The Bilingual Book Buddies Podcast Talking About Creative Process and More with Alexandra Alessandri
May 14, 2025
Join award-winning Colombian-American author Alexandra Alessandri as she shares her creative journey in writing bilingual children's literature. She reflects on her late start in writing and the familial roots of storytelling. Alexandra discusses how her Colombian heritage shapes her work and emphasizes the importance of connecting universal emotions with cultural details. Plus, she offers insights on using Spanglish in drafts, the challenges of promoting bilingual books, and her upcoming mother-daughter book, Fly Pajarito Fly, that explores social-emotional themes.
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Early Storytelling Roots
- Alexandra remembers storytelling with cousins and family trips as the origin of her narrative voice.
- She returned to writing seriously after her father's death and the birth of her son, which rekindled her desire to create children's books.
Read To Find The Right Voice
- Alexandra refocuses by reading mentor texts for each age group to find voice and developmental fit.
- She tailors brainstorming to developmental needs and universal hopes of the target age.
Writing As Cultural Rediscovery
- Writing from heritage helps Alexandra rediscover Colombia and reclaim cultural pride after earlier distancing.
- She consciously highlights joyful and positive Colombian stories to counter stereotypes and stigma.
