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MEET RACHEL RODRIGUEZ
by Bonnie O'Brian

Did you write stories when you were growing up? at school? Or at home as a hobby? As a young child, or as a teenager, or both?

Rachel Rodriguez

When I was a kid I started writing in a journal, just a simple notebook from the grocery store. I didn’t write stories, but had a regular habit of writing in my journal. I wrote about goings on at school, at home, with friends and in my neighborhood. We moved around a lot and I was a new kid often, so my journal became a steady ‘friend’ of sorts. My 4th grade journal was a Christmas gift from my mom. It was pink and furry and I called it “Tiffany.” I told Tiffany many secrets from my life.  I saved all my journals and still have them!

When you went to college, were you already pursuing a writing career? (or a career in illustrating? or just art in general?)

In college, I wanted to pursue a writing career and became and English major. But it was a fanciful notion of myself for many years. I thought just saying I was a writer meant I was one. It took me years to learn that being a writer and becoming an author means discipline and commitment. It means hours of ordinary, sometimes boring work and sitting in the chair at the desk day after day. It took me many years to really make a practice of that and dedicate the effort and hard work to publish my writing.

What was your first job when you graduated from college?

I worked as a teaching assistant in summer school at Phillips Academy in Andover, MA. It was quite an honor to be a TA at the esteemed private boarding school where the Kennedys’ had attended. I helped teach Creative Writing and Film & Society. It was one of many jobs I’ve had as a teacher. I had never spent much time on the East Coast and found the campus charming and beautiful. A favorite part of the day of classes was “Milk and Cookies” break, between the first and second class of the morning. All the students and faculty would lounge outside on the beautiful quad enjoying our milk and cookies before going back to class.

Was your first book accepted immediately? or did you experience a number of rejections?

I received 50 rejection letters before my book on Georgia O’Keeffe, THROUGH GEORGIA’S EYES, finally sold to Henry Holt Books. Those 50 rejections were from multiple submissions for just three or four picture books I’d written. But it took me about four years to learn the kid lit industry and figure out how to write a manuscript that could sell. Today when I visit schools to talk to students, I proudly show off my thick folder of rejection letters. I call them my “Badges of Honor.” I want kids to know that I kept working hard to become a better writer, and go for my dream to tell stories for kids.

What gave you the idea for  BUILDING ON NATURE: THE LIFE OF ANTONI GAUDI?

I had never been to Barcelona, Spain and known of the architect Antoni Gaudi’s work in this way. But one day doing research on the internet, I stumbled upon photographs of his amazing buildings. My jaw dropped. I couldn’t believe how playful, imaginative and whimsical his works in Barcelona were. They seemed perfect for children to discover. I quickly learned that seven of his buildings (and park) hold UNESCO World Heritage Site status. I very much wanted to introduce children to Gaudi’s works. Finally, my family tree (before Puerto Rico) sprouted in Castilla, Spain. I am honored to write about a famous Spaniard and genius architect for children to discover. 

 Do you write every day and do you have set hours that you work?

I try to write every day. However, some days I am visiting a school and doing assemblies about my books. On the days I am working at home, I exercise, eat breakfast and settled down to write at my computer by 9 a.m., just like someone who works at an office. I try to work a regular 9-5 day, like many people do in all sorts of jobs. Sometimes I’ll take a break in the afternoon to do errands, then continue writing in the evening. A neat thing about being an author is that you get to make up your own schedule—but the work has to get done! 

What do you most want the students to get out of your school visits?

The great thing about school visits is students realize that an author is just a regular, normal person like them! I love to talk to students about how when I was a kid their age, in their grade, I was already starting to dream about what job I wanted to do. I like students to start thinking about what ‘dream jobs’ they’d like to do when they grow up. Then I help them to realize that if they study and work hard, read a lot, listen to their teachers, get good grades and go to college, they CAN make their dreams happen. Just like artist Georgia O’Keeffe and architect Antoni Gaudi, the subjects of my books. And just like me!

What other jobs you had before you became a writer/illustrator?

I’ve been a backcountry park ranger picking up campers’ trash in the woods, a medical guinea pig, a 7-11 Slurpee machine fixer, a deli sandwich maker, restaurant busgirl and the voice of Hellman’s Mayonnaise for Argentinean commercials premiering at Cannes Film Festival. I’ve also been a high school teacher. It was one of my favorite jobs, spending all day and week with 120 teenagers from all over the world. My students inspired me with their eagerness to learn and curiosity about the world.