The Latina Book Club welcomes Dominican writer and illustrator Genia I. Nunez. For her, it all began with a poster over a decade ago. Today, she enjoys writing poetry, photography, crafts and keeping her inner child alive!
Q: We know you are a Civil Engineer and a college professor. Where did the desire to write children's books come from?
A: I've always enjoyed helping
children learn. I also taught catechism classes and tutored elementary aged
children during my free time. I've always had a creative inclination, and
writing and drawing were always ways to express myself. The interest of writing
children’s books came because I wanted to help my own children and their
friends in school. I always have enjoyed children’s books and their
illustrations. I think it’s important to keep your inner child alive!
Q: Tell us about yourself. Your
family, your schooling, your home now. We know you come from Santo Domingo. Do
you go back often?
A: I like to write poems, paint and
use my inspiration. I’m married and the mother of two lovely children. I travel to Dominican Republic when I get the
chance. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in Dominican
Republic and obtained a Masters of Engineering from Iowa State University. I’ve
worked as a Civil Engineer both in Dominican Republic and the U.S.
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Q: Tell us about your book: THE
CYCLE OF THE SEVEN DAYS OF THE WEEK. What
inspired you to write about the days of the week?
A: The inspiration to write this
book came from a poster I created that illustrated the cycle and order of the
days of the week. I wanted to show my children and friend’s children that there
are different activities that we do each day and I changed the color for each
day to illustrate that each day was different. The original poster is bilingual
in English and Spanish, because I used it as a tool for them to learn the days
in both languages.
Q:
Do you visit with schools and libraries to read from your book? What do
the children think?
A:
I haven’t gone to any schools or libraries yet, but I’ve had living room
reading sessions with family and friends and they all enjoy the book. Many children and their parents like the book.
They even have learned Spanish reading it in the bilingual version.
Q: I read a quote of yours: “I
believe that education is very important for our children. Being bilingual is more
relevant than ever before." Explain why you think being bilingual is a
plus in today's society. Do you think bilingual education should start early or
can it also be learned as a teen or even an adult?
A: Each language is source of
communication that unites us. Being that we’re now more connected than ever
with globalization, the more languages you speak the more a person can
communicate with the rest of the world. Being bilingual or even multilingual is
an all around plus! I think that children have an advantage when they are
exposed to languages at a young age. And, I think you can learn a language at
any time if you have an interest!
Q: Not a lot of Latino books are
being bought and released today, and many authors are turning to
self-publishing. Are you self-published? If so, what are the pros and cons of
self-publishing?
A:
Yes, we do need more Latino books in the market! And, Yes, I am self-published. It is
difficult at the beginning to learn the standards for the printing process, but
it’s a good experience and a rewarding feeling when everything is finished. I
recommend self-publishing because there are so many options available to get
your book out there.
Q:
Do you have any advice for new Latino authors? Any specific advice for
those Latino authors wanting to write children's books?
A:
As a new author myself, I think if you have something to express you
should share it and not give up. My
advice: write what you are passionate about. We all have our own unique stories
to tell and share.
Q: Do you belong to any professional
writing organizations? Do you recommend them to authors?
A:
I do not belong to any professional writing organizations, but I go to
writing seminars to learn and share ideas with fellow writers. It’s always good to network, and to express
your concepts and have someone to review/edit. In my case, I feel very lucky
that my daughter also shares an interest in writing and helps me with the
translations and editing.
Q: Who are your favorite Latino
authors?
A:
From the Dominican Republic are Pedro Mir, Salome Ureña, and Juan Bosch.
I also enjoy the works by Paulo Coelho, Gabriel García Márquez, Pablo Neruda
and Julia Alvarez.
Q:
Who are your favorite children's authors?
A: I’ve always enjoyed classic fairy tales like the Brothers' Grimm Collection, the Dr. Seuss Series and Clifford the Big Red Dog series.
Q: What are you writing now?
A: I have a couple of books that are part of The Cycle Series coming up, that deal with the months of the year and the seasons. I also have some math and traffic educational books that I’m working on. Look for the Cycle books this Summer.
Q: How can readers find out more about you?
A:
Readers can find me at:
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.com/e/B00HKM18UC
Website: www.genimpublishing.com
Facebook.com/genimpublishing and twitter.com/genimpublishing
@genimpublishing
Thank you, Genia!
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