Straight from the Mouth of Liza Trevino, Author of 'All that Glitters'

Liza Treviño hails from Texas, spending many of her formative years on the I-35 corridor of San Antonio, Austin and Dallas.  In pursuit of adventure and a Ph.D., Liza moved to Los Angeles where she compiled a collection of short-term, low-level Hollywood jobs like script girl, producer assistant and production assistant.  Her time as a Hollywood Jane-of-all-trades gave her an insider's view to a world most only see from the outside, providing the inspiration for creating a new breed of Latina heroine.

Check out All The Glitters on Amazon: All That Glitters

Questionnaire:

Thanks for letting us interrogate you!  Can you give us a go-for-the-gut answer as to why you wanted to be an author?

I can’t explain it – my entire life, I’ve always thought up stories. It’s as voice inside my head that won’t shut up unless I get it out of my head and onto paper. It’s a constant battle.

Tell us (we won’t tell promise!) is it all it’s cracked up to be?  I mean what are the perks and what are the demands?

Getting published is a rush – ain’t gonna lie. To see something you conjured out of nothing appear in the physical world is really cool.  But, to get to that published point is very demanding. The original story idea you had and wrote, gets revisited over and over and over and over again. Pretty much to the point where you start to doubt why you even thought the story had merit to begin with. Seriously. So that part of it gets demanding and tedious, at times.  But, the perk is that I get to create anything I can imagine.  Anything that’s captured my attention or that I find important, that’s what I get to spend all my time studying, thinking about and, ultimately, writing about.

Which route did you take – traditional or self-published – and can you give us the nitty gritty low down on what’s that like?

I would fall into the indie, co-publishing category.  After I decided to seek publication for All That Glitters, I read all the articles in Writer’s Digest and on blogs about landing an agent.  So, I set to doing that. Which took some time. Queries, sample pages, follow-ups and rejections. Eventually, it did happen. Which was a great day! And, then the submission process began. And that was another lengthy process of queries, samples and waiting for responses.  So, the con of my journey is time.  There just isn’t any way around the fact that trying to get published takes a lot of time…and then, it may never occur. 

As for the editing process that I had with Koehler, the pros were many. Working with a great editor who gets the story is invaluable. It’s an amazing experience to collaborate on your work with someone who sees it with new, fresh eyes.  Of course, the con aligns closely with this, too.  It can be hard to hear that words, passages or scenes you slaved over just need to go. But, it’s part of the process and, ultimately, it does make the work stronger, and it helped me become a better writer. 

Tell us for real what your family feels about you spending so much time getting your book written, polished, edited, formatted, published, what have you?

I’m lucky  - or, unlucky, depending on how you look at it – that I’ve spent my entire adult life as a writer, whether it be as an academic or in the fiction realm, so I have always spent time reading, writing, editing, revising, formatting something, whether it be papers, a dissertation or a novel. 

Do your pets actually get their food on time or do they have to wait until you type just one more word?

No, I’m a ‘get the chores done first’ person. For my dog, that means he gets fed first thing in the morning, usually while my coffee’s brewing. 

This is for plant lovers.  If you don’t own a plant, skip this question, but if you do, are they actually still alive?

Yes, but only because their either succulents, or extremely hardy.

In writing your book, how did you deal with the phone ringing, your family needing dinner or your boss calling you saying you’re late?

The phone is easy to ignore. It’s off when I go into writing mode. And, as I tend to write in 15-20 minute ‘sprints,’ I don’t run into too many issues with those other commitments.  Exception to the rule – I’m always running late in the morning or at lunch. I’m usually sliding into work about 5 minutes later than I’d like…and usually that’s because I extended my writing sprint longer than the amount of time I had.

What was the craziest or insane thing that happened to you in the book publishing process?

The purely capricious whim of gatekeeping editors. Example. Same pitch, same manuscript, one editor turned me down, telling me they were looking for projects with a stronger commercial hook that could move to a series. A second editor turned me down – same pitch, same manuscript – telling me the project was too commercial. 

