Mariana Llanos is an award-winning writer, poet, translator, and teaching artist from Lima, Peru. In 2024, her picture book Benita and the Night Creatures/Benita y las criaturas nocturnas received a Pura Belpre Honor (American Library Association) and was the winner of the Oklahoma Book Award in the children’s category. She’s also the author of the 2022 Oklahoma Book Award winner Run Little Chaski/Corre Pequeño Chaski!, the chapter book series Vampirita among other titles.

She’s a co-founder of LatinxPitch, a virtual event that boosts the representation of Latino creatives in the children’s publishing industry and co-chair of the Latino Committee for the Firehouse Arts Center in Norman, Oklahoma. Mariana is also a recipient of an Arts in Education Award at the 46th Oklahoma Governor’s Arts Awards.  In addition to writing and translating, Mariana is an experienced speaker who visits schools regularly. She resides in Oklahoma City with her children.

I asked her a few questions so we could get to know her and here is what she had to say.

1. What drives you to write? I like telling stories. I enjoy coming up with characters and plots and then having to resolve their conflicts. Also, I feel like it’s the way that I communicate the best, as a creative outlet and lifestyle. I don’t see a world where I wouldn’t be writing.

2. What genre(s) do you write, and why? I write mostly children’s literature, although I write adult poetry occasionally. Children’s literature calls me in ways that feel authentic and where my voice as an author thrives. I’ve also written children’s historical fiction. It’s a great genre to share my heritage and culture. Also, because I find history fascinating.

3. What genre(s) do you read, and why? I read a lot of children’s books in any genre. I have to keep up with what’s being published. I also enjoy reading historical fiction, sci-fi, and poetry. I’m very eclectic in my reading taste.

4. What’s your writing schedule? Do you write every day? I don’t write every day. At times, I take long periods without writing. Then other times, I write all the time. I let my inspiration guide me and don’t force the muse. Sometimes I have deadlines, in which case, I usually wait until the last minute because apparently, I’m good at writing under pressure. Ha!

5. Give us a glimpse of the surroundings where you write. Separate room? In the kitchen? At the dining room table?  I usually write at the dining room table, close to the kitchen and to the music and TV, while juggling everything else. I mostly write when I’m at home by myself. I cook the idea in my head for a while, and when it’s ready, I put it on paper.

6. Tell us about winning the Oklahoma Book Award, and what other awards have you won? It’s been quite a fun journey for me. The first time I won an Oklahoma Book Award, I felt completely validated as a writer. I won other awards, but winning one on one’s own hometown is always extra special. Also, the Pura Belpre Honor was exciting. For this one I went to San Diego and received it in a beautiful ceremony. My awards are all in my family room, on display. Although I don’t write for awards, they are a reminder of all my efforts and hard work.

7. How did you come up with the plotline/idea for your current WIP? The plot for my current WIP is still in my head. The idea was given to me by my editor, who wants a spin off with one of the characters of my current series, Vampirita. The ideas are flowing. I just need the time to actually sit down and write!

8. Which comes first for you – character or plot? And why? I like to say that it can be either one, but lately it’s been the character for me. These characters pop in my head, like tiny people begging me to let them out. When I put them on the page, I let them guide me in telling their story.

9. What 3 words describe you, the writer? Creative, brave, lifelong-learner

10.What three words describe you, the person? Thoughtful, driven, determined.

11.Tell us one unusual thing about yourself – not related to writing! I have a thing for crafting paper, especially making papier mache and recycled paper. I just don’t have a lot of time for it anymore.

12. Best song ever written. I love Bohemian Rhapsody. Even though I’m a hardcore Beatles fan, I have to give it to Queen, because that song is just amazing.

Thanks so much! This is fun to do and read.

Give us your Social Media Links and buy links

www.facebook.com/marianallanosbooks

www.instagram.com/marianawritestheworld

But books on Amazon www.marianallanos.com or find them at local bookstores like Best of Books (Edmond), Full Circle Bookstore (OKC), Literati Press (Paseo), and more!