Jamie Martinez Wood’s book Rogelia’s House of Magic is a Las Comadres read for the month of June. Check out Las Comadres website to register free for a telephone conference to hear Jamie talk about her book and her writing. One free hour with this author; find more information at http://www.lascomadres.org
Q – When did you begin writing?
A – I found my love of writing in second grade and began a diary after my 11th birthday. I still have some the original stories and every diary I ever wrote in.
Q – How has writing in a diary affected your writing?
A – When I was a teen, my diary felt like my best friend, both loyal and a good listener. I have six top reasons to keep a diary. I’ll post another feature here, at BronzeWord’s Blog, in two weeks. Be sure to come back and read my explanation.
Q- How do you get your ideas for writing?
A – I start with a fact I want to know about or a story that I want to see unfold. I write about the magic I see everywhere and the love I feel for others. It is particularly important to me to support young women. When I was younger I did not feel the support I needed to be confidant. Today I write to motivate others to find the greatness within themselves and encourage them to share these unique talents with the world.
Q – You’ve written seven books, all in different genres. Is there a common thread between your books?
A – I have a strong desire to motivate others to find the greatness within themselves and encourage them to share these unique talents with the world. Each of my books, whether its my reference book, baby name book, the earth spirituality books or the young adult novel, were all written with the intention of inspiring and encouraging readers to seek out and unearth their own unique gifts.
Q- You’ve written several nonfiction titles but how different was it to write a novel?
A – In a non-fiction book, the writing is linear and straight-forward. In a fiction book, writing moves in circles that weave back and forth. I love writing dialog (I can finally put those voices in my head to work!) Non-fiction is telling people exactly what you want them to know. Fiction or storytelling requires symbols and relationships to convey your message. I love creating a world that runs like a movie through your imagination.
Q – How much of yourself is in these three young women featured in Rogelia’s House of Magic?
A – I am these three girls rolled into one. I am an impetuous Wild Child like Fern, more often barefooted hugging some tree, and like Marina I tend to worry, had a trying relationship with my mother, and we share family history. In my quiet moments, I tend to mimic Xochitl’s autonomy, determination and solemnity about what’s important to me.
Q – In Rogelia’s House of Magic, the protagonists’ teacher calls herself a curandera. What is a curandera?
A – A curandera is a spiritual folk healer. Her clientele includes people from all walks of of life. She works very closely with nature to bring healing to physical, emotional and spiritual health. She can specialize her healing art, like Rogelia who focuses on working herbs.
Q – You have a really interesting family history and deep roots in California. Would you share?
A – My family history dates back to the Spanish soldiers and Mexican civilians that came with Father Junipero Serra in 1770s. Jose Antonio Yorba and Juan Pablo Peralta (mentioned in Rogelia’s House of Magic) were granted the first land grant, 72,000 acres, from the King of Spain in what is now Orange County. I also have reason to believe (by virtue of some pictures) that I have Native California heritage as well, perhaps Tongva or Ajachemen (aka, Gabrieleño or Juaneño). I became aware of this heritage when I was nine and it seems to me that is when I began feeling the spirit of my ancestors all around me.
Q – Are your books based on research, imagination or life experiences?
A – My heart and soul goes into every book I write. Even the Latino Writers and Journalist book, which consisted of a lot of research, was influenced by the inspiration I felt in interviewing the writers and journalists. I’ve tested every recipe and spell in my magick books. As far as Rogelia’s House of Magic goes, I based it on experiences that I elaborated.
Q – Is writing a job for you or more of a creative endeavor?
A – Writing has become both my way to spend time with the muse, the creative, life-giving forces. It is also what I do for a living. I am still find the balance between the art and the business sides of this career.
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