THIS IS LA MALAGUETA IN MALAGA, SPAIN
WHERE YOUNG PABLO PICASSO WENT TO WATCH THE BULLFIGHTS
As you know, I research as much as I can from home. Then I write the first and second draft of my book. By now I know where I have gaps. After I make as many appointments as I can from home, I travel with my questions.
WHO and WHERE:
César:¡Sí, se puede! Yes, We Can
Fresno, California and Independence, Oregon
I met farm workers and Dolores Huerta
Frida: ¡Viva la vida! Long Live Life
Mexico City, Mexico
*I took advantage and studied Diego Rivera during this trip
Diego: Bigger Than Life
Guanajuato, Mexico
I met his daughter Guadalupe Rivera
Sonia Sotomayor: Supreme Court Justice
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, Bronx, New York, and Washington DC
I met her cousin, Tito Baéz
Alicia Alonso: Prima Ballerina
Havana, Cuba
I met Alicia Alonso, her first husband, Fernando Alonso, and her husband, Pedro Simón
Pablo Picasso:Yo, el rey I, The King
Southern and Central France, Málaga and Barcelona
I met his grandson, Bernard Picasso
*I took advantage and studied Salvador Dali during this trip
WHY:
To have the smells, the sounds, and the sights of the places, and eat the food so that I can write about them
To meet the experts in order to be able to contact them for questions and to check the manuscript.
To take photographs for possible illustrations and power-point presentations
To be able to speak about the places with some authority
HOW:
Saving money
Asking for bigger book advances
Writing grants: I've got a work-in-progress from the Society of Children's Book Writers and illustrators and a fellowship from Oregon Literary Arts
WHAT:
I keep every single receipt from the trip for tax purposes.
Good informational travels to you!
6 comments:
Carmen,
What wonderful trips you have taken and what amazing experiences, all in the name of research! I am in awe of you.
Sorry, that deletion was mine--too many mistakes in my post!
This is impressive, Carmen. All of your topics are interesting to me. I visited Picasso and Dali spots in Spain, so I also recall sights, smells, food, and more. There's nothing like being in the place your characters lived and worked.
I'm currently working on a author-illustrator project where photos are needed from various parts of the world. I need to learn to write grants so I can go and photograph these places myself. You are an inspiration!
Carmen, what an inspiring post! I am starting a story set in Venice. Right now I am doing as much research at home as possible, but a grant might be just the ticket for the sights, sounds, smells and tastes. What beautiful and brilliant books you bring to all of us!
Carmen,
This is a mini handbook on research and travel, and immersion. Thank you.
Carmen, I love how your interests and projects have led to visits in some beautiful and inspiring locales. And great advice about saving your receipts!!
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