Where are you from?
I grew up in Cali, Colombia. About a decade ago, I moved to California and somehow, I ended up living my life between Lake Tahoe and the Bay Area.
Why did you write Carmelita Walks freely in Lake Tahoe?
I mainly wrote Carmelita Walks freely in Lake Tahoe as an exercise to dive into myself and to self-reflect about the little things that make me happy. It was my way to honor those things and to honor the positive impact that has nature in my life.
I really hope my book sparks conversations between parents and children, not only about the things that we can do outside in nature, but also how to do it responsibly and respectfully.
Why Carmelita?
Picking the right name for my character was one of the hardest things in the process of making my book. I mean, self-publishing is no easy in any way, but finding a name for my dearest child character, was hard!
One day I was walking around LA, and I read on a street sign “Carmelita Ave.” And it was like a revelatory event. I immediately knew that was the name I wanted in my book. A name that was going to be beautifully intonated with my Hispanic accent.
Later, while doing my research, I learned that Carmelita means Garden. And I loved it even more!
Why Carmelita Walks freely in Lake Tahoe takes place in Lake Tahoe?
I adore the Lake Tahoe area with all my heart; and I wanted to commemorate Lake Tahoe by making it the scenario of the illustrations of my book. I have experienced the most memorable moments of my adult life in Lake Tahoe. There, I re-learned how to play like a child, to explore, and to re-appreciate the mountains, so I wanted to put Carmelita in this magical place.
What experience do you have with children?
Apart from being a loving aunty, I have worked in education in various forms over the last 10 years; including working as preschool teacher, as a Behavioral therapist serving children with the autism spectrum and other developmental conditions, and lately as a Children’s book author & illustrator, and guest speaker at educational institutions.
Why did you choose to independently publish your book?
I wanted to challenge myself and venture into the unknown. I guess sometimes one chooses to learn the hardest way.
Can you sign my book?
Unfortunately, I can’t. Someone else is handling the shipping for me. However, I do sign books when I am doing school presentations or reading events. Contact me if you would like to have me as a guest in your school or subscribe to my newsletter to know about my reading events.
Why some of your illustrations look like they were done by a child?
Most of the times I let my inner child to lead my creative process.
Why do you create for the young at heart?
My art is a celebration for the young at heart, because no matter how old we are, we find beauty and joy in simple things.