Tuesday, December 3, 2024

PB Author Interview with Steena Hernandez


PB KidLit ALERT!


Interview with Picture Book Author

Steena Hernandez


Hey, writing warriors and crazy creatives!

Grab your tea or coffee and settle in, because today’s interview is a dancing treat! When it's cold outside, like here in Asheville - dancing and something hot to drink are vital keys to warming up your bones. I know from experience. Dance moves energy! It releases stuckness and can help you break through walls toward that inner peace that is yours for the taking.

Today, we have a special treat-- a professional dancer. So, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to transition from a Broadway stage to the pages of a book—or how a tiny detail like “pancaking ballet slippers” can spark a heartfelt story—this is for you. 

Our Teazurs guest, Steena Hernandez, brings an electric mix of performance, culture, and pure joy to her writing. She’s not only a champion of diverse stories but also a reminder that every experience (yes, even those journaling days on a tour bus) can shape your creative journey. 

Take a break. Relax, and Let’s dive into her vibrant world! 


How did your experiences performing with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and the RENT Broadway Tour shape your approach to storytelling?

I find many similarities between performance and storytelling, specifically when it comes to portraying characters on stage. When you’re studying a play script...


...getting to know your character’s


personality and obstacles


is important to bringing them to life.



I also find this to be true when writing strong characters. I think I’m able to draw from my experiences as a performer in this way.



“Lupita's Brown Ballet Slippers” sounds beautiful! Can you tell us what inspired the story, and what you hope young readers take away from it?


Thank you! I started dancing tap, jazz, and ballet at the age of three. I danced all through middle school and high school, where I was the only Latina dancer in my dance company. We traveled to many dance conventions where we competed, and it was there that I saw a group of girls “pancaking” their ballet slippers.


Pancaking ballet slippers

is when a dancer of darker skin tone takes a matching makeup

and applies it to the traditionally pink ballet slippers

in order to match it to their skin.



I wanted to inform about this process, and mostly, I hope that no matter what extra-circular activity, sport, or anything a child may be involved in, that they feel seen and important and hold on to the main message, “Everyone deserves to shine.”


As a proud Mexican American author, how do you incorporate your cultural heritage into your writing? 


It brings me joy to write about my culture, because, unfortunately, when I was growing up I didn’t have books that celebrated those things. While I write, I mine my memories, and I like to incorporate family, food, and my childhood experiences.




Why should children and adults read outside their culture or background? How does this help individuals and society as a whole?


I believe that when a child or adult reads outside of their culture, it provides a wonderful window into a world that might not be like their own. Seeing into another world can add empathy, connection, and understanding as we come together as a society.





What role did your journal play in helping you transition from performer to writer? Are there any journal entries that inspired specific stories? Any that inspired specific characters?


I loved writing in my journal when I was on tour, specifically when I toured with The Trans-Siberian Orchestra as a vocalist. At the time, I had not thought at all about writing stories, it was just a way for me to reflect on the day and unwind while on the tour bus.


I do have many journal entries that I later turned into stories,

one specifically became a middle-grade novel in verse that I have on submission now.


I was always jotting down my dreams in the morning before I went for a run. I’ve always been fascinated with dreams, and this story in particular became more once I started drafting it.


As far as characters, yes, my abuela, Hortencia, was in the dream and she’s in the story as well.


 

How do children influence your stories or even your creative process?


I’m a mother of two young children, and they absolutely influence my stories and creative process. I love to take time to listen to them and have playtime with them. It’s fun to hear how they communicate and interact with one another. I’ve jotted down some of the funniest and sweetest things they’ve done and said. I think this helps me keep my “inner child” voice close at heart while I write. We also homeschool and we belong to a co-op group, where being around other children is helpful, as I’m always collecting ideas and staying open to new things.

 

Congratulations on winning the 50 Precious Words Contest! What inspired your winning piece, and how has that recognition impacted your journey as a writer?


Thanks! Yes, 50 Precious Words Contest is a wonderful contest held every year by the amazing author, Vivian Kirkfield. I wrote an entry about sea turtles that was inspired by an art piece my son created for the Reflections Art Program. He cut and colored foil and glued it together in the shape of a beautiful sea turtle. My entry was titled Save the Sea Turtles, and it was an absolute honor to be recognized by Vivian and my writing community. It gave me confidence to keep writing and believing in my stories. I won’t ever forget that moment.


Do you enter contests often? What benefits have you gotten from contests?


I haven’t entered many contests lately since I’ve been focused on the release of my debut book and querying others. I did, however, enter many of them when I was first starting out. I think it’s a great way to get involved in the writing community and a way to strengthen your writing skills. Sometimes the writing prompts will spark something new and exciting…cue Lupita’s Brown Ballet Slippers, and how that story was born in a writing contest. :)




Should writers and illustrators continue taking classes for their craft? What classes do you most recommend to new writers/illustrators?


Absolutely! I still love taking classes and it’s important to keep learning and growing as writers/illustrators. I’ve found many craft classes through SCBWI, Writer’s Loft, Writing Barn, Storyteller Academy, and paying attention to social media, where I’ve found many of them. Also, Julie Hedlund’s 12x12 Picture Book Challenge is a wonderful resource and the webinars are amazing!


Your Instagram page is very happy and engaging - how do you keep it this way? Do you follow a format or have advice for other writers out there on social media?


Oh, that’s so nice to hear! Honestly, I was nervous about joining another platform after being on Twitter X for so long, where I originally connected with the writing community. I’m glad I took the time to learn new things like Canva and InShot apps that I use to help me create reels and posts. It’s been a fun learning experience, once I opened my mind to it. Mostly, I stay positive, supporting and connecting with others on their journey, and it’s been my favorite part.



Is there anything else you'd like to add? How can my readers help you become an even greater success?

Thank you so much for having me on your blog! This has been fun! I would love to connect with your readers, and it would be wonderful if they could share this interview and follow me on IG, Threads, and Bluesky. I would love to support and follow back. Also, find me at steenahernandez.com and sign up for my newsletter for updates about my author journey.




What a lovely interview, Steena. Thank you for being on Teazurs Blog.


And I am sure my readers will connect with you--just click the links above, readers!


I'm so glad you joined me on this inspiring interview with Steena! From dazzling audiences on stage to connecting with young readers through heartfelt stories, she’s a true testament to the power of storytelling. Don’t forget to follow her on social media, sign up for her newsletter, and spread the word about her beautiful work. Let’s give her the cheerleader-worthy support she deserves! 📣 You can bet I’ll be here clapping wildly from the sidelines.


Until next time, my creative friends—keep dreaming, keep writing, and remember, your story matters too.


If you would like to be on Teazurs Blog, reach out. I love supporting writers, illustrators, agents, publishers, all you creatives who support books and book people.


Let your voice be heard!
Write~on

Angie







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