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Writing for children is very challenging. As a children author, you have to remember what it was like to be a child and must write keeping that perspective in mind. Author Cinta Garcia de la Rosa remembers what it means to be a child. Her book, The Funny Adventures of Little Nani, comprises of ten entertaining and hilariously preposterous stories, that will transport any child into a make believe world. Having studied the world renowned, Jean Piaget while attending graduate school at Bankstreet College of Education, I understand fully the importance of exposing young children to creative play and reading. I am elated that Cinta de la Rosa, afforded me the opportunity to learn more about her talents and the contributions she has made to the children’s publishing world.
Can you tell me about yourself?
I am a Spanish teacher who decided one day to quit her job of seventeen years to devote herself to do what she enjoys the most: writing, editing, and translating. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. Oh, and I am also crazy; so crazy that I fell in love with an American and said goodbye to my life in Spain to go and marry him. Pretty crazy, huh? Right now we spend our time writing and moving from Spain to the states and back again several times a year. As a writer of children’s stories, I spend lots of times in the imaginary world inside my head, having fun. As a writer of horror stories, I also spend some time getting spooked in the darker side of my brain. Some other times I just explore human feelings writing contemporary short stories. Eclectic is my middle name.
What inspired you to become a writer?
I have always been a bookworm. I just love books. I cannot spend a whole day without reading. That led me to start loving writing too. I just wanted to be like my favorite authors. When I won a literary contest in my city when I was only eight, I decided being a writer was what I wanted to do all my life.
How long did it take you to acquire the skills to become a writer?
Being a writer is a continuous learning process, in my opinion. I don’t think I have acquired yet all the skills necessary to be a successful writer, because we keep on learning every day. So, how long? All my life. I am still learning things and enjoying every one of them.
How many books have you written?
I have written several books. I have just published one full book and several short stories, so far. I am hoping to publish three more books in the next year and a half.
Some writers go on long walks; others keep a journal, write at a café, or listen to music. What do you do for inspiration and unleashing your creativity?
My inspiration is my daily life. Conversations I hear while running errands, people I see in the streets, things that happen to me or my friends… In order to unleash my creativity and start writing, I only need a notebook, a good pen, and the TV. The noise of the TV in the background helps me write. I am unable to write straight away on the computer or when there is complete silence.
What are you working on now?
Right now I am working on several projects. I am writing the second book in my series of The Little Nani Adventures, as well as a cookbook for kids based on Little Nani. I am also giving the final touches to two collections of short stories. I will publish very soon a non-fiction book about creative writing techniques, done in a funny way with activities and what I hope are helpful ideas.
Where can readers find more information about you and your books?
Readers can find me in the following places:
Blog:
Newsletter:
Join my team of Bloggers:
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Thank you, Nicole, for interviewing me! It is a pleasure being featured on this site 🙂
My pleasure Cinta!