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Carmen Agra Deedy
Biography
Children's book author and storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy was born in Havana, Cuba and immigrated to the United States with her family in 1963, during the aftermath of the Cuban Revolution. She has written numerous best-selling books for children, including The Yellow Star (2000), which won numerous awards, including a Christopher Award and a Parents' Choice Gold Award. Her newest picture book, Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale (Peachtree, 2007), is being released in English and Spanish. She lives in the Atlanta, Georgia area.
The Scoop
1. How did you begin to write your latest work, Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale?
I've always loved the traditional version of this story. La Cucarachita Martina, or, Martina the Little Cockroach, is the Cuban folk tale, which tells of a tiny cockroach who goes a-courting - or, more accurately - sits on her balcony to be a-courted. As enacted by my marvelous storytelling mother, Martina was a true coquette, who drew many suitors before finding her perfect match. I loved the story so much that as soon as it ended, I was already begging, 'Otra vez!' (Again!)
2. What sparks your imagination?
I was invited to speak to an assembly of Spanish-speaking children in North Georgia. Upon arriving at the school, I was told that 95% of the school population did not speak fluent English. The teachers asked me to tell a story in Spanish. Although I'm bilingual, the repertoire of stories I've collected over the past 18 years (over 200 now) are primarily in English.
I decided one of those would have to do. I would translate the story to Spanish in my head, as I went along. Then, before I could begin, an enormous insect flew across the gymnasium and over the heads of the squealing children. It was a "palmetto bug." This is nothing more, nor less, than a deceptive southern euphemism for a COCKROACH.
In the interest of science, I told the children this. They made dreadful noises of disgust. As our unwelcome guest slipped away through an open air vent, I knew exactly which story I needed to tell: Martina.
I told it just as I remembered my mother telling it. Although I was speaking, it was Mami telling the story - complete with character voices, gestures and sound effects. No sooner had I finished, than my young audience was chanting, 'Otra vez! Otra vez!'
Again, indeed.
3. What challenges do you face in your writing process? How do you overcome them?
The hardest part is making the time to write. Not finding the time to write, mind you. Making.
I've learned to seize the moments when they appear. I cannot always write at the same time, in the same place. I work, travel and have a vigorous family life. If I'm stranded in an airport lobby - I write. If I have to wait in a doctor's office - I write. If I have a morning or evening to myself - I write. And sometimes I just turn off the cell phone and leave town. Of course, then…I don't always write.
4. What tips or advice can you share with young students who hope to start writing?
Read, read, read. Read GOOD books. You will strengthen your understanding of story. Your vocabulary will be the richer for it. If you don't know where to start, ask your librarian for help finding books on topics that interest or excite you. You're more likely to finish a book you enjoy, than one that feels like literary drudgery.
Great writing and a killer story: that's what you're looking for.
Do you know a fun writing topic to get them started?
One morning, when you are at the breakfast table, your dog talks to you. No one else in the room seems to hear him. It took all the telepathic energy he could muster to send you this one all-important message: what does he say?
5. What is your list of favorite children or teen books?
Eloise by Kay Thompson
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett
Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
Dr. Desoto by William Steig
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard
Bootsie Barker Bites by Barbara Bottner
They Were Strong and Good by Robert Lawson
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile by Bernard Waber
God Bless the Gargoyles by Dav Pilkey
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems
6. What advice can you give to aspiring storytellers?
Listen
Book Covers
Agatha's Feather Bed |
Growing Up Cuban |
The Last Dance |
The Library Dragon |
Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach |
The Secret of Old Zeb |
Tree Man |
The Yellow Star |
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Last Updated: 08/26/2008