Friday, November 30, 2012



Researching in Guatemala

The countdown has begun. Four days from now ...

Thanks to a grant from the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI), I’m traveling to Guatemala, a beautiful fierce land with rainforests, volcanoes, wild animals, and a rich Mayan heritage. Many ancient Mayan cities are still being found today, buried in the thick jungles to the north. But I’m not traveling to the jungles.




Guatemala is luring me to its highland capital, Guatemala City, surrounded by three volcanoes: Pacaya, Agua, and Fuego. Known as one of the most dangerous cities of Central America, Guate (as the locals call it) is home to millionaires and paupers and everyone in between. But I’m heading there to visit the dump.

Research for my work-in-progress novel for middle grade readers (ages 8 to 12) requires that I see, smell, and experience the dump, a place where toxins and medical wastes are cast, where methane gases caught fire in 2005, and where over 11,000 people live. Titled The Vanishings, my novel exposes the plight of life in the largest dump of Central America. Outcasts among their society, these people are treated barely better than the garbage they live in. Many of them even believe they are the refuse of the world.


I’ve been told this will be a heartbreaking journey. I want to share it with you. Join me here, beginning December 4th. 

15 comments:

  1. How exciting, Genetta! Can't wait to read your adventures.

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  2. How wonderful, Genetta! Looking forward to your posts!

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  3. Genetta,

    Awaiting your blog to continue. A third world country trip is an adventure.

    Wishing you lots of fun, meera

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  4. Oh, this sounds incredibly exciting--and life-changing. Can't wait to hear more, Genetta! Safe travels!

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  5. Thank you, everyone, for your encouragement! I'm glad to know you will be joining me on this adventure.

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  6. Wow, Genetta! That sounds like an amazing trip. I can't wait to hear all about it.

    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com

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  7. Wow, Genetta .... What an incredible trip! Can't wait to read about all your adventures! Safe travels my friend and I will be praying for you xoxo

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  8. SO glad you'll be sharing this adventure with us, Genetta. I'm super excited for you. Wishing you the BEST on your trip. Can't wait to hear about it!

    Alice

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  9. So excited to follow along on your blog as you take this trip! Safe travels & can't wait to read about it!

    Gail

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  10. Wow Genetta - YOu're a brave woman. I look forward to reading. e

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  11. Prayers for safe travels and a heart-breakingly, life-changing time!

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  12. Thinking of you Genetta and so glad you will be sharing here on your blog. The SCBWI grant will be well-spent. A terrific investment in you as a writer and in educating people. My best!

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  13. Hi All,

    I want you to know how thrilled I am that you're going to share this journey with me.
    And I appreciate your kind thoughts!

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