How about the social networks?  Which ones do you believe help and which ones do you wish you could avoid?

I’m new to utilizing social networks for book promotion. Twitter and Facebook are great for building a platform that can reach people you’d have no way of reaching otherwise. I think that’s a very positive thing.

Book sales.  Don’t you just love them (or lack of?)?  How are you making the sales happen for you?

First book, so I’m working the local author angle and tapping into every single community, however tangentially related to me, the story or the concept, to promote All That Glitters. We’ll see how that goes…

What is one thing you’d like to jump on the rooftop and scream about?

That Latinas read!!!! They are a large, lucrative and untapped book market. Also, they want all kinds of stories – romance, family dramas, horror, westerns, all of it!

Okay, too much sugar for you today!  Here’s a nice cup of Chamomile tea and come on over and sit under the cabana and watch the waves roll in.  Now…can you tell us what you love about being a published author and how all those things above doesn’t matter because it’s all part of the whole scheme of things and you wouldn’t have it any other way?

My inspiration for writing this particular story and for creating Alexandria Moreno was that I wanted to read about someone like her. I didn’t see why characters like her weren’t all over the place, and I just hadn’t found them yet. When I didn’t find what I was looking for, that’s when I decided to start writing. And now, it exists.

It’s been a long journey to get All That Glitters published. The best thing is that this book and its main character, Alexandria Moreno, now live beyond my imagination. Alex is out in the world for anybody and everyone who’s looking for a Latina anti-heroine to find. That’s definitely the best part of this entire process.

Straight from the Mouth of 'A Decent Woman' Ellie Parker

Name: Eleanor Parker Sapia

Book Title: A Decent Woman

Bio: Puerto Rican-born novelist, Eleanor Parker Sapia, was raised in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Europe. Eleanor’s life experiences as a counselor, alternative health practitioner, a Spanish language social worker, and a refugee case worker inspire her passion for writing. When Eleanor is not writing, she facilitates creativity groups, and is making plans to walk El Camino de Santiago a second time. A Decent Woman is her debut historical novel. Eleanor is the mother of two adult children and she currently lives in West Virginia.

Check out A Decent Woman on Amazon.

Questionnaire:

Thanks for letting us interrogate you!  Can you give us a go-for-the-gut answer as to why you wanted to be an author?

I was an exhibiting multi-media artist for over twenty years when I discovered the book, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. I loved it so much, I invited eight friends to ‘do’ the book with me the following year. By encouraging others to live a more creative life, I discovered a new passion—writing.

I also come from a long line of oral storytellers, so it feels very natural to me. I love telling stories, and my kids will tell you that I have a lot to say! I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Tell us (we won’t tell promise!) is it all it’s cracked up to be?  I mean what are the perks and what are the demands?

The perks for me as a full time writer and blogger are many. I don’t need an extensive wardrobe, and very often, I work in my pajamas or sweats. I work hard at the craft of writing, and the perk of seeing my book in print is a thrilling one. I’ve always had a good sense of self, and don’t mind working alone for long periods of time, but the sense of gratification of seeing my book in reader’s hands is priceless. Leaving a legacy for my children is also the best thing ever, and meeting new people in the writing world is awesome. I’ve made new friends this year, many of them are fellow authors, and I love that I’m not alone. We are a great, supportive community.

The demands are many! Long, lonely hours sitting at my writing desk; working on holidays and sunny days when my friends are traveling and getting together; the enormous learning curve (for me) in social media and marketing, are some of the demands placed on a writer. I’ve woken up and fired up brain synapses that have been dormant for years, and my writer’s brain doesn’t rest for very long. I have to force myself out for fresh air and exercise.

Which route did you take – traditional or self-published – and can you give us the nitty gritty low down on what’s that like?

