Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m just a God-loving and social justice obsessed chica originally from Puerto Rico. I also have an undergraduate degree in English Writing and a graduate degree in Social Work. My main goal is to write to inspire others and give a voice to issues I’m passionate about. I’ve currently written two books: “Rise in Love: A Poetry Chapbook” and “Social Justice Advocacy 101: How to Become a Social Justice Advocate from A to Z”.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Rise in Love: A Poetry Chapbook”. It was originally inspired by my romantic relationship, but then led to a book of poetry about different kinds of love in my world.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’ll stop anywhere to write. It doesn’t matter if I’m at work, a family member’s house, on a date, hanging out with friends, or in the car. I’m always writing down my thoughts, ideas, and lines on my work notebook, random pieces of scrap paper I beg from my family, on my phone even though I’m with people, or dictating to Siri.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many! Julia Alvarez, Sandra Cisneros, and Esmeralda Santiago are some of my biggest influences. However, my favorite book is “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott.
What are you working on now?
I am currently preparing for a blog post requested by Orange Blossom Publishing.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Surprisingly enough, Facebook and Twitter have been my best friends.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would say to write for the sake of writing itself. If you write while thinking about literary criticism, you’ll find yourself freezing up.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My writing philosophy stems from a famous Benjamin Franklin quote: “If you’re not writing things worth reading, do things worth writing.”
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading “Royal Holiday” by Jasmine Guillory and “Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Author Within” by Natalie Goldberg.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to publish my first novel.
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?
Obviously, like I mentioned before, “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott because that book will always keep me company. Like most Christians, probably, I’d bring the Bible, but I’d do the Revised Standard Version because it’s the most contemporary. I’d bring a copy of my own book, “Rise in Love: A Poetry Chapbook”, so that I could remind myself of the good in my world. Finally, I’d bring a notebook to continue to write.
Author Websites and Profiles
Selys Rivera Website
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