Comunidad is EVERYTHING.
because we can't do this alone
I am sat like a lump on a log, my aching feet up (I chose the wrong shoes, friends, that’s on me) my usual coffee consumption tripled, just to get myself back to myself. I feel like a scooped out calabaza (appropriate, fall brujas) but it’s for such a great reason.
This weekend, we brought a year’s worth of work, sweat and tears to life at the Latinx Storytellers Conference.
Too many great moments to recount here - suffice it to say that we created the kind of conference that we wish we’d had when we were starting out as baby writers and creators. We made a welcoming space to nurture and help each other. I got to interview literary legend, Pam Muñoz Ryan!
and celebrate with my amigas del alma (with pastries!)
If that’s the last thing I do, I’m satisfied.
[Spoiler: it’s not the last thing I did.]
What I’m reading
I’m listening to the audiobook of So Many Stars: An Oral History of Trans, Nonbinary, Genderqueer, and Two-Spirit People of Color by Caro Di Robertis. I highly recommend it, especially the audio as you can hear the way the queer elders frame their own stories of survival and joy.
Also reading Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle which I really like but it’s getting to the gory bits (quite literally, the bits) and I am reminded of the dichotomy of myself: I love horror/I am a big baby.
I’ve never seen the L Word (I know, I know) but it was fascinating listening to the audio book So Gay For You, but two of the L Word stars, Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey.
Where to find me
Here’s where I’ll be this fall (so far):
Reviews!
“Villasante once again presents a queer romance with a speculative twist in this unique exploration of technology, bullying, and feeling trapped…[T]he story emphasizes the significance of familial bonds in Latine culture… The utopian world created in New Gault is both beautiful and horrifying, explored deeply through Sebas’ and Lu’s alternating perspectives.”—Booklist
A September full of wonderful celebrations which will culminate in your on-sale tomorrow!!!