What inspired you to write Tortilla Sun?

  My youngest daughter Jules asked me to write her a short story about her favorite bear (who still sleeps in her bed). So I started writing an adventurous tale. As I wrote, more ideas sprouted and I needed a place to put them all. I began to think about the kinds of books I would love for my daughters to read, ones where they were reflected in the pages. Before I knew it, I started writing Tortilla Sun long hand! And the rest is history.

  Did you get hungry writing Tortilla Sun?

  Yes! Especially the scene when Izzy drizzles honey in her tortilla.

  Do your kids give their opinions when you’re working on a book?

  Yes! They each offer different insights and have very strong opinions about what should happen to the characters.

  What’s your favorite part of the writing process?

  When everything flows and the characters are so fully formed that they know where to take the story and I just go along for the ride.

  Have you always wanted to be a writer?

  I always loved books as a child and I dabbled in writing poetry as a teen, but writing found me and when it did I never looked back.

  Did you base any of the characters on real people?

  Actually, Nana is a blend of both my grandmothers with a few of her own unique twists thrown in. Nana has a distinct way of talking and looking at the world.

  Do you have a favorite character?

  Oh, I love Frida! But really? I love all the characters for many reasons. They were so fun to write and watch grow.

  Do you make tortillas from scratch?

  Hmmm…the truth is I have tried to make tortillas on many occasions but I am like Izzy in the fact that they always take the shape of some state. One day I’ll make a perfectly round tortilla sun! But I do like to cook Mexican food and I especially like to eat it. :)