A Woman to Watch For in the New Century
By Aya Kordy
Since the beginning of the school year Schutz hosted two author visits. Luckily enough on the 6th of September 2009, Tom Palmer visited the Schutz campus. He was invited by the 13 year old 8th grader Omar Younis. In December Schutz was once again fortunate with another author visiting campus, Michele Serros. She was invited on campus by the high school Librarian Mrs. Walsh. Nonetheless, many upper school classes were at a time of closure due to swine flu cases; hence, many students did not get the chance to meet the unparalleled author. Therefore, the journalism class choice to conduct an interview with Serros to acquaint the students with the author who they would have desired to meet.
Surprisingly, Michele Serros’ personality is almost as fascinating as her writings, and it was a privilege to speak to her recently and get to know more about her writings as well as her personal life. Michele’s openness of spirit was immediately evident. It is my pleasure to introduce this rare talent to those who have not yet read her books and to those who read them, but have not yet had the opportunity to meet her in person to get to know the amazing personality that lies behind her astonishing words.
Michele Serros is an American author and poet described as “A woman to watch for in the new century.” Her journey began when she wrote her first book of short stories and poems Chicana Falsa, reflecting on death and identity. She also entered the TV business in 2002, and subsequently became the official screenwriter for the George Lopez Show; nevertheless, she left after only a year for medical reasons.
When asked if the reason that made her become interested in writing was her parents’ separation, Michele Serros answered, “Yes, definitely their separation was a great factor, I used to keep journals of how I feel”. She started telling her story and how she started her path in writing. The first person who advised her to write was her favorite author, Judy Plume. After sending Plume her first letter, Serros was surprised that she wrote her back and advised her to keep a journal about her fears or concerns over her parents` separation to help her vent her worries. She admits that keeping this daily journal set a foundation for her as a writer. Answering my question whether she sends a message to her audience through her books, Michele Serros declares that she does usually send a message but with a humorous approach.
I then asked,” I noticed that in your previous novels you wrote about deep issues like death, separation and role models. Why that path? Serros opens up and speaks about herself the way she sees it telling that she tends to be that type of writer who writes not only what she has a passion for, but of what she knows. Writing is very cathartic to her. She usually writes during or after a painful experience. Chicana Falsa was written after her mother's death while How to be a Chicana Role Model was written during the separation from her husband at the time. I found it a good opportunity to ask Serros about the way she felt after she was hailed as “a woman to watch for in the new century”. Being a down to earth person as I realized from the way she has been responding to my questions, she answered “I was much honored, but now the accolade is somewhat intimidating. After all, it is a big title to live up to! And we are ten years into the new century. What have I really done that was so worthy of watching for?”
Finally, I asked Serros whether she would like to be hosted on the Oprah Winfrey Show and have her book in Oprah`s book club as the show was actually coming to an end. I was actually very surprised when she answered frankly saying, “Every author would love to have more people read their work and, of course, Oprah's Book Club would allow this. But to be frank, I've never really fanaticized about being featured on Oprah's Book Club. I have, however, fanaticized, about winning a new car from her!” At last, I would like to say that it was my pleasure to interview this amazingly talented author.
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