Interview with Author Barbara Mojica

Barbara Mojica

Craryville, NY USA

Good morning, Barbara.  Welcome to Vision and Verse, the place for Art and Authors.  We're happy to have you here.  What have you written?

I have written lots of historical papers during my undergraduate and graduate studies in history. A few years ago, I published an article on The History of Forest Park in Queens, NY. Currently I write biweekly articles under the banner of PASSAGES for a local news magazine, The Columbia Insider. Recently, I published the second book in my children's nonfiction picture book series, Little Miss HISTORY Travels to... I have a few more books waiting to be illustrated and published. Long term plans include collating articles for a local history book. and converting my books to e book format.

I love the Little Miss HISTORY books and concept.  May i suggest she go to Monticello and Mount Vernon?  What is your favorite genre to write?

My favorite genre to write in is children's nonfiction. It allows me to marry my passion and knowledge of history with skills from a long career in teaching and school administration and apply them to make learning about history and historical places a fun experience for both children and adults.

Favorite food.

My husband is a great cook, but I think that I love his pancakes with honey the most!

                                                                          

Where would you like to visit?     

I have been fortunate enough to do a lot of travel in my lifetime visiting more than thirty foreign countries and about half of the United States. There are still many places I haven't seen; I would love to see the pyramids in Egypt.

Favorite musical artist.  Do you listen to music when you write?  What?

I like oldies from the fifties, sixties and seventies and enjoy most music except

rap and hard rock. Hard to decide on a favorite artist...I really enjoy listening to

Lionel Ritchie and Celine Dion. Sometimes I listen to music when I write; when

I am in the mood. I can concentrate on my writing with or without background

noise.

What makes you laugh?

That is a funny question! I am not at all ticklish. In fact, I am not easily amused. I am not much for watching comedy on TV or in the movies. My husband is a great storyteller and he does make me laugh. Recently, we attended a comedy show in NYC, and I have to admit, I did find some of the jokes amusing. Maybe my serious side is starting to crack.

How old were you when you started writing?

Apart from research, I did not seriously start writing until I retired from teaching about three years ago.

I'm also a retired teacher.  I recognized a kindred spirit.  Where do you get your inspiration?

I live in one of the most beautiful and historic areas in the United States. Just taking a look outside my window is breathtaking, and traveling to historical sites is easy for me as many of them are nearby; also my love of children, my career and six grandchildren have provided the impetus to make learning about history a fun and educational experience.

What do you do when you get a writer's block?

Because I write nonfiction, that is not usually a problem. I base my writing on prior historical studies, personal experience, and research. When I become frustrated in my writing, I put the work aside for a few days then come back to it with a fresh perspective. What is most frustrating for me is editing the final product. My articles and children's picture books need to be concise and pithy. The challenge is presenting the information with just the right illustration. My husband, who is my illustrator and my publisher, works with me to make it happen. He is a genius at combining text and story.

Who is your favorite author? Best book you ever read.

I have lots of  favorites like Jean Auel, James Patterson, Stephen King, and John Grisham. I believe the best book I ever read was The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck.

I love that one, too!  Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?

The most influential person in my life (in regard to my love of history) was my high school, history teacher Dr. Joelyn Iannone. She made world history come alive and encouraged me to come out of my shell and become determined to attend college. I decided to switch my secretarial program and work diligently to become the first person in my family to graduate college and complete graduate degrees.

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?

I think it would be Jesus Christ. I would have liked the opportunity to know and understand Him better. I do not think he would have envisioned Christianity as it has evolved today. I would ask him what he really meant by his words and how he would have liked them displayed in people's lives.

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?

Writing is a difficult profession, especially for one who does it full time to earn a living. I am fortunate to be retired from one career and pursuing writing as a new one. While I do work at it seven days a week, I am lucky enough to work at home (eugenus® STUDIOS) and have my husband working with me side by side. We collaborate on all aspects of the writing process together from writing, researching, illustrating, editing, layout design, and publishing. That makes the process a lot less stressful.

Connecting with other fellow authors is a pleasure too as I do most of the marketing of our books. Social media provides a wonderful network of support for writers. My advice for fellow authors is to reach out, give and take, and learn from each other. Writing is a growth process, whether you are a new author or a seasoned one. I write to inform and make learning history enjoyable, and take great satisfaction in broadening my knowledge by sharing with other authors and readers in the process.

Thank you for being with us today.  You are delightful.  We wish you and Little Miss HISTORY much success in the future.

Links?

My social networking sites:

Author website:   http://www.littlemisshistory.com

Author blog:        http://bamauthor.wordpress.com

Facebook:            https://www.facebook.com/Littlemisshistorycom?ref=hl

Twitter.                https://twitter.com/bamauthor

Goodreads:          http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6851359.Barbara_Ann_Mojica

Linked in:           http://www.linkedin.com/profile/viewid=223828685&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Pinterest              http://pinterest.com/bamauthor/

Google +             https://plus.google.com/u/0/112118587425339968389

Book Links:

Link to Author Page and buying both books on Createspace

https://www.createspace.com/4409159

Statue of Liberty

https://www.createspace.com/4418427

Mt. Rushmore

Books are also available at Amazon, IndieBrag, Magicblox, Barnes & Noble and independent book stores.