Meet Gladys Barbieri, Author of Rubber Shoes...A Lesson in Gratitude
What inspired you to become a children's author?
I've shared my writing experiences countless times: When I run with my pup, Chucho, images come to my mind and as the months pass, the words follow and that's when I sit down and write the story. Interestingly enough, I don't think I would be able to sit down and write a story out of the blue!
How long did it take you to write Rubber Shoes?
I wrote Rubber Shoes in one sitting. I printed the story, shared it with my sister and put it in a folder. Years later when I was moving to a new house I came across a pile of folders. As I sifted through the piles of papers and folders I found Rubber Shoes and reread it. Not bad I thought. After much prodding and encouragement from the family I finally got the courage to find the way to make it a story book.
How long did it take to get Rubber Shoes published?
It took three years. It felt like a lifetime to me. But you know how it it is...when you are just sitting around waiting for something it seems in that moment that time stands still. That is so frustrating to me. However, in the end it just worked itself out perfectly as most things do. I should tattoo this on my forehead as a reminder to relax.
Rubber Shoes was the recipient of the Moonbeam Award. What does that mean to you?
Being recognized for a Moonbeam Children's Book Award was and still is a very big deal to me. I write about situations that are based on true events. My stories are personal reflections of me and being transparent can sometimes be a daunting task, especially when I know that what I write is subject to public scrutiny. It's almost like letting the public read your diary. So when I learned that someone other than my family and friends appreciated Rubber Shoes, it was truly validating. I write because it's something I just need to do, like breathing. Anyhow, the Moonbeam Children's Book Award gave me the thought that maybe, just maybe I'm on the right trajectory.
Do you have a favorite topic to write about?
Like I just mentioned, all of the stories that I have written are based on true events that happened when I was a little girl. My little sister (Annaliz) always asks how I remember such things. I was a precocious little girl. I was always listening, attuned to grown ups' feelings and aware of how "words" made people feel. I understood that my parents struggled financially as I would "listen" to their conversations. Still, I knew exactly what I liked, wanted, what was stylish and what wasn't (usually the out of season clothes my mom was able to buy on SALE!). I was very vocal with my mother in terms of how I wanted things to be and therein lies the premise of my stories: the tug of war events that happen between child and parent when a child has a strong spirit and will and a clear picture of what he/she wants to make happen.
What do you hope children will learn from your book?
Geez, good question. As a child my dad was always harping,"Be A Person! You must be a person!" This meant to be a person of character. I recall that he bought my sister and I a huge book titled: The Book Of Virtues. He made it very clear that we girls ought to read the stories in this book and practice their lessons in life. I often look at adults in heated discussions when they have differing opinions and I think that perhaps I should read The Book of Virtues to them.
Children's authors don't always get to choose who illustrates their books. Are you happy with how your illustrations turned out? Are the characters as you imagined them?
Yes, I am thrilled with the illustrations! I am a big fan and I couldn't have asked for more perfect illustrations. I know that Lina Safar's watercolor illustrations add much emotion, depth and animation to the main character, "Gladys Elizabeth". I truly look forward to working with her on future projects.
Are you working on any other books?
Yes, I am in the beginning stages of working on book number two. I get so excited just thinking about it! Hopefully by the end of the year I will be able to hold the finished product in my hand. I'm sure I will be shouting from the rooftops when I get to share it. It's a great story. Those that have read it have said, "Yahoo!!!"
You can find out more about Gladys Barbieri and Rubber Shoes by visiting www.chuchosbooks.com.
I've shared my writing experiences countless times: When I run with my pup, Chucho, images come to my mind and as the months pass, the words follow and that's when I sit down and write the story. Interestingly enough, I don't think I would be able to sit down and write a story out of the blue!
How long did it take you to write Rubber Shoes?
I wrote Rubber Shoes in one sitting. I printed the story, shared it with my sister and put it in a folder. Years later when I was moving to a new house I came across a pile of folders. As I sifted through the piles of papers and folders I found Rubber Shoes and reread it. Not bad I thought. After much prodding and encouragement from the family I finally got the courage to find the way to make it a story book.
How long did it take to get Rubber Shoes published?
It took three years. It felt like a lifetime to me. But you know how it it is...when you are just sitting around waiting for something it seems in that moment that time stands still. That is so frustrating to me. However, in the end it just worked itself out perfectly as most things do. I should tattoo this on my forehead as a reminder to relax.
Rubber Shoes was the recipient of the Moonbeam Award. What does that mean to you?
Being recognized for a Moonbeam Children's Book Award was and still is a very big deal to me. I write about situations that are based on true events. My stories are personal reflections of me and being transparent can sometimes be a daunting task, especially when I know that what I write is subject to public scrutiny. It's almost like letting the public read your diary. So when I learned that someone other than my family and friends appreciated Rubber Shoes, it was truly validating. I write because it's something I just need to do, like breathing. Anyhow, the Moonbeam Children's Book Award gave me the thought that maybe, just maybe I'm on the right trajectory.
Do you have a favorite topic to write about?
Like I just mentioned, all of the stories that I have written are based on true events that happened when I was a little girl. My little sister (Annaliz) always asks how I remember such things. I was a precocious little girl. I was always listening, attuned to grown ups' feelings and aware of how "words" made people feel. I understood that my parents struggled financially as I would "listen" to their conversations. Still, I knew exactly what I liked, wanted, what was stylish and what wasn't (usually the out of season clothes my mom was able to buy on SALE!). I was very vocal with my mother in terms of how I wanted things to be and therein lies the premise of my stories: the tug of war events that happen between child and parent when a child has a strong spirit and will and a clear picture of what he/she wants to make happen.
What do you hope children will learn from your book?
Geez, good question. As a child my dad was always harping,"Be A Person! You must be a person!" This meant to be a person of character. I recall that he bought my sister and I a huge book titled: The Book Of Virtues. He made it very clear that we girls ought to read the stories in this book and practice their lessons in life. I often look at adults in heated discussions when they have differing opinions and I think that perhaps I should read The Book of Virtues to them.
Children's authors don't always get to choose who illustrates their books. Are you happy with how your illustrations turned out? Are the characters as you imagined them?
Yes, I am thrilled with the illustrations! I am a big fan and I couldn't have asked for more perfect illustrations. I know that Lina Safar's watercolor illustrations add much emotion, depth and animation to the main character, "Gladys Elizabeth". I truly look forward to working with her on future projects.
Are you working on any other books?
Yes, I am in the beginning stages of working on book number two. I get so excited just thinking about it! Hopefully by the end of the year I will be able to hold the finished product in my hand. I'm sure I will be shouting from the rooftops when I get to share it. It's a great story. Those that have read it have said, "Yahoo!!!"
You can find out more about Gladys Barbieri and Rubber Shoes by visiting www.chuchosbooks.com.
Stacie Theis / beachboundbooks@yahoo.com / copyright 2012