Meet Luz Mack | Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Luz Mack and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Luz, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born to a single mother in Villa Mella, Dominican Republic. Looking back, I recall seeing pictures of myself with a big afro and a cloth diaper, surrounded by my mother’s siblings and my maternal grandmother in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Soon after, my mother married my stepfather, and our family welcomed my little sister, Nathaly. At six and four, Nathaly and I embarked on a new adventure, leaving behind our island life to pursue the American Dream in New York. Inwood, a hidden gem northernmost part of Manhattan, which is Washington Heights, shaped my formative years. During this time, my mother converted to the Mormon religion and raised my siblings and me in the church. Although we faced struggles and feelings of inadequacy while adapting to our new home, we found solace in one another, knowing that our family was gradually immigrating from the Dominican Republic to New York.

The celebration of the delightful aroma of home-cooked meals would tickle our senses as we heard the sizzle of garlic and oil, accompanied by a hint of oregano, signaling the imminent feast that awaited us—living in a bustling apartment filled with relatives and the regular visits of family members who never hesitated to offer blessings, hugs, and the customary cheek-squeezes that served as a reminder we were getting big!
The unfiltered honesty infused our lives, prompting me to realize that the world I was raised in centered around a lively family bound together by laughter, games, and the embrace of a modest lifestyle, all while maintaining unwavering unity.

The experience of immigrating to this country and witnessing the challenges confronted made me realize the importance of contributing to our communities by amplifying our stories.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
“Pequeña María” evokes memories of my childhood in the Dominican Republic. I am thrilled to share a delightful and engaging experience where Latino communities can see themselves through this story. “Nathaly, The Brave” portrays a fearless little sister who isn’t afraid of anything, while her big sister, Luz, is afraid of the dark and the lurking monsters within. Nathaly emerges as Luz’s valiant protector, fending off the monsters to safeguard her sister’s slumber, proving that there is nothing to fear. Inspired by the tragic 2016 Orlando Club Shooting, I penned the song “It Starts With You” as a beacon of hope and a call for unity. Though change may occur gradually, we can collectively drown out negativity and fervently pray for an end to hatred. In “Lalita’s Prayer,” I express gratitude for the strong women who continually offer prayers throughout every phase of my journey.

Coming from a devout household, I was taught to entrust all my worries to the Lord. As a child, my parents expressed concern when I struggled to develop language skills. Their experiences inspired this book, and similarly, when my husband and I became parents to our son Tony, we worried about when we would finally hear him speak.

In the “Santo & Sheepy” series, the pandemic forced a new normal for the world, especially for children. We all longed for our pre-pandemic lives, and our kids struggled with being confined at home day and night. My husband gifted our son Tony a stuffed animal to alleviate this, igniting his passion for storytelling. Tony began creating imaginary tales involving his newfound companion. His humorous anecdotes of caring for the stuffed animal prompted laughter within our family, leading us to document their escapades.

The story “Loving Cutico” delicately explores toxic masculinity, weaving a captivating tale highlighting societal norms and expectations for boys and girls. Growing up, I became acutely aware of the contrasting pressures on each gender. Boys were conditioned to be stoic and unyielding, discouraged from showing vulnerability. On the other hand, as a girl, I felt the weight of being expected to embody “ladylike” qualities, excel at household chores, and conform to societal ideals.

These false narratives overwhelmed me, prompting a profound realization: at the core of our existence, all we truly need is food and love. This invaluable lesson resonated deeply within me, and now, my mission is to share this important message with young children.

Lastly, one of my earliest memories in the Dominican Republic is at my grandmother’s house. My cousins and I would frolic and play on the front lawn while our aunts and uncles conversed, swaying on the rocking chairs on the porch. Many years later, I had a dream under the full moon, and my grandmother eagerly awaited me as a warm breeze whisked us away to a magnificent field. In this dream, we tightly embraced, as we often do when I dream of her. Holding my little hand, she knelt, grinning broadly, and reassured me that all was well. We played throughout the night, my bare feet relishing the cool earth as I followed after her.

Grateful for the precious opportunity to spend one more night with her, I wrote “The Secret of the Plátano” in her honor. Published in September 2022, it quickly became a #1 New Release on Amazon in Children’s Central & South America Books. Additionally, it was included in the Best Children’s Picture Books of 2023 by the Children’s Book Committee of Bank Street College of Education. I am deeply honored for the recognition of my work in celebrating Dominican heritage, and I eagerly anticipate continuing to share stories that inspire and empower young readers worldwide. All of my books are deeply rooted in the essence of family and aim to showcase the inherent beauty that surrounds us.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When my best friend visits from out of town, we always make it a point to meet for dinner and explore the restaurants along Dyckman Street. This strip is affectionately known as “Little DR” by locals, offering a tempting array of specialty Dominican cuisine and fusion dishes. We will take our time perusing the menus of various restaurants, appreciating the unique aesthetics and the lively ambiance surrounding us. The music fills the air, adding to the atmosphere as we make our selections. Without fail, my friend knows that I’ll choose a dish featuring Plátano or yuca fries, and we share a playful moment of laughter as I promise to try something different next time. As we savor our meals and engage in lively conversation, time seems to slip away, and we cherish the moment. Once we finish, we might venture to 207th Street, hoping to catch a live performance from a local artist. The following day, we indulge ourselves with a pampering massage near Edgewater, New Jersey, followed by a leisurely late lunch overlooking the serene waters with the NY views, immersing ourselves in the soothing surroundings.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am eternally grateful for my family, especially my husband, who has consistently supported me through the highs and lows. There have been numerous occasions where I’ve felt like giving up, only for him to shower me with something good to eat and encourage me to rest. Come morning, he’s there by my side, helping me regain focus and reminding me that I can overcome any challenge. Having Tony A. Mack, as my husband, has truly been a blessing. I am also grateful to Ángela Abréu, the founder of the Dominican Writers Association, and Ceece Kelley, the publisher and Founder of Soaring Kite Books, for their invaluable contributions to my journey.

Website: https://luzmack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luzmackofficial/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luz-mack/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LuzMariaMack1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuzMackOfficial/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@inclusiveartsmedia4411

Image Credits
A special thanks to: Makeup by Mariela Mojica Picture by Victor Manuel Colón