FAQs

In your own words, what is The Smell of Old Lady Perfume about? It’s a story about love and loss. Chela, an eleven year old growing up in a bordertown, worries about typical things like popularity and grades. Then her father gets sick, and that changes her life.

Can you explain the title? In the story, the smell of old lady perfume is the smell of bad things. When something bad happens, Chela’s relatives show up, followed by a cloud of perfume! Something pretty bad does happen.

Is this your real life story? No. It’s true that my father passed away when I was eleven, and I wanted to engage in a conversation about how loss changes a young person’s life and perspective.

Are the pictures in your book pictures of your real life? No. The book designer did a really great job though.

Tell us about writing and getting published. I’ll tell you what my parents always told me. Even when things seem tough, if you work hard and don’t give up, anything is possible.

Do you visit schools? Yes!I’ve had the opportunity to talk at several schools ranging from elementary kids to college students. It’s one the best parts of being a writer.  Please use my contact page for further inquiries.