This week’s featured author is Susan Orosco. Ms. Orosco’s book, Latin Power: Seven Powers all Latinos have Upon Which to Build an Empire is a great read and thought provoking book. She wrote this book to bring Latinos closer to their dreams and aspirations. In addition, Ms. Orosco is a motivational speaker determined to raise the consciousness and self awareness of individuals and the population as a whole.
Ms. Orosco grew up and was raised in Ohio. Read our interview with Susan Orosco and learn what inspired her to write this book and overcome challenges in her life.
What inspired you to write your first book?
My family and I were the only non-white family in our neighborhood and schools. We endured a great deal of prejudice from the bigots and the bullies in our community. As I grew up I came to a crossroad. I realized I had the choice of taking the fear of the unknown that our all-white community was infested with, and make it my own, or I could forgive. I learned to forgive. When I did… I didn’t feel insignificant any more; instead I felt empowered. I wanted to share that with as many people as I could.
Was there anything in writing your book that you found particularly challenging?
As I wrote my book Latino Power: Seven Powers all Latinos Have Upon Which to Build an Empire, I was challenged about telling my deepest thoughts and especially exposing my emotions.
What was the hardest part to write and what kind of research did you do for this book?
The easiest part to write was the statistical research on how important the Latino political, work force, and economical power we have. The hardest as I said before was writing about my emotions as a youth.
What has been the hardest criticism to you as an author and what did you take away from it?
The hardest criticism was when I was asked to change the title of my book so it would not be offensive to other nationalities. I didn’t understand that. What I took away was that the fear that causes prejudice must always be expected but not allowed to determine a my worth.
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world (dead or alive), who would it be and why?
Dinner with Nelson Mandela would be my wish. I would want to be around the peace he has in his heart. I would ask him how I could be like him. The whole dinner would be about the peace within that I long to achieve.
How do you market your work and what avenues have you found work best for you?
I sell my book online. Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and also on my own website. I also sell by public speaking.
What advice would you give aspiring writers?
Write because you have a song to sing; a story to tell; and help to give so others can learn and grow.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects and/or recent books?
Arte Publico Press, out of Houston Texas, has bought a book that was written by me and seven other authors. It is called “8 Ways to Say I Love My Life.” It will be released November 2012. The authors are Josefina Lopez, Susan Orosco, Nancy De Los Santos Reza, Bel Hernandez, Margo Deleon, Laura De Anda, Joanna Diaz, and Rita Marmelejo. I have a book in the hands of my agent called “The Clean Soul Method” which deals with cleansing the soul of all grudges, resentments and other negative emotions. When the soul is clean of this kind of darkness –great opportunities open up to you. My book is the ‘how to’ on forgiveness.
Visit me at: www.susanorosco.com
