Family Pride: "We have an author in the family!" #barrioblues

My cousin Tony from Califas, "illustrating" my next short story collection for YA.

Yesterday, I was really sick with a vicious headache and horrid vomiting. It was the worst way to spend Christmas Day, but even through that struggle, I  managed to do some writing-related things.  I introduced my books to my family and their friends and gave four of them away.

What struck me is how proud they were.  They analyzed my author picture and at one point my Auntie, who is like a second mother to me said, "We have a writer in the family!" She was gushing and loved the dedication in the book.  It was a really happy and unexpected moment for me.

Earlier that morning before I went into a sleep coma, my cousin Tony was making me laugh.  He said he had mad skills and would illustrate my book. He was narrating, in-depth, as he drew.  See the results below.  I mean he has the general concept down, but his boasts of mad skills were untrue.  He put the picture on the refrigerator.  Then his son, Cele, who is an obnoxious 14-year-old, but growing dearer to my heart each day, gave me some sage advice. 

He said, "I know how you can sell more books of the La Bruja del Barrio Loco?

"A YouTube video?"

"No, you just put a picture of your face on the cover!"

Teenagers.

That was most of my day yesterday, but today is a brand new day with a minor headache and no trips to the toilet.  I am visiting my uncle who has horses, and every time I go, I leech him for horse research.  Mwa ha ha.  He is just a phone call away now, but he goes into great detail about the personalities of horses and the political struggles that ranchers face in California.

Well, that is all for this morning!  I hope you are all reading and writing what you love.  If you have time, consider buying my books.  All Amazon profits are going towards a Harold Washington Chapter strike fund. 

A link to my books on Amazon, Author: Maria J. Estrada.

Love what you do and do it better.  #barrioblues

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