Maribel Martinez is an American-born writer and artist of Cuban and European descent who explores the natural world, art, feminism, love, resiliency, family dynamics, and the human condition. She paints with oils, loves long shaded hikes, is drawn to the ocean, adores animals, appreciates a good cup of tea, will always sing along to classic rock, and can't resist a good ballad or a nice handbag.
She is a winner of the 90th Annual Writer's Digest Writer's Competition for Children's Literature for LAPTOP'S NEW CONNECTION, a story about a smart, savvy Hispanic 4th grader on the wrong side of the digital divide told from the point of view of a clueless, lovable laptop. Maribel is also a winner of the 74th Annual Writer's Digest Writer's Competition for Children's Literature for IT WILL BE BETTER TOMORROW, the story of a brave 5th grader who emigrates from Colombia to the U.S. with his teenage brother to escape local kidnappings, and must acclimate to a new life while fearing he may never see his parents again. Her latest contest win was for THE LAST HALLOWEEN, a 200-word story about an Asian-American teenager who struggles to be truly seen by his family.
Maribel enjoys creating snapshots of human history through her flawed characters and incorporating humor along with themes such as community and resilience in her writing for children. She is an active member of both SCBWI as well as a Miami-based critique group, and regularly participates in writer's workshops and conferences. She launched #MiamiCritiqueGroup on Twitter (2023),* rallying her critique partners around the hashtag, in the hopes of raising the profiles of her talented colleagues who continue to support her own author journey. Maribel lives in Saint Augustine, Florida, with her family, a swanky Betta fish, and an industrious snail.
*Now find #MiamiCritiqueGroup on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky