Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Luz Mack. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Luz, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
My journey toward becoming an author has been a truly unique one. It all began when my middle daughter turned three, and I noticed that she couldn’t find herself reflected in her school community, the books she read, or even in the world around her. Desperate to find stories representing both my culture and my husband’s, I embarked on a quest to discover such books but found none. That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands. Through trial and error, I started creating my books, immersing myself fully in the world of literature. One of my best decisions was to dive head-first into reading countless children’s books. I realized that to become an author, I needed to write as much as possible, review my work, and gradually discover my unique author voice. It’s a skill that takes time to refine, and there are no shortcuts to achieving it. You must pour your heart into your writing and let it guide you on this incredible journey.
Luz, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Bio: Luz Maria Mack – a Dominican children’s book writer living in the vibrant South Bronx. She celebrates culture and language through books while affirming children.
In October 2020, she won the Best Animated Short Film at Bridge Fest, and in March 2021, her book “¡Pequeña María Descubre su baile!” (Little María discovers her dance!) was featured on PBS’s Chat and Learn program. She’s proud to have had the opportunity to collaborate with the Disney Storybook Art Team to co-write the “Family is Everything (Disney Encanto)” picture book.
Her latest book, “The Secret of the Plátano,” was released in September 2022 and quickly became a #1 New Release on Amazon in Children’s Central & South America Books. It was also included in the Best Children’s Picture Books of 2023 by the Children’s Book Committee of Bank Street College of Education. Her works have been honored, celebrating Dominican heritage, and she empowers young readers everywhere.
Her mantra is, “When you see yourself, you know that you belong anywhere and everywhere!” She plans to continue promoting this message through her work.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Over seven years ago, I embarked on my writing journey, pouring my heart and soul into the craft. It brings me immense joy to share that one of my books has finally reached traditional publication. But let me tell you, getting it picked up by a publisher was challenging. I pitched that book 75 times, receiving all sorts of responses or sometimes waiting for a reply. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, with reasons why it didn’t resonate with some publishers.
However, all the hard work and persistence paid off when my book was picked up and honored with an award. I am thrilled to share that it received the prestigious Bank Street Best Children’s Picture Books award in the Spanish edition for 2023. This recognition is a testament to my love and dedication to crafting the story.
I am grateful for this journey, with all its ups and downs, as it has shaped me as a person and writer. Writing helped me own my voice and learn to trust myself. It is a beautiful journey creating the stories in my heart. Even better is seeing a book born into the world because it’s a labor of love.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
A significant disparity highlights the lack of representation of BIPOC children in children’s literature. When children don’t see themselves reflected in the stories they read, it hinders their sense of empowerment. Shockingly, from 2018 to 2022, only a tiny percentage of children’s books featured characters or creators of color. This raises important questions: Who are the creators responsible for telling our stories? Who are the creators helping our children feel seen? And why does it matter? Recognizing the importance of sharing stories from voices that can authentically speak to these communities is crucial. When we think about popular shows like Dora the Explorer, Doc McStuffins, or, more recently, the hit show Rosie’s Rule, it might surprise many that the creators behind these shows do not come from these communities.
We must challenge the status quo and actively seek out diverse voices to create content that truly represents the experiences and cultures of all children. It’s time to ensure that BIPOC children see themselves as the heroes, adventurers, and dreamers within the stories they read. Let’s support and amplify the voices of creators who can provide authentic representation and empower our children. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://luzmack.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luzmackofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuzMackOfficial/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luz-mack/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LuzMariaMack1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3XjLBOLNzLb-TN98rEdNA
Image Credits
The images that I have a blue suit, please credit the picture to: https://www.instagram.com/designbyvictor/ and makeup to https://www.instagram.com/_mmbeautystudio_/