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Today dear readers you are in for a treat. The fabulous Rene Colato Lainez has stopped by Write On as part of his blog tour promoting his latest book From North to South. Mr.Colato Lainez is a father, teacher and master storyteller. For anyone writing picture books he is definitely an author you can study and learn from. So without anymore rambling from me, here we go.
1) What book had the most impact on you as a child?
When I was a child in El Salvador, I dreamed with adventures. I always was the captain searching for new places. In third grade, I discovered the amazing book Don Quijote de la Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. Don Quixote was my favorite book, because the main character was like me, someone looking for adventures.
2) Having also been an elementary teacher, I know the demands on your time are great. How do you fit writing into your daily life?
I write at night from 8 to 10 pm. Two hours of writing in my ideal goal but it is not always happened. At the beginning of the school year, there is a lot of paper work. Things get better by the second month of the school year. But I love being a teacher. Many of the inspirations for my books come from my students. They are like a treasure chest.
3) How do you balance serious topics like immigration and deportation yet still keep the perspective simple enough for children?
When I am writing a manuscript, I always become the child. I act and think like a child. I formulate many questions that my main character may ask. I always write with the child in mind. Writing a book it is like talking with my students. I use their language and vocabulary. You can write about any topic in a picture book but the child is always the heart. Jose wants to be with his mother just like any other child. His mother is in another country and he is eager to go to visit her even if he has to travel From North to South.
4) In From North to South, Jose is separated from his mother while she is waiting for her official papers. How long does this type of separation usually last?
This is a hard question, because every immigration case is different. Sometimes families wait for a year or less. Other times, it may be years of waiting. In the case of Jose, his father is already a permanent resident and he already
4 Comments on Welcome Mr. Colato Lainez, last added: 9/30/2010
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I admire René Colato. He has a big talent. I like to read his new book.
He is certainly extremely talented and very nice. Thanks for reading Leticia.
Thanks for the interview and the amazing review. Children Book Press is giving away three books at the end of the book tours.
Readers leave your comments and you may be one of the lucky winners.
saludos,
Rene Colato Lainez
See what I mean about being a nice guy!!