The Rise and Fall of a Latin Queen

Reymundo Sanchez has appeared on Fox News Chicago, Telemundo, and Univision. He is the author of the books: My Bloody Life: The Making of a Latin King, Once a King, Always a King, Latin King: Una vida sangrienta, and the latest Lady Q: The Rise and Fall of a Latin Queen, published by Chicago Review Press. Lady Q is a compelling memoir about the tumultuous life of a young woman seduced by the world of drugs and violence in the streets. In spite of his busy schedule, he was kind enough to answer a few questions about his book.

Q:Thanks for this short interview. When did you start your career as a writer?

A:With the first book released in the year 2000. It took about 8 years to put together.

Q:Please tell us about your latest release, Lady Q: The Rise and Fall of a Latin Queen. I understand you wrote it in collaboration with Sonia Rodriguez. How did this project come about?

A:Great majority of e-mails, MySpace/Facebook hits I get are from females from the hood that are in some way affected by the gang lifestyle, so I decided to tell the woman's side of it.

Q:Was it hard writing someone else's memoir?

A:Yes. Had to separate myself emotionally from the person I was writing about in order to present an un-biased story.

Q:What is the main message of the book?

A:That not all kids join gangs because they have nothing better to do, and that gangs are not the "family" they make themselves out to be.

Q:How do you think the book will help young people?

A:By providing non-sugar coated, real accounts of a lifestyle that seems so attractive to many... they will hopefully realize what they are getting themselves into and chose a different path.

Q:How has the writing of this book affected you as a person and writer?

A:It has challenged me to reach for a broader reading audience.

Q:Is there anything else you'd like to share with my readers?

A:Gangs, whether they are female or male, are a product of a blind, uncaring community. To think otherwise is to allow gangs to flourish, and apparently most communities are thinking otherwise.

Mayra Calvani is the National Latino Books Examiner for Examiner.com. Visit her at http://www.examiner.com/x-6309-Latino-Books-Examiner.