese and Korean cultures but very few books (pubbed here in the US) with stories with Filipino kids and culture in them. Since I am a Filipino American, I realized that I could tell those stories. I. could. do. this. And so began my journey as an aspiring children’s book writer.
I wrote picture book stories for a couple of years then joined SCBWI. The moment I realized that I really do this was when I won an honorable mention in a writing contest at the 2007 SCBWI Los Angeles Writer’s Day conference for my picture book manuscrpt. It was at this same conference that I first heard Lisa Yee speak about her journey to becoming an author. She was so inspiring. What I remember most about her talk was how she challenged those at the conference to say they wanted to be an author, to say it out loud, to not be afraid to tell people about it. This was also the moment I decided to try my hand at writing a novel. Since that time, I’ve completed the novel, joined a critique group, revised it a few times and attended as many SCBWI conferences I could afford. It’s been a blast. I love every part of the writing process. It’s hard work but wonderfully gratifying!
You just gave me chills! Your Liss Yee experience is so much like my Laurie Halse Anderson experience. It changed me. I’m also sooooo envious that you can crochet and knit. I try-but not enough to get good enough to be relaxed while doing it. I always picture myself watching TV and making a sweater, but I end up with a lot of knots. At the end of the day my artistic side is better suited to dance, which means I only count to eight…maybe that’s why I get all those knots!
Congratulations, it had to be VERY empowering to win that 2007 honorable mention. I think any little nugget of encouragement can fill and fuel you, (and that was a pretty big nugget) especially when it seems like its getting harder and harder to swim up the stream of publication. Can you tell us a little bit about your WIP and where you are at in the process of trying to get published. We also accept shameless plugs about the awesome people in critique groups. :o)
My WIP is titled NORA’S GRAVE. It’s about a girl who lives as a squatter in the Manila North Cemetary and what happens when her mother makes a decision in a desperate attempt to rise out of poverty. This story was inspired by an article I read online about a missionary and his quest to save homeless children in the streets of Manila from a life of prostitution.
This book was first drafted in 2007. I’ve been steadily revising since then with my uber fabulous critique group (Edith, Steph and Carlynn — you ladies rock!) for the last year and a half. I was so fortunate to have found my group through SCBWI. They have taught me so much, challenged and pushed me when I needed it, and got me through my difficult months of revision.
As far as where I am in quest to go from pre-pubbed to pubbed author, I am actively querying/submitting to agents. This process has made me a student of patience and perseverance. It’s been tough but I’m learning so much!
Yay!!!!! The book sound fantastic and I can hold your hand and be neurotic with you-I’m in the same phase of searching for an agent.
It has come to my attention that by day, you’re a scientist. Is this where your secret inner type A personality comes out? Or have you managed to make science artistic and creative? How does your job inform or affect your writing?
Secret? LOL! Unfortunately, my tendency to obsess with details comes out in both my writing and my day job! As far as how it affects my writing, well, I just wish I had more time for writing. Working fulltime and taking care of my family PLUS making time to write has been a challenging balancing act for me but a worthwhile one. My family is very supportive even when I sometimes (sigh) lose track of time when writing …. 😀
My next project is going to be about a young scientist set in an alternate universe so my background in genetics will definitely help me with the science I’m going to have in my new story. I’m so excited about it I’m going to try NanoWriMo next month!
Wow-NanoWriMo scares me. I’m much better with JoNoWriMo. I need to be mothered in a YA kind of a way.
SCBWI has played a big role in your progression as a writer. I know a lot of people are making tough choices in these difficult economic times. Some people aren’t familiar with The Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators and others just aren’t sure if the expense is worth it at this time. What would you tell other aspiring writers who haven’t had as much SCBWI experience? How can they get the most for their money if they do decide to join?
JoNoWriMo? Where have I been? If I had known about this community then maybe I would have joined up. Perhaps it’s not too late? I definitely agree that NaNo is scary. I’m not a fast writer or have large blocks of time to accommodate all the time I spend staring at the screen so coughing up 50,000 words in one month is terrifying. I want to try just the same and get a good head start on my next book.
Times have definitely been tough but I do think that membership is worth it. Even if you can’t afford to go to the big conferences, there are always regional events you can go to. As a member you have access to lots of information about the publishing industry. The SCBWI website is easy to navigate. Members have the opportunity to apply for grants and have access to a message board where you can ask questions, look for a critique partner or get advice from a lawyer who understands the ins and outs of the publishing industry.
The best thing though, is chance to meet other writers, to make new friends. Children’s book writers and illustrators are some of the nicest people in the world. 🙂
I’ll second that motion. The friends I’ve made and continue to make are one of the nicest things about being a children’s writer. I want to wish you good luck on NaNo-can’t wait to hear all about it.
I’m dying of curiosity…tell me your top 5 books and how they’ve influenced you.
Here are my top 5:
1. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott – This book taught me so much about how writing can be its own fulfillment.
2. Coraline by Neil Gaiman – I love his storytelling style. I loved Neverwhere and Stardust as well. I’ve been a fan of his writing for fifteen years.
3. Ombria in Shadow by Patricia McKillip – She is also a long time favorite. This book in particular is one I’ve read a few times over the years. Her writing is lyrical and breathtaking. It is something I definitely aspire to acheive in my own writing.
4. Speak by Laurie Halse-Anderson – This book taught me a lot about the importance of a character’s emotional depth.
5. The Giver by Lois Lowry – This was the first of her books that I’ve read and my favorite. This book in particular is a wonderful example of creating a compellingly realistic alternate world and culture.
There you have it. I’d love to hear about your favorites.
I won’t give you my top 5, but I will tell you that you share some of my absolute favorites. Marie, I can’t thank you enough for stopping by and being freaky. If you’re interested in following Marie Cruz and her up and coming NaNoWriMo journey-stop by livejournal and say hi! Or you can visit her on Facebook. Thanks again Marie and I can’t wait until I meet you in person and maybe I can even get a knitting lesson or two.
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Woo hoo! Great interview Marie & Kimberly. And I love your top 5 books!
Enjoyed the interview. Good Luck with nanowrimo, Marie.
Monica
Thanks again for doing the interview Marie-it was wonderful to get to know you better!
You're welcome, Kim! It was a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to meeting you in person at next year's SCBWI Summer Conference! 🙂
Can't wait!!!!!
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