Hello, Self

I've only been able to read one book this week, finished up some much needed editing for Heir, and kept up with my social networking...all this in addition to my full-time job and working on my lectures for school.

Whew!

All that aside, I have been working on an outline for a new book (I know, I still have to publish my first one, but when the idea strikes, you write!). The idea for this one came to me the other morning as I was getting ready for work. I looked at myself in the mirror and I thought to myself, what do you see?

Eye crust aside, I caught a glimpse of who I am: a person who lives in two different worlds. One world defines me by my education, profession and marriage. The other world shaped my character, through culture and heritage.

By the time I got in the shower, it hit me...why don't I have a character who's like me? Why don't I ever read about characters that I can relate to? So I decided to take matters into my own hands and came up with an idea for a book.

After fighting rush hour traffic, a story took shape and I began outlining my character and background that night.

Here's my point...there are an estimated 50 million Hispanic living in the U.S., making us one of the largest ethnic minority groups. And being a proud member of such a diverse population, why doesn't my writing reflect that?

So the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to create a character who's like me - someone who juggles two cultures. I'm an eight generation (third generation on my father's side) American, but my Mexican roots are still very much alive. Depending on my mood, my voice can carry a slight Texas drawl, but I also speak fluent Spanish; I can do the Texas Two-Step with ease, but I rock the Mexican Cumbia; I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but I love tortillas smothered in butter too.

So where are my chicas? Where are the paranormal romance, chick lit, and mystery thrillers featuring a spicy female who kick butt? I know you're out there!?

I may not be the stereotypical Latina, but let's face it, neither are our characters....