Monday, September 15, 2008

ZULMARA *CONTEST*

*Contest Time* Zulmara is going to give away an assortment of writing goodies to one lucky commenter this week! All you have to do is leave a comment and an email addy so that we can contact the winner next Monday. So make sure to leave a comment to have a chance at winning!!

Author Pen Name:
Zulmara (My professional publications are under Zulmara Cline, my poetry is under Zulmara)

CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?

Z: Right now I am focusing on Bilingual Children’s books. I write with a co-author, Eduardo Estrada Montenegro from Nicaragua and we collaborate on the books. Some we have co-authored and I do the translations for the books. I am also writing curriculum for the books and an EZ Bilingual Newsletter to help others enhance their bilingual skills. The newsletter is available for free and comes with a free gift at sign up.

CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Z: I have always loved to write and make up stories, but never thought of writing as a way of life or career until I completed my doctorate…that is when I discovered I had things to say others wanted to listen to, to read, and they took me seriously. I became a recognized expert in the field of bilingual and biliteracy education and was often asked to present the Latina or child or young adult perspective. The more my writing was taken seriously, the more inspired I was to write. I have also written and published poetry and a story for Chicken Soup for the Latino Soul.

CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?

Z: I am inspired by the concept of “paying it forward” so in my writings, I am constantly trying to help others succeed and do well. I enjoy offering advice and instructional strategies on various educational issues and concerns, I know if teachers use some of my ideas, children will be positively affected.

CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

Z: Busy, busy, and very busy. I tend to write after work. I get home at around 5:00 and take an hour for eating and an evening walk. Then I proceed to write for my various projects that I have going. It is when I do my networking, blogging, writing, and other business related activities.

CA: Your books are about to be sent into the world, what is one word that describes how you feel?

Z: Fanstastica!!…I love it when I get emails and comments from those who have read about what I am doing and are just as excited. EZ Bilingual offers me an opportunity to put into words what I have learned about teaching in dual languages. I get to practice what I preach, as I help teachers do a better job and offer support for parents. The response has been fantastic. I have even begun to have others ask about contributing to the publishing company bilingual children’s books they have written and would like to have published.

CA: What was your biggest challenge in writing your book(s)?

Z: I translated these books for my partner and the hardest part for me was to capture the essence of what it was he wanted to say and to stay true to what he had written. These are folktales from Nicaragua, so I wanted them to maintain a certain flavor of the country of origin.

CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Z: I live by the beach, so I try to find time for beach walks weekly…I also enjoy biking, reading, writing, and traveling…I love traveling, especially to tropical settings. I have been to Costa Rica, Brasil, Hawaii, Mexico, and Toronto.

CA: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Z: We have 4 books we are debuting and I love all of them. Estrellita is my favorite because she is spunky, in a little girl sort of way.

CA: Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?

Z: In these story books the characters were inspired by a combination of both.

CA: Do you have any advice for the aspiring writers out there?

Z: YES, read, read, and read some more and then write, write, and write even more. If you want to be a writer, you have to write…all the time, everyday. Respond to blogs and posts, read book reviews and leave a comment, read poetry and leave a comment. You will not believe how these little comments will keep you fresh and current and quick on your feet. It gives you a sense of personality and helps you to make friends and connect with others in the writing world. I love responding to blogs, it is like exercising the writing muscle.

Also, start a blog with what you want to say…pose questions, post ideas, pet peeves, what interests you, quotes, songs, lyrics…it does not matter, write and write every day, read and read everyday…and read all sorts of writing, it will help you with your own writing.

CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?

Z: My books can be purchased at http://www.ezbilingual.net/ and I can be reached at http://www.myspace.com/zulmaracline

CA: Is there anything you would like to add?

Z: Yes, I love this blog and have tried to read and respond faithfully. It is one of the best ways to get to know interesting authors, especially those who write in a different genre…nothing helps your writing like the inspiration gained from reading about writers and living the writerly life..

CA: Zulmara, you’re an awesome friend! I can always count on you to leave a comment on the author interviews of the week. And your interview was fantastic! I just love the idea of The Little Star That Fell From The Sky, my little guy would love it! Thank you for being such a great friend and follower of the blog!

*Contest Time* Zulmara is going to give away an assortment of writing goodies to one lucky commenter this week! All you have to do is leave a comment and an email addy so that we can contact the winner next Monday. So make sure to leave a comment to have a chance at winning!!

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

Zulmara! You are an incredible writer, and I wish you the very best!
-your friend and fan
Tgreaper

Anonymous said...

oops! Forgot my email addy!
nightreaper@sbcglobal.net
-tgreaper

Zulmara said...

thanks Reaper...you are AWESOME...and I appreciate the well wishes...

