Book Blog Tour: Interview with Marissa Bañez (2 of 3)

 

Here is part 2 of my interview with Ms. Marissa Bañez, author of Hope and Fortune. 

Who do you dream of collaborating with in the future or on your next book project?

      My next book project is already in production and scheduled for official release on July 20, 2023.  It’s called Hues and Harmony (How the Rainbow Butterfly Got Her Colors).  It’s a story about multiraciality, self-discovery, self-acceptance, and belonging, as told through the life and adventures of a gray caterpillar.  The Fortune Fairies and Esperanza from Hope and Fortune make a cameo – but critical – appearance in Hues and Harmony, but it’s not a sequel.

       I’m also already thinking about my third book, which deals with the concept of “beauty.”  Again, Esperanza may make a cameo appearance there, but it’s also not a sequel.

      Honestly, I presently don’t have any dreams of collaborating with other children’s author for any of my upcoming book projects.  I like my own ideas as they are.  I wouldn’t want to impose them upon anyone, nor would I necessarily want others to impose their views on me to change my ideas.  However, if the stars align and someone comes along with whom I can collaborate and work nicely with on a new and different idea, I wouldn’t be opposed to it.

       Also, I think that my stories translate well into film or live performance by expanding on the themes and messages introduced in the books.  I would love to work and collaborate with the right person(s) for that type of project.

      What is the children’s book you wish you had written?

      I would never presume to take away credit from someone else who poured their heart, soul, and ideas into a book.  Nor do I have a shred of jealousy or envy of their successes.  The marketplace of ideas is big enough to accommodate everyone without anyone coveting the work of others as their own.  So, there is no children’s book written by someone else that I wish I had written.  I’m happy enough to simply have my books on the same bookshelf and hopefully enjoyed by some of the same readers.

      Author Bio

      A first-generation immigrant to the U.S. from Baguio City, Philippines, Marissa Bañez is a graduate of Princeton University and a lawyer licensed to practice in New York, California, and New Jersey. She has published legal articles for the prestigious New York Law Journal and the American Bar Association, but her true passion for writing is her children's stories.  At almost age 65, she is embarking on her new venture as a children’s illustrated book author with the debut of Hope and Fortune.  Her second book, Hues and Harmony (How the Rainbow Butterfly Got Her Colors) is scheduled for publication on July 20, 2023.  You can find her online at https://www.marissabanez.com/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-banez/ and https://www.facebook.com/marissa.banez.7.