Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mariana Llanos. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Mariana, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Ever since I was a child (in Lima, Peru) I knew I wanted to do something related to arts. Writing came naturally, but I was also interested in drawing, crafting, music, acting, and later in filmmaking. Everyone in my family knew I wrote poetry, so that was “my thing”. but since I was shy (and writing provided me the space to keep on being shy) I never communicated my other interests. I was afraid of failing, of not being good enough, so I didn’t pursue many of the things that I wanted to learn at that moment. I studied theater in Peru, but my professional path was still unclear. Once I became a mother, here in the United States, some force grew inside of me and that “knowing that I wanted something to do with arts” became a “I’m going to do it.” My publishing career began in 2013 as a self-published author. Later I moved on traditional publishing, and in between I have pursued my other creative loves, because I know that the sky is the limit.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a children’s books writer, originally from Lima, Peru, but based in Oklahoma. I write picture books, chapter books, middle grade, as well as poetry. I love writing for children! I find it both rewarding and an opportunity to plant a seed. Part of my job as an author is to visit schools. I have developed different programs aimed at children and others for families, so schools can hire me as a visiting author/guest speaker who will provide support and inspiration for children in their journey to becoming better readers and writers. At we speak, I have 13 published books. Many have won awards and have open doors to great opportunities, like writing an audiostory for a podcast produced by Sony Music, for example.
I also enjoy writing songs (lyrics) to accompany my books– which serve me well when visiting schools. I draw and I am beginning an online store to sell my drawings. I also bake, and I have a small artisan bakery on the side. where I create designs on focaccia bread, and develop my creativity with new fillings for empanadas or new recipes for cookies. I believe all of it is connected because doing artistic endeavors in general keeps my brain inspired to create more stories and pushes me to innovate.
Since I’m part of the children’s publishing industry and I have a second language, I began offering translation services, so now I am also a literary translator for children’s books from English to Spanish. I provide services to publishers looking to have books translated by someone for whom Spanish is their first language and it’s familiar with the different cultures of Latin America. There’s a great need for books in Spanish in the United States, and it is something publishers are just now catching on. Also, I write my own books in both languages, I consider that part of my identity and my branding.
When I have the opportunity I also teach classes about publishing or writing. I know there’s so much information online, it can be overwhelming, so I strive to serve as a filter through my experience. Most of the time I offer these classes in Spanish too.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Having English as a second language and being an immigrant were the first obstacles I’ve had to tackle. I’ve written since I was young, but never in English. When I decided to begin a career in publishing here in the United States I had to write in English. It was challenging, but doable, as I set my mind into polishing the craft of writing. However, my accent won’t let me hide the fact that English isn’t my first language, and at the beginning of my career there were uncomfortable moments, like when a person I knew asked me very surprised “Who translated your story into English?”. Or another random: “Do you write in English?” The assumption that I couldn’t create in the language sparked the dreaded impostor syndrome. Most people know that bilingualism is an asset, but we, Spanish-speaking writers still have to fight to not be pigeon-holed into books for people who “only speak Spanish ”. Bilingual books are also for people who don’t speak Spanish, as they are in English as well. Facing this issue is tiring, and I know people who quit because their books simply don’t take off.
The lack of Latino representation in many areas of culture and in children’s books feel discouraging as well, so that’s another issue that feels heavy as I pursue my goals.
However, I haven’t let any of this sidetracked me. On the contrary, I have used it as fuel to educate people and to open up opportunities to other Latino creators through a pitching event for writers and illustrators called LatinxPitch that I co-founded along with other writers. When I visit schools I have entertainment and education in mind, but I’m also aware that I’m representing Latino creators, and that’s very powerful to me.
I went from being a housewise with a dream of publishing her stories, to being an award winner author and entrepreneur, but overall, I’ve always been a creative person that has to be able to express herself through art. The moment I embraced that concept. is when my goal became clear. When your goal is clear, is easier to get up every time you stumble upon an obstacle.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I have built my social media in a very organic way. I am on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and Youtube. The key with it is to be patient and genuine. I started with friends and asking friends to recommend me. Also, posting relevant information to each platform is important as they all engage different people. For example, LinkedIn is more for my professional side, and to share articles and news, but what I want to get there is to network with educators and potential guest speaker gigs. Twitter (Or X) has a different way to communicate as well. I use it to talk to other publishing peeps, and to spread news and stories relevant to my career, and for LatinxPitch. On instagram I combine personal and my creative endeavors, as people like to see that human side of you. It’s easier since it’s image-centric. My advice to someone just getting started is to be patient. You don’t have to be on all platforms, just pick one or two you are comfortable with. Post frequently if you have something to say or show, but if you don’t it’s best not to post and instead engage with others, make authentic friendships, find like-minded people, as this also affects your logarithm.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marianallanos.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marianawritestheworld
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marianallanosbooks
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/marianallanos
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/marianallanos
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/marianallanos
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/marianallanosbooks