Today, we are featuring Misa Ramirez, author of the Lola Cruz mysteries.Please describe the Latina heroine(s) in your book.
Dolores 'Lola' Cruz is a 29 year old newly licensed Private Investigator in Sacramento, CA. She works for Manny Camacho's PI firm, much to her family's dismay. They would have liked to see her as a teacher, or better yet, married with children. But Lola is a black belt in kung fu, independent, driven, and isn't about to let cultural or familial expectations stop her from living the life she's dreamed about.
Who is your intended audience, if any?
Women of all ages, people who love mysteries, Stephanie Plum readers.
How do you feel your books influence Latinas?
One thing my Latina editor told me was that I'd created a character and series that steered clear of stereotypes. I want Lola to be relatable to women of all cultures, and for people who are not familiar with the Mexican culture to respond to and see themselves in Lola Cruz Mysteries. I want Latinas to see themselves in Lola, and to love her, her choices, her family, and her life.
What does being Latina mean to you?
Well, I am actually not Latina! I like to say I'm 'Latina by marriage' and that Lola is my alter ego, if I were a smart, sexy, Latina PI! My husband is Mexican. We have 5 children. I've been part of his family for so long and I love the culture that when it came to writing a book, I immediately wanted to write someone my children could relate to, someone who balanced their two cultures, and someone fun, smart, sexy, and sassy!
What do you think the future holds for today’s Latina?
Endless possibilities!
What are some of your favorite Latina authors and why?
I enjoy reading Isabel Allende and Julia Alvarez. I also like Caridad Pineiro .
Do you have a website or a blog?
I have several!
http://misaramirez.com/
http://thenakedhero.com/
and http://booksonthehouse.com%20and/and http://booksonthehouse.com/kids
These are sites where books are given away every single week!!
I also have a brand new Lola Christmas story available on Amazon and Smashwords! It's called The Lola Cruz Christmas Story. Hope you will check it out!
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/31517
http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Story-Prequel-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B004E9U72E
I also have a brand new Lola Christmas story available on Amazon and Smashwords! It's called The Lola Cruz Christmas Story. Hope you will check it out!
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/31517
http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Story-Prequel-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B004E9U72E
I can't wait for the third Lola book. I'm not latino, but I throughly enjoy them!!
ReplyDeleteI love Stephanie plum and in a Latina package? Can't wait to read 'em.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bela, for having me today and for the fun interview!
ReplyDeleteMargaret, if you are a Stephanie Plum fan, I do think you'll love Lola! Thanks for stopping by!
Bare Naked Lola will be out sometime later this year, I hope! Working on it now ;)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read the third Lola book.
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