As I continue to share some of my favorite children books to read this summer, I wanted to include books for parents too. One book I highly recommend is Mañana Starts Today by the talented Sandra Elaine Scott. A fellow International Book Award winner author, I met Sandra two years ago at one of the book festivals we both attended. Her contagious smile and joy-filled spirit immediately mesmerized me, and we became instant friends. Mañana is a collection of empowering affirmations (don’t we all need those!) designed to give us the push we need to move forward on our goals and our dreams. Can you imagine reading these kinds of affirmations every day and use them to guide us to our dreams becoming a reality? I love that! I think you will too!
An international speaker, corporate trainer, life coach and children’s book author, Sandra’s goal is to empower others to live life today. Dynamic, charismatic, and transformational, Sandra’s messages are filled with both wisdom and strategies to believe and to find joy in everyday life.
Here is my interview with the vivacious Afro-Latina author.
1. Mañana Starts Today is a book of positive affirmations. Where did your idea to write this book come from? What was your message?
My mother would often sigh in disgust whenever she asked us to do something. She would say “Aye, Aye, Aye… I live with a bunch of mañana people. Everything is tomorrow. Get up and do it now!”
When I became a life coach I realized that my mother was right. People are always waiting. Most people put off what they want while waiting…Waiting for the economy. Waiting for children to grow up. Waiting to get that degree. Waiting to take a step. And while they wait, time marches on…Time is spent waiting for tomorrow.
My message is to take action, live out your dreams and Live Life Today!
2. Your book was a finalist in the International Latino Book Awards. What is your background?
Yes. Mañana Starts Today won an Honorable Mention in the Nonfiction Spiritual New Age Category.
I identify as an Afro-Latina. I am quite proud of my bicultural heritage. My mother was from Panama and my father was from Jamaica.
In fact, when I go on book tours I tell everyone I am going on the Arroz con Pollo ~ Rice & Peas Tour. I love connecting with and reaching out to new friends from the Caribbean and Central America.
3. You have written books for children. Is Mañana your first book for adults? Which is harder to write for?
No, my first book was a memoir about my mother called “In Memory of a Saint. Lessons from My Mother that I Didn’t Pay Attention to Until She Died”. That book paid homage to her and the ten life lessons I learned from her 1) Love & Friendship 2) You are Special 3) Charity Begins with You 4) The Gift of Persuasion 5) Risk Taking 6) Having Faith 7) Joy of Living 8) Dignity & Respect 9) Fear Not Death 10) Leaving Your Mark.
Writing for children is definitely harder. As a writer, I have so much to say and trying to condense words that are manageable for kids is sometimes challenging. When I wrote “The Magical Day” my niece was one of my beta readers. The wise little 12-year old that she was she said, “Aunt Sandra stop with the big words, they’re kids!” That’s the story of my life. Big words, big ideas, big dreams…
4. Who inspires you?
I am inspired by my parents. They were remarkable people who instilled pride and ambition in me. Even though they are no longer living their legacy propels my future. My faith in God. Knowing that I am a part of this grand Universe makes me appreciate the beauty of little things. Also, one of my closest friends is a bestselling children’s author. When we get together we dream storm big bodacious plans and that motivates and reminds me that the sky is limitless.
5. Is Mañana going to be published in Spanish soon?
My plan is to eventually have all my books translated into Spanish. My new children’s book “Home” is a bilingual story and I will take it from there. I would love to see my books translated not only into Spanish but into the world’s other major languages: Portuguese, Chinese, Hindi, Arabic, Bengali, and Russian and French!
Sandra Elaine Scott, a Latina author to follow, don’t you agree?
Bai, Bai for now,
Maritere
Visit Sandra’s site www.sandraelainescott.com and foller her on Twitter and Facebook.
