THE ORIGINS OF LITERARY HISPANICS ARE DISCOVERED

ABOUT BOOKS
The origins of literary Hispanics are discovered

La Palma

By LORRAINE CARBONELL LADISH
Friday, September 21, 2007

Designed specifically as a textbook for schools the Latino Writers and Journalists book was written by Jamie Martinez Wood and includes profiles of more than 150 Latino writers and journalists.

Each of the entries within the book starts with a paragraph that explains the achievements most relevant of each person. It continues with a biography and finally a list of suggested literary works.

According to the author, the book is a collection of motivational short stories that explain how many successful authors and journalists come from humble beginnings.

"The biographical pieces contain funny anecdotes, which make these giant literary heroes into [normal] human beings that motivate our Latino youth to believe in themselves," said the author.

Martinez Wood is author of six books of non-fiction including "The Hispanic Baby Name Book." She is a promoter of Latino literature and has participated in festivals such as the Latino Book and Family Festival and The Festival of Books in California, where she currently lives.

She also participates in literary events in local schools.

Martinez Wood graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in communications and public relations, where she also took courses in Chicano Studies and the role of Latinas in literature.

The author admits that it took her two years to research, write, and edit Latino Writers and Journalists.

"I interviewed 70 authors and journalists. I began the search for authors by speaking to Latino librarians, booksellers and editors, and referencing encyclopedias of Chicano studies. I also contacted authors via their website or through the universities where they work. I looked to their literary agents and asked for interviews," explained Martinez Woods, of 39 years.

She says that the target public of her book is students from middle school to high school, but that anyone that is interested in the history of Latino literature would find a lot of good information in this work.

"The best part about writing the book was the interviews where the writers opened up and shared their stories of personal motivation and triumph over their difficulties. The worst part came from my own doubts, which happened when I thought of the enormity of the project," she confessed.

Martinez Wood is Mexican-American of eighth generation. She says that she has been able to follow the paths of her family tree back to the first Spanish conquistadors and Native Americans in Orange County, California.

"I love the profound connection that I feel with the earth, through my indigenous heritage. I also love the fact that there are parts of my Mexican grandfather's lineage that are still a mystery and that I can still explore," she said.

The author claims that she would like to see her book published in Spanish, but that she is not sure that her dream will be met since it depends so heavily on the editorial marketplace.

With regards to what she feels when she has in her hands the first edition of hers, she says: "When I first hold a book of mine that has been published I am both thrilled and scared. I am ecstatic that the work has materialized from my ideas, dreams, and ambitions. I am nervous that I can't change what has been printed - just in case something has changed or needs to be rearranged. Seeing my books in print is a great teacher in acceptance. Mostly I'm proud of my determination."

Martinez Wood is a mother, writer, orator, and also directs spiritual retreats. She assures that her method of connecting all the facets of her life go on adapting and changing to the circumstances that go on happening.

"I spend the most time I can with my kids when I'm not focused on a project. I write when they are in school or in bed. But sometimes I do need to work in their presence and luckily they have learned to entertain themselves."

Martinez Wood says that she writes books, articles, and other projects to satisfy her desire to motivate others to find the best they have inside and to give them the strength to share their creative talents with the rest of the world.

"For a reader to feel inspired, the writer must have written with inspiration. When I wrote Latino Writers and Journalists, I didn't primarily focus only on the successes of the artists, but also I asked them questions about their early years in order to understand the foundation they used to build their successes. Really I hope that this and my other books inspire and encourage readers to pursue and unearth their personal talents," she concluded.

Some of the biographies in the book include Isabel Allende, Julia Alvarez, Sandra Cisneros, María Elena Salinas and Jorge Ramos.

Martinez Wood finds herself in a promotional tour for Latino Writers and Journalists.

For more information, visit jamiemartinezwood.com.

Latino Writers and Journalists

Autora: Jamie Martinez Wood

Edición: Hard cover, in English.

Editora: Facts on File (2007)

ISBN: 978-0-8160-6422-9

Páginas: 294

Cost: $44

If you would like a press kit, please send request to maito:Jamie@jamiewood.com