Q: First tell us something about yourself?
Hello everyone! It’s an honor being part of such a wonderful magazine.
My name is Clara and I was born in Guatemala. I was adopted at the age of 13 and I live in Florida. I love spending time with my husband, pets, nieces and nephews. My favorite place is the beach. I also love to travel and learn about the different customs and cultures in other countries. Most of all, I truly enjoy visiting our beautiful country because every state has a lot of natural beauty. Traveling helps me learn and appreciate diversity.
Q: How and when did your journey start as a writer?
My journey as a children’s book writer began in 2021, when we adopted Mr. Milo. He was only two months old. I had just finished my cancer battle. I was feeling sad and down. Mr. Milo brought a little happiness into my world. He is a very smart kitty. He is very curious and enjoys learning, but not without getting his treats! My nieces and nephews enjoy playing and watching Mr. Milo learn and play. As I watched them, I realized that maybe other children would love to know and learn about the process of adopting Mr. Milo. My hope has always been to encourage adoption. Pet adoption is a great way to teach our children about the process. There are many pets that need a loving home.
Q: When did you write your first story? Is it published or not?
I wrote my first short story in July of 2021. I was initially inspired by my niece Adelyn, who was 7 years old at that time. She would ask me about Mr. Milo’s adoption process and vet visits. Adelyn has always been very interested in knowing every step of caring for Mr. Milo. She loves pets. She even adopted some of her pet toys. She dreams of becoming a veterinarian and I’m very proud of her. I’m sure she can become anything she wants to be. I also noticed a big interest and excitement every time my other nieces and nephews, Jace, Eleina, Damian and Lahna interacted with Mr. Milo. They all gave me the inspiration to write about the adoption process for children to read.
Clara & Mr. Milo’s Adventures is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Q: Tell us something more about your books?
Clara & Mr. Milo’s Adventures is a series that gives us a step by step process of adopting Mr. Milo from the shelter and the importance of the everyday caretaking of a pet.
Q: Why do you choose kids as your reader ? is there any specific reason?
I chose to write to kids because they inspired kindness and love to others. Shelter pets need love and caring to survive. My wish is to encourage shelter pet adoption and to give a little idea of the type of caring a pet will need.
It has been amazing to see the inspiration that Mr. Milo brings to others. My younger brother noticed the excitement that Mr. Milo brought to his younger daughter, Eleina. They went ahead and adopted a beautiful kitty named Jack from the shelter. I’m so happy and proud.
Q: How did these stories and characters come to your mind?
Clara & Mr. Milo are basically Mr. Milo and I. The series is based on the process of adopting Mr. Milo. It shows the different steps that I personally had to learn from adopting Mr. Milo as a kitten. Not every pet at the shelter will be adopted at the same age but every pet will need love and care.
Q: Do you want to leave any message for your readers?
Yes! I would like every child to know that shelter pets are sweet animals that need patience and a loving home. I hope that Clara & Mr. Milo’s Adventures inspires you to love and care for a pet in need.
Best wishes to ALL of you! Keep reading and learning!
