Me: Congratulations on LET’S CELEBRATE DÍA DE MUERTOS (Mudpuppy, Oct. 2024, illustrated by Priscilla Moreno)! It’s a lovely introduction to the holiday for very young readers. What inspired you to write this book?
Paulina: Thank you so much! I am super happy and I feel honored to have been chosen to write this poem for a board book. In Mexico we celebrate many festivities but I think Día de Muertos is super special because, although it can be a somber topic, we create a colorful and amazing atmosphere during the two days of honoring and remembering our loved ones. We celebrate since we are little kids in schools and at home so for me the inspiration was always there, in my heart.
Me: I know you primarily as an illustrator (and my favorite colorist!) What was it like to focus only on writing? Can you share your process?
Paulina: Thanks! I loved working on your graphic novels! Writing is harder for me than creating images because I went to school and learnt the proper techniques and processes to create illustrations but since 2020 I’ve been slowly learning more about the tricks and tips on how to structure ideas and turn them into proper stories or poems. I’ve taken online courses and mentorships to improve my writing (also, English isn’t my mother tongue so it adds complexity!).
Regarding my process: When I have the intention to start a story I actively concentrate and think hard to evoke images and ideas. Is somewhat an active meditation. I close my eyes, focus in the silence. Then I scribble the ideas, trying to get the whole story arch at once (it doesn’t happen all the time). To me, writing the ending is the most difficult thing to do… That’s why having a mentor, an editor or an agent is great! The feedback is needed.
Me: The illustrations by Priscilla Moreno have a simplicity and beauty that really pops from the page. How did she end up as your illustrator? What, if any, was your collaboration?
Paulina: The editor had a clear idea in her head. Mudpuppy launched a board book series called: “Let’s Celebrate”. The first one is: Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth by Tonya Abari and illustrated by Tabitha Brown. The editor wanted my poem to have the same length and metric as Tonya Abari’s so I had to create something very specific. And then the art had to be very similar as the one from the first book, that’s why they chose the amazing Priscilla Moreno. But Priscilla and I didn’t meet until the board book was released! We contacted each other on social media.
Me: How did you get into writing and illustrating?
Paulina: Since I was a child I would always draw and doodle, it came natural to me so I was very happy when I learnt later in life you can study and make a living as a professional artist! And writing… Back in the days when Blogger and Facebook were simpler I started writing here and there ideas and thoughts. And now that I really want to get into PB, I am trying to catch up!
Me: Can you share anything you’re working on next?
Paulina: This year (2024) was a bit weak for me workwise, so I’ve been concentrating on writing and developing dummy books, querying agents and sending out CV to animation companies. I attended the Latinx Storytellers Conference back in September and I will attend the SCBWI Winter Conference next year. Hopefully that will bring more projects!
Me: Thanks so much for chatting! Wishing your book much success!
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