Welcome to another Author Spotlight! These spotlights are for showcasing author’s (predominantly women and people of color) writing talents and published works. I do themed weeks of prominent holidays/events throughout the year on my site. Every time I do these I always feature other authors (usually ones of color and women). And for Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month I am trying to feature authors who have Latinx and/or Hispanic backgrounds. So without further ado let’s get on with the Author Spotlight!
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About the Author:
Laura Serratos is a Mexican American author, teacher, writer, and poet. She has spent ten years in education where she has been touched by the lives and stories of her students who often inspire her work. Laura knew that one day she would see her name in the title of her own book. Many weekends were spent at her grandparent’s home where the seed of authorship was planted in the heart of a young eight year old girl. Laura Serratos lives in Schererville, Indiana with her husband and children. She also loves travelling as a form of education in life.
What and when started your love for writing?
I actually started writing when I was eight years old. I would write, illustrate, and publish my own handmade books when I spent weekends at my grandparent’s house. They always made sure my brothers and I kept busy by using our imaginations.
Of all of the book genres, what drew you to write about yours?
Poetry just felt right for me at the time I began writing my book. I was able to say a lot
with a small amount of words, and that’s powerful. I, Too, Bloom started as an ebook,
but I knew I wanted to do something more with it.
If you could meet your favorite Latinx/Hispanic author, who would it be and why?
I have already met Sandra Cisneros at a book signing she did in Chicago a
few years ago. However, I would love the opportunity to spend time with
her to talk about writing. She was the first Latina author I came across
when I was an English major in college.
How has your Latinx/Hispanic background and culture shaped what you write and how you write?
My Mexican heritage has given me many traditions, values, and experiences from which I can draw on. I have so many wonderful memories. Although I am American, the words and phrases sprinkled throughout my writing shows that I have been influenced by my Mexican culture. Most of my experiences are very positive, but I wouldn’t be honest if I said I haven’t experienced some sort of discrimination.
What book do you think everyone should read is based (or inspired by) around Latinx/
Hispanic culture?
Everyone would enjoy reading The House on Mango Street. The main
character’s name is Esperanza which means hope. I think this is something
that everyone, whether Hispanic or not, can relate to. For me, hope is what
drives my need to write. I can script my life with the hope of finding
something more.
What makes your book(s)/writing special?
I think what’s unique about my poetry book is that it has more to do with how I write than what I write. What I mean by that is when I started writing the poems for my book, I was trying to stick to certain poetic formats. By the second half of my writing I had let go and went completely free verse. This was scary because I wasn’t sure that I could write free verse, but I ultimately found my unique voice and style, which is why I love all of the work I put into it. I can literally see myself transform through words and phrases.
So…what are you working on now?
I am working on a second poetry manuscript that I imagine will be the companion to I,
Too, Bloom. It’s going to be all free verse and deeply personal. I want to focus on the positive thoughts and feelings I get when I write from a place deep in my heart and soul.
Thank you for sharing your stories with my audience Laura! Your book cover is so gorgeous! Education professionals are always such bright and sweet people on the blog, and I’m happy to add you to our list of poets as well. If you want to get in contact or connect with Laura, you can follow her on:
Thank you all for reading and remember:
Live. Love. Laugh.
