Author Isabel Allende discusses challenges as female writer and upcoming projects

Latina_VoicesBy Veronica Rios, Latina Voices

The Chicago Public Library Foundation welcomed Latina writer Isabel Allende on Tuesday night to discuss her published works and the challenges she has faced as a female writer.

Isabel Allende is a Chilean-American author of 20 books, both fiction and non-fiction, including several memoirs. One of her books, Paula, was written in memory of her late daughter, who passed away from complications of a blood disorder in 1992.

“Today is Paula’s birthday,” said Allende. “I feel the presence of my daughter constantly.”

All of Allende’s novels have been originally written in Spanish, but have been translated to at least 35 different languages. English was Allende’s second language, though she said that she is now fluent in it.

Allende is currently working on her first detective novel Ripper, which she co-wrote with her husband William.

“I had to learn fast,” said Allende. “Poison, guns, decomposition of bodies. It’s very interesting.”

The book was based on a game her granddaughter played, involving role-playing from the Jack the Ripperera. The main character of the book, she said, is “very much like [her] granddaughter.”

Growing up in a South American culture that was very conservative, Allende said there were not many female role models to look up to when it came to pursuing dreams outside of becoming someone’s wife.

“There were no models really,” said Allende. “But I loved words.”

Allende admits it took her a long time to admit that she was a writer. However, Allende wants young women to share their knowledge with the world.

“Take care of others and see how that starts to grow into something extraordinary,” said Allende.

Allende will receive the 2013 Carl Sandburg Literary Award on Wednesday night in honor of her fiction writing. The award is given to writers whose work influences public awareness for the written word.

This article was originally published in Latina Voices.

Veronica Rios is a journalism graduate student at Columbia College Chicago. She grew up in Hammond, Ind. and now resides in downtown Chicago.

[Photo courtesy Latina Voices]

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