Frequently and Infrequently Asked Questions
Where can I find out more about you?
Have you thought about putting Magda on TV or making a Magda doll? What new projects do you have in the works... ?Tell us something about you that most people don't know.
I've been a writer for many years and in many genres and styles, so it's best to say I've been able to make a living with my writing, but certainly not a lavish six-figure living. About the children's picture books, most of my money is made from speaking engagements and providing keynote addresses at educators' gatherings. I also earn money from the sales of my books and advance royalties, which are paid by the publisher prior to publication.
There are a few books that I would recommend. Susie K. Flatau featured me in From My Mother's Hands: Remembrances and Memories from Texas Women (published by Republic of Texas Press). Susie is also writing a new book entitled, Quotable Texas Women. Although I'm a native Texan who now calls New Mexico home, I'll be featured in that book set for release in 2005.
I am also profiled in TOTAL LITERACY, along with several other very well-known authors and illustrators -- including Bill Martin Jr, Tommie dePaola, Eric Carle and many other well-loved children's book authors.
Of course I have! Magda could really go places! I certainly have thought about doing both, but in the meantime, something almost as exciting has come out of the Magda books. I have adapted my first book, Magda's Tortillas/Las tortillas de Magda, for children's puppet theatre. The play which I wrote in English and Spanish, is an ongoing production at the Institute of Texan Cultures, which is located in my hometown, San Antonio, Texas. The puppets were made by a Dallas puppeteer. The puppets look just like the characters and are real "dolls" to me! Magda has gotten much TV coverage...so, in a way, Magda has been on television!
Magda is a little seven-year-old girl, who is very grownup, almost precocious. She is not me, but I do see glimpses of me and my daughters in the character. Some people have commented that Magda looks like me, but, in fact, I think Magda looks like millions of Hispanic/Latino girls in the U.S. and in Latin America.
I am working on several projects, simultaneously. Juggling is one of those underrated skills. Currently, I have several Magda Madrigal manuscripts in the works. I have been busy in the past few years since our move to New Mexico and have had to put most of my writing aside. And, now that I am in my mid-life phase, this writer is working on a memoir.
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How 'bout about some likes, dislikes, hobbies, habits and all sorts of stuff!
My favorite foods: Avocadoes! Rice! Cheese! Chocolate! Barbacoa (Mexican-style barbeque)! Macadamia nuts! Olives! Tamales! Italian cream cake, spicy mustards, Tempura Shrimp, Polish Pirogi, Matzo ball soup,
Least favorite (yucky) foods: Sauerkraut and Fried Eggs -- over easy, sunny-side up, etc., no thanks!
Favorite Movies: To Kill a Mockingbird, A Patch of Blue, The Wizard of Oz, Shenandoah, Amadeus, The Blues Brothers, Roman Holiday,
Favorite TV show: I Love Lucy, Nightline with Ted Koppel, NOW with Bill Moyers,
Favorite time of day: 4 o'clock in the afternoon and anytime in the middle of night. I am a night owl.
Some things I'd like to do someday: Do stand-up comedy. Sing in a rock or blues band or do singing impressions of female singers.
Hobbies: Beading, Reading, Linguistics, Sign language, Hispanic studies, Religions of the World, Photography, Making up corny jokes!
Habits: Recycling. I love to write letters and send notes to people in my life. Phone calls are great but I prefer sending something you can put away in a box to keep. I love SURPRISING people, too!