Tell us about yourself.
I write and illustrate children’s book and kids comic books. I also write a YA comic book series called "The People that Melt in the Rain" and my husband illustrates it. My books have won multiple awards and my children’s book art has been displayed in galleries in New York City, USA and Delhi, India.
I’m also a sculptor and have a mask making store online. I’ve created masks for Men’s Fashion week in NYC, Paramount Pictures in L.A. and Australia, the costume department For Hulu and Netflix UK. Also, countless music videos and photo shoots.
I live on the Pacific coast of Mexico with my family and a menagerie of pets.
What inspired you to start writing, and how did you get started in the world of storytelling?
Having kids inspired me to really take writing seriously. My oldest daughter loved being read to and loved stories. We read 10 to 15 books to her a day when she was small. when we were driving she would ask for stories and we would have to make them up. Usually those stories were pretty awful but they inspired me to focus and do better.
Once I had written about 20 picture books, I decided it was time to write something for older kids. My first longer stories were, "The Horribles" a long running webcomic series I wrote and illustrated for kids and " The People That Melt in The Rain" -a series that appeals to both older kids and adults- in fact many of my fans are adults because of that series.
What’s the most fun part of writing—plotting a twist, creating a quirky character, or something else entirely?
The idea is the best part and the second best part is the journey. Finding out where this story takes you is a fantastic experience every time.
What’s the most unusual or quirky source of inspiration you’ve ever had for a story?
Probably my story "The Hiccup Monster". I was inspired by my sister’s crazy method of getting rid of the hiccups. She stands on her head, holds her breath and does some kind of humming thing! Anyway, that book will be out early next year. It’s pretty cute actually.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting their writing journey?
Just keep at it. Finish what you’re writing and see where it goes!
What role does research play in your writing process, especially when you’re exploring new genres or themes?
Right now I’m writing my first middle grade novel and I have been researching lightning. It’s fascinating and I find myself down rabbit holes all the time! Most of it won’t get into the book which is about a young girl who gets struck by lightning, but it really helps me stay enthusiastic about the book and helps me feel like I know what I want to say.
What is your favorite part of the writing process, and why?
My favorite part is when I have a good day and the story takes a turn I did now expect.
How do you approach character development? Are there any real-life influences in your characters?
My kids have deeply effected character development in many of my books.
Have any of your characters ever “taken over” a scene and surprised you with where they went?
Over and over this happens in my comic book series "After the Robots Died". This is my only scifi comic book for kids. The basic premise is this:
Arriving as embryos and raised by robots, a colony of children on a distant planet struggle to survive when the robots who raised them begin to shut down.
-As I wrote this I found the character of Benji would just take over scenes, which is why so many crazy things happen to him. He’s the youngest kid stranded on the planet and gets abducted, falls into a block of goo and a crazy doppelganger appears of him that bites another character.
If your book were to get a movie adaptation, which actor would you cast as the protagonist, and why?
I honestly have no idea but since I do comic books and children’s book, I would be hoping for an animated series anyway.
How do you maintain creativity during tough writing moments or when you’re experiencing writer’s block?
I set that project aside and write a different one. I have many projects going at once.
What do you hope readers take away from your books, and how do you want them to feel after finishing one of your stories?
I want them to feel intrigued, and ready to read more.
Are there any Easter eggs or hidden messages in your work?
No not really.
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