I had a CreateSpace account for my novel, A Decent Woman, and I couldn’t download my manuscript. Something kept telling me to wait a bit longer. After two years of querying agents and getting nowhere, I submitted to Booktrope, an Indie publishing company based in Seattle, Washington, and six months later, I had a publishing contract. I’ve been with them a year and it has been great experience.

As a Booktrope author, you select your creative team from talented people within Booktrope—an editor, proofreader, cover designer, project manager, and a book manager. It took a few months to get the perfect team together, and we’re very supportive of each other. Everyone receives a certain percentage of books sales after the book is published, so it behooves every team member to work hard and to be professional. I love my publishing team. I call them my dream team.

Tell us for real what your family feels about you spending so much time getting your book written, polished, edited, formatted, published, what have you?

When I was writing A Decent Woman, good friends were annoyed as all get out. Everything was new to me, and I was MIA for months on end. Then I started writing and researching for the second book. Almost immediately, I started researching and writing the second book, and they weren’t so patient then! They didn’t understand that the marketing never ends, and you have to put another book out. I have to; let’s put it that way. I’m obsessed, driven, and yes, a little nuts. I now compromise by taking two weekends off from writing a month, and I make plans with family and friends. Honestly, when the book came out, and most of my friends and family read it, they understood, and I think they looked at me with new eyes. Writing is a full time job. You must be committed.

Many of my friends also think I should starting dating again…we’ll see about that.

Do your pets actually get their food on time or do they have to wait until you type just one more word?

Ha! You must be spying on me. My pets get their food after I do my social media stuff, which usually takes an hour in the morning. I am awake around 8 in the morning, so they don’t have to wait too long. My dog and cat know the food drill, but they will jump on me when I forget to let them out. They are very tolerant with me, and I know they love me, but I’m sure they shake their head at how easily I can block out distractions when I have great writing momentum.

Are they actually still alive?

For Mother’s Day, my daughter presented me with a fuchsia-colored orchid that I’m happy to say is still alive and thriving four years later. It is actually flowering right now with five blooms and two buds. It’s incredible because although I have a beautiful garden outside, I have absolutely NO green thumb for inside plants. I think it’s because I place the plants where I like them decoratively, not where they will thrive. But I baby the one I have.

In writing your book, how did you deal with the phone ringing, your family needing dinner or your boss calling you saying you’re late?

I was an at-home Mom of two teens when I wrote my book and an empty-nester when I finally got back to the manuscript, and finished editing it. Now I live alone and write full time, so I don’t have to worry about family, dinners, or a boss. But I’m as busy, if not more busy, than I was when I had a family to care for! I have much respect for authors with children and a husband; I don’t know how they do it.

What was the craziest or insane thing that happened to you in the book publishing process?

While learning my way around LinkedIn, I was prompted to invite my Gmail friends and family to join me on the site. What I didn’t realize was that every single person I’ve ever corresponded with since I opened that Gmail account was invited! I am now friends with the guy who inspected my house, my vet, and two former boyfriends. It was insanely funny to me at first, and then irritating because the ex’s thought I wanted to get back together. They were immediately deleted!

How about the social networks?  Which ones do you believe help and which ones do you wish you could avoid?

I love social media, and always recommend Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and LinkedIn to new authors. If you’re writing your novel now, join those sites now. Most authors I know have a personal Facebook page and an author page. That helps a lot. I lurked around Wattpad for a bit, and I might post the first few chapters of my work in progress on that site. Fellow authors haven’t seen many book sales from Wattpad, but hey, you never know. Everything is worth a try in marketing and publicity.

Book sales.  Don’t you just love them (or lack of?)?  How are you making the sales happen for you?

My historical novel, A Decent Woman has just come out, so I am pounding the pavement at local bookstores with my book, signing up for local book fairs and festivals, encouraging my friends and family to create book clubs, which of course, could feature my book (!) and I’m lining up speaking engagements with book signings. Radio and Podcast interviews are also in the works. All this is time consuming, but necessary. An author must put him/herself way out there for their book.

