Spotlight on Sandra Benitez
from the Latino Writers & Jouranlists textbook

I chose to personally interview my subjects in the Latino Writers & Journalist to best capture the spark that makes them inspirational to readers, which is the point of any biography. I wanted to gain a glimpse into the foundation that molded them. In this way the biographical essays establish a commonality with readers and hopefully inspires and encourages them to seek out and unearth their own unique gifts.

Sandra Benitez I really enjoyed speaking with Sandra Benitez, primarily because she is very warm and unpretentious. She was one of the first authors to really open up and share aspects of her writer's journey that made her appear more human than superstar. Not that she hasn't had her share of literary honors, because her work has been recognized many times for its lyrical, authentic, and powerful style. I loved hearing Sandra talk honestly about her experience of living between two cultures, El Salvador and the Midwest. She has struggled with people saying she isn't Latina enough (and as many of us are mixed culturally, how wonderful to hear that the accomplished authors feel this too). She felt a deep connection to her Latina roots and so wanted to assume her mother's maiden name as her pen name, which of course is similar to my experience when I took on my mother's maiden name, Martinez. She had the integrity to speak with her parents about this decision. I find this courageous and inspiring, and I hope you do too.

http://www.sandrabenitez.com/



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