ADELANTE!!!

Zulmara

Crystal-Rain Love said...

Hey, Zulmara!

You're one of the nicest Myspacers I've ever met and the EZ Bilingual is an awesome idea! I wish you much success with it!

Anonymous said...

Zulmara,

I would love to have you on Renee's Book Talk! Contact me at yolandarenee@hotmail.com and I'll send you the particulars of how it works. I am booked through till January but will start scheduling again in December. And thank you so much for always commenting on my blogs -- such a generous individual! An inspiration!

Renee

Anonymous said...

Zulmara,

I love that you are making the world better with your knowledge and passion for the written word and language. I think the more we know, the more that we become connected. You are connecting people. Keep up with the great work.

Brandi

Melissa Walker said...

I adore all your comment love, Zulmara! I see you all over the blogs and I love writers who follow their own advice!

Chelle Cordero said...

Hi Zulmara - I agree, you are one of the nicest people I have met and you are always so encouraging and enthusiastic. It is no wonder that you dedicate yourself to helping people in bilingual edication and literacy. Adelante mi amiga!
ChelleCordero@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

to my aunt Zee, one thing I always loved about you is that you always got the family reading something or another,especially around the holidays. I am glad that you took your love for it and got to use it on a daily basis.
your far away niece,
vanessa
nessaquick9224@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I like your focus and think that what you are doing is phenomenal. Thank you for choosing to be an inspiration. I wish you all the best.

Anonymous said...

Zulmara, te felicito, me encanto tu entrevista, vamos pa delante. animo !!
de tu amigo stephen

ashea goldson said...

As an elementary school teacher/spanish teacher and writer, I greatly appreciate what you are doing for both children and the literary world in general. May your creativity continue to flourish and may God bless you in all your endeavors.

Ashea Goldson
asheagold@yahoo.com

Tara S Nichols said...

Yay you Zulmara! What a fantastic interview and so great to hear you are working on children's book as well.

tarasnichols@gmail.com
-Tara

Zulmara said...

Thanks Crystal...my cyber friends are soo awesome...I love them all...

Thanks Renee...I will be in touch...


Brandi, you are AWESOME...thanks for the kind words...


Melissa, your blogs are soo fun to read...gracias, mi amiga...I love the circles we run in...


Chelle, you have been such a great support yourself...gracias...

AHSEA...you are awesome...have taught elementary school and one of the most rewarding things I have ever done...triple kudos to you...

Tara, you are AWESOME...gracias...

Zulmara
Hey Nessie Anne,
So glad you remember and read to yoru own kids everyday...you are ann AWESOME mom...


Thanks Avah...being an inspiration is so easy with such wonderful friends...


Gracias, Stephen, eres muy amable...

Dena said...

Hi Zulmara, I have seen you post but didn't know you were a Writer. I enjoyed your interview and am so jealous. You have been to a lot of beautiful places. I would like to visit Australia and New Zealand as well as the places you have listed. Although Toronto isn't a place I would think to go to.

I hope you have a great success with your Bilingual Children's books

Chicks of Characterization said...

Hey Zulmara, I had no idea you were a writer! What a busy bee you are!! congratulations on your books!! There is nothing better than teaching children how to speak another language! Kudos to you for being an expert in that field!

Andrea :O)

Bobby Ozuna said...

Zulmara:
You did an incredible job!!! I love the responses...like everything you do, they are heartfelt, honest and real...

Your amigo in Texas...

~Bobby Ozuna
Drawing Stories...With Words

Zulmara said...

Thanks Dena, always nice to know people are reading my stuff...

ADEALNTE!!!

Gracias, chicks,

Teaching has been my passion forever...

Bobby, you are AWESOME!!!
Love your stuff...thanks for the support...

ADELANTE!!!

Zulmara

Angie Lisle said...

What does Zulmara mean? Just curious - it's not a name I've heard before!

Anonymous said...

i liked your interview you are a great writer.

Anonymous said...

That was awesome, I got to learn so much more about you! =]

-Devyn
gfdevyn@yahoo.com

Zulmara said...

Hi Angie,

Name has no particular meaning that I know of...and even in Brazil it is unusual...I know a few Zulmara's who spell it like I do, and some who have slightly different spellings...

ADELANTE!!!

thanks Jennifer, for your kind words...

ADELANTE!!!

Zulmara

Beatrice, Bea, Bibi--That's me! said...

Zulmara! Totally loved the interview! You are definitely a mover and shaker and wonderful advocate for bilingual education and writing!

Anonymous said...

Zulmara, you are the best!
Much love and success to you :)
NV

Crystal Adkins said...

The Winner of Zulmara's Contest is... TG REAPER!! YAY