What is one thing you’d like to jump on the rooftop and scream about?

I don’t jump on the rooftop and scream about this issue, but writers who publish their book without a good editor makes me extremely sad for the writer. A great editor is critical for a great book. I’m always surprised when I meet an author who tells me he or she self-published without an editor. Unless you’re an experienced editor, don’t try that at home. Invest in yourself by investing in a good editor! They are worth their weight in gold.

Okay, too much sugar for you today!  Here’s a nice cup of Chamomile tea and come on over and sit under the cabana and watch the waves roll in.  Now…can you tell us what you love about being a published author and how all those things above doesn’t matter because it’s all part of the whole scheme of things and you wouldn’t have it any other way?

I love it ALL. Plain and simple, complicated and complex, sane and insane; I love it all, and can’t imagine doing anything else but writing and living a creative life.

Thanks for having me, Straight from the Author’s Mouth! I’ve enjoyed my time with you! Eleanor x

Straight from the Mouth of ‘The Power of Latino Leadership: Culture, Inclusion, and Contribution’ Juana Bordas

It’s a pleasure to have as my guest Juana Bordas today. Bordas is president of Mestiza Leadership International, a company that focuses on diversity, leadership and organizational change, as well as founding President of the National Hispana Leadership Institute. After being a faculty member for the Center for Creative Leadership, she served as vice president of the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership and as a trustee of the International Leadership Association. Her book Salsa, Soul and Spirit: Leadership for a Multicultural Age was a International Latino Book Award winner in 2008. Bordas is here today to talk about her latest book, The Power of Latino Leadership. Visit her website.

Bordas is currently touring the blogosphere with Condor Book Tours.

What is Mestiza Leadership International and how did your work there begin?

I started Mestiza Leadership International in order to integrate leadership, diversity, and positive social change. In the multicultural age, achieving our potential requires tapping into the talents and assets of our rich diversity. Second, in our country today leadership is listed under business. There is no classification of leadership as a field in libraries, universities, or book categories.

This presents a challenge. The purpose of leadership is not just about business or the economy. Leadership is about creating the society we want to live in. It is about ensuring that the values we hold most dear–equality, justice, the common good, pluralism, community, and individual worth–are integrated into our society. Leadership is also a communal responsibility–everyone has something to contribute. Yes, we want to have a strong economy and good jobs, but we can’t let corporations highjack leadership–leadership has a much wider scope and that is to ensure the people’s well-being and to create the good society.

Mestiza Leadership International promotes leadership that empowers people to make a contribution and be more effective in their communities and organizations.

You’re also the president of National Hispana Leadership Institute. How did that come about?

I was the first president of the National Hispana Leadership Institute (NHLI) for the first seven years. NHLI is now 26 years old and I am proud to say has trained hundreds of Latinas from across the country for leadership. The NHLI network of Latinas is an hermanidad or sisterhood who assist and support each other. NHLI is creating a powerful leadership force for Hispanic community advancement and to build a more inclusive America.

Your second book, The Power of Latino Leadership: Culture, Inclusion, and Contribution has just come out. What was your inspiration behind this book?

Recently Time, Newsweek, Parade and Rolling Stone all had Latinos on their covers. Salsa is America’s favourite condiment. Latinos were the deciding force in the last presidential election. Hispanics have the highest participation in the workforce and are the fastest growing small business sector. Moreover, the US is the fastest growing Spanish speaking country in the world. Because of their exploding demographics, by the middle of the century Latinos will make up a third of the US.

The Latinization of America is a real phenomenon–right now!

But how did this happen? What are the leadership lessons of those who advanced the Latino community? What are the contributions Latinos will make in the future…in other words what is Latino Destino? And how can leading with a Latino flavor be a valuable asset for everyone?

