Different
I'm not a typical Latina. Anyone that knows me knows that this is a fact. I don't listen to Spanish music. I don't read books in Spanish, although I can read, write and speak the language just fine. It's just a matter of preference. I have a lot of emotional baggage when it comes to the first 17 years of my life in the tropical island.
Lately I've been harassed on facebook by an overzealous woman who is obsessed with all things Latin. Every single time I post something about my work there she goes, leaving a comment asking if this book will feature an AMAZING LATINA woman. And I had to unfriend her. It was getting to be too much. Almost like passive aggressive bullying. I even wrote her a very polite letter and asked her to stop. And she replied with a bunch of links on how we need more Latina role models. She has it in her head that I should be a positive role model for the entire Hispanic community and that my books should feature more Latin characters.
Umm...here's a newsflash for you. I write whatever I want. My writing is not a soapbox for anyone to stand on to bring forward an issue. I write what's in my heart. I write what brings ME joy. And other people just happen to enjoy it as well. The world is a wonderful place filled with people of all shapes, sizes, colors, and genders. My characters have ranged from Latinas (if you read The Jackets, Nina and Note to Self then you know what I'm talking about), Italian (upcoming horror novel, Morgan) Asian (Ming Lee from the Frost Series) and American (Bianca Frost from the Frost Series).
Another reason I'm in no particular hurry to create another AMAZING LATINA character? First of all she's not living inside my head at this particular moment (I'm the good kind of schizophrenic), secondly, I'm in no hurry to revisit the experiences I went through while I lived in Puerto Rico because that's where I would draw those characters from, the past and what I know (best advice is to write what you know right?). Some Latinos have a great love for their country and that's wonderful. Good for you. Hang on to that, because I will never ever have that. The only time I was ever fully and completely embraced for who I am as a person, as the unique individual that I am was when I came to Delaware on September 9th, 1999. The moment that I set foot in the USA was the day that I actually made true friends. Some of which I am still friends with to this day.
The day that anyone tries to control me or my writing is the day that I will stop writing altogether. I will literally throw away every pen and notebook and never write another sentence again.
So crazy lady has been unfriended. I wish her the best of luck finding someone else she can put on a soapbox. Not me.
Lately I've been harassed on facebook by an overzealous woman who is obsessed with all things Latin. Every single time I post something about my work there she goes, leaving a comment asking if this book will feature an AMAZING LATINA woman. And I had to unfriend her. It was getting to be too much. Almost like passive aggressive bullying. I even wrote her a very polite letter and asked her to stop. And she replied with a bunch of links on how we need more Latina role models. She has it in her head that I should be a positive role model for the entire Hispanic community and that my books should feature more Latin characters.
Umm...here's a newsflash for you. I write whatever I want. My writing is not a soapbox for anyone to stand on to bring forward an issue. I write what's in my heart. I write what brings ME joy. And other people just happen to enjoy it as well. The world is a wonderful place filled with people of all shapes, sizes, colors, and genders. My characters have ranged from Latinas (if you read The Jackets, Nina and Note to Self then you know what I'm talking about), Italian (upcoming horror novel, Morgan) Asian (Ming Lee from the Frost Series) and American (Bianca Frost from the Frost Series).
Another reason I'm in no particular hurry to create another AMAZING LATINA character? First of all she's not living inside my head at this particular moment (I'm the good kind of schizophrenic), secondly, I'm in no hurry to revisit the experiences I went through while I lived in Puerto Rico because that's where I would draw those characters from, the past and what I know (best advice is to write what you know right?). Some Latinos have a great love for their country and that's wonderful. Good for you. Hang on to that, because I will never ever have that. The only time I was ever fully and completely embraced for who I am as a person, as the unique individual that I am was when I came to Delaware on September 9th, 1999. The moment that I set foot in the USA was the day that I actually made true friends. Some of which I am still friends with to this day.
The day that anyone tries to control me or my writing is the day that I will stop writing altogether. I will literally throw away every pen and notebook and never write another sentence again.
So crazy lady has been unfriended. I wish her the best of luck finding someone else she can put on a soapbox. Not me.
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
Deb
(new)
Nov 14, 2013 11:18AM
Good for you Liz! I do believe that people in the public eye should try to be role models. (Sorry, Miley, it ain't you). Especially if kids or teens are drawn to what you do. Liz, you are a role model. Not only for your family but for the above mention group. Your characters are strong, healthy teens in the Frost series. I believe you write with a great heart. You are more than your nationality, you are a human being. Your stories cross over that one dimensional line that crazy lady thinks you should be. If that is how she wants you to be, then maybe she should TRY to write. We need to get away from putting people in pigeon holes! Keep doing what you do & my son & I will keep buying.
reply
|
flag
Deb wrote: "Good for you Liz! I do believe that people in the public eye should try to be role models. (Sorry, Miley, it ain't you). Especially if kids or teens are drawn to what you do. Liz, you are a role mo..."*hugs* Thanks Deb! And I didn't want to imply that I don't want to be a positive role model for young teens. I actually got my first bit of fan art for First Frost and the little girl wrote on the back of it. It said 'Thank you for being my role model.' I almost started crying right there and then.
It warms my heart that I've reached anyone. I don't want to be pigeon holed or anything like that. I want to be able to reach ANYONE not just limit myself to one culture or group of people. I think stories and books have the power to reach any single person no matter their race, cultural background, or gender.
So that was what upset me the most about the woman's insistent badgering. I don't want to churn out the same stereotypical characters over and over again. I want to explore every single crevice in my head. I write to find out who I am, what I'm afraid of and to express myself. That everyone (including you and your son -two of my favorite people) else is coming along for the ride is a bonus. LOL
I in no way thought you did not want to be a role model. I think my comment was just as much for crazy lady people as it was for you. You are also very dear to us. I love what you do. To write a commercial product is not an easy thing. You do it EXTREMELY well. Your books feel as if they are written FOR you. This adds a depth to the books that aren't there from people who write for the money. If that makes sense. When my grand nieces & nephews get old enough, you will be an author I introduce them to.
Deb wrote: "I in no way thought you did not want to be a role model. I think my comment was just as much for crazy lady people as it was for you. You are also very dear to us. I love what you do. To write a co..."*hugs*
You are so sweet! :D Can't wait to hear what they think of Bianca and Ming's crazy adventures. And I'm still working on the third book in the series. Slow and steady wins the race. ;)
And as always, we want the new book as soon as it comes out as a physical book! Though, I don't want the series to end. That is a sign of a great series.
Deb wrote: "And as always, we want the new book as soon as it comes out as a physical book! Though, I don't want the series to end. That is a sign of a great series.":D <3 *fingers crossed* It will be an ongoing series. I've got ideas for books #4 and #5.
Deb wrote: "Just yelled out "YES! YES! YES!"LOL!
