Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a three-time children’s writer and two-time award-winner. My books include 2 picture books: Rey Antonio and Rey Feo, and The Unhuggables (Enchanted Page Book Award Winner 2019). I also have a middle grade chapter book called Kindertransport-a child’s journey (CLC Award Winner historical fiction 2018). The first book was inspired by my childhood growing up in the vibrant city of San Antonio. The second was inspired by the curiosity of my own adorable sons. And the third was the product of a reasearch project where I spoke with Kindertransportees about their experiences and hoped to honor their stories. Each one of these books is a unique chamber within my heart. I love to travel, practice languages and especially to drum! I play in a taiko ensemble with 3 wonderful people. Percussion keeps me happy, healthy and kind.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent release, although there is one tentatively planned for 2022, is The Unhuggables. The Unhuggables is an action-packed fantastical book about Oliver, a boy dodging his mother’s hugs by acting like unhuggable creatures. It was inspired by my son who asked me when he was 6, what would happen if you hugged a porcupine.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I still begin the writing process in a scratchy, messy notebook, out of order and outside the lines. The ideas flow more naturally for me that way, unconstricted by lines and formatting. When I feel the story is ready, and not before, I introduce it to they keyboard.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
If I could live as any book character it would be Alice in Wonderland. She is curiouser and curiouser as am I. I also loved the character backstories in Wicked by Gregory Maguire. When I read for fun, however, I get a kick out of non-fiction in an array of topics because I feel more knowledgeable and powerful afterward.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on screenwriting. I released a short film last year and plan on doing another this spring. I am also in the process of developing a series. Surprises around the bend!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I enjoy meeting readers in person. It helps make a connection to readers. As we can’t do that in the same way now, we are all relearning marketing. I am trying to beef up my social media and interview presence for just this reason.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write your heart out! Not everything will be published and it shouldn’t be. As an art, some stories are told to let your heart speak and some are meant to speak to others. Once spoken, edit, edit, edit and follow submission guidelines always to give you the best chance at success.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you know, what you have lived. Then go live a good story.
What are you reading now?
Because I work with children, I’ve been reading Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominees, the latest being No More Poems by Rhett Miller and Pass Go and Collect $200 by Tanya Lee Stone.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on diversifying myself as a writer to be known in print and screen. With each success I’ve learned a lot and with each failure, I learned more. I would like to gain traction and opportunity in writing for television and film.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would take books that remind me to think and dream, changing the desert island desertion into a beach vacation. If I have them I have read them so maybe I would choose books blindly from a stranger’s shelf and keep my eyes closed so that the result would be a surprise and new adventure.
Author Websites and Profiles
Kena Sosa Website
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