The Power of Latino Leadership answers these questions. By understanding how Latinos have arrived to where we are today, and by embracing our unique form of leadership, Latinos can continue moving forward and bring their cultural assets into the mainstream.

Who is your target audience?

Latino leadership is a model for the 21st century. It has an inclusive community spirit that fosters contribution and service. It has an international, intergenerational scope and an immigrant spirit. The Power of Latino Leadership is for anyone who wants to embrace diversity and be a more effective leader.

Mainstream leaders will learn about the powerful ways Latinos have led their communities. Companies will better understand how to serve and connect with Latino consumers. Young Latinos can take pride in the accomplishments and integrity of our leaders. Latinos will know their history and see how leading from their cultural core will make them even more successful.

What would you like readers to learn from your book?

I want to change the “conversation” and focus of leadership. Most leadership books have been written from Anglo, male, and Euro-centric perspective. Historically, leadership has been hierarchical, the domain of the influential few, and associated with control and dominance.

This type of leadership is not strategically suited for the global multicultural age where change is constant and our problems are very complex. People are better educated and want to participate.

The Power of Latino Leadership provides a model that embraces diversity and promotes participation, social responsibility, and community. I hope readers will be inspired to join in and help build a world that cares for its people and values differences.

Tell us about your Latino Leadership Program and its benefits. Who would be a good candidate for this program?

The Latino Leadership Development Program (LLDP) was launched ten years ago. The purpose is to assist Latinos actualize their leadership potential and to increase their contributions to their organizations. The program includes individualized assessments and coaching. The LLDP integrates the best of mainstream leadership with the assets and lessons that come from the Latino culture and leadership.

You also have a program specifically aimed at Latinas. Could you give us a brief overview?

Latinos are the youngest population in America. To keep moving forward, leaders must prepare the next generation. This is the purpose of the Circle of Latina Leadership. Emerging leaders (25-40 years old) participate in a nine month community leadership program that builds their skills. Each participant works with a mentor to clarify what their contribution will be.

Latinas have always been the connectors and nurtures of family and community. By coming together, they can support one another’s journeys and build a network that benefits their communities and families.

What do you find the most rewarding about working as a coach?

I don’t do much individual coaching at this time. As a social worker I spent years coaching and assisting individuals and groups. I then moved to helping create organizations such as Mi Casa and NHLI that benefit more people and have continuity. The programs I design include coaching or mentoring as individual reflection and learning are key components of leadership development.

The most challenging?

Finding the right match for people is a challenge. We can learn from everyone, but there is a certain chemistry and connection that happens between folks that can really spark growth and development. Coaching is successful when both parties learn from each other.

What’s on the horizon for Juana Bordas?

Promoting The Power of Latino Leadership is numero uno. And if you are reading this you can help by buying the book. And Gracias!

People who read the book will understand that Latinos are a culture or ethnic group and not a race. Furthermore, Latinos are impeccably inclusive and can be Black, White, Brown, Indigenous, Mocha or Mestizo (mixed).

Because culture is learned, people can choose to “learn” or experience the culture. In my family, for instance, my sister’s husband, Karl has become a “Latino by affinity” or Corazon. He loves the extended familia, the music, food, and values such as celebration and generosity. I say if you are around Latinos long enough the rhythm is going to get you.

The Latino culture also has a bienvenido or welcoming spirit. We embrace people who want to share our values and way of life. My next book will be about becoming a Latino by Corazon. So stay tuned and get ready for the Latinization of America. We are all going to have a very good time!

This interview first appeared on Blogcritics. 

Follow the author’s virtual book tour!

Monday June 17 Condor Musings

Tuesday June 18 Hispanic New York
Wed June 19 Examiner
Thursday June 20 Latina Lista
Friday June 21 OC Gente

Monday June 24 L2L
Tuesday June 25 Latina Book Club
Wed June 26 Latina Geeks
Thurs June 27 Que Means What & Amigapreneur 
Friday June 28 Pa’lante Latino