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Chat with Ana Castillo NOW and live on Thursday!
For months, we’ve been bringing you interviews with smart, groundbreaking feminist writers and activists. But today we’re doing one better: making you the interviewer! In preparation for her appearance at CNW this Thursday, bestselling author Ana Castillo (So Far from God, Peel My Love Like an Onion) will be on hand today only to answer your questions about The Guardians (her gorgeous new novel about immigrant life on the US border with Mexico), and anything else you’ve always wanted to know but never had the chance to ask. Just use the comments section of this thread to post your question, and Ms. Castillo will respond right here as well!
Comments
Ms. Castillo-
I read your book and it is AMAZING. What kind of research did you have to do for it? Did you live near the border for a while?
Posted by: Meg | October 2, 2020 12:32 PM
Dear Ms. Castillo,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your new book and am an avid reader of your blog. "The Guardians" describes people (women, people of color, the poor) that are routinely ignored by society. What action would you hope to encourage by bearing witness to their stories (that as many of us know, aren't so fictional)?
Posted by: Kat | October 2, 2020 04:47 PM
Dear Ms. Castillo,
Saludos cordiales desde Puerto Rico. I'm so sorry I can't be in Cambridge for your presentation. Ana, would you say your writing reflects your spirituality? How is your spirituality (however you define spirituality) connected with your writing?
Me encanta su trabajo y a mis estudiantes universitarios/as tambien. Paz.
Posted by: Nina Torres-Vidal | October 2, 2020 05:10 PM
I've been trying to respond since yesterday. I'll start with the first question: I've made my home in Southern New Mexico for the last 4 yrs. Living there was the first 'inspiration,' if you will. I also go out and investigate locations, use books, newspapers and internet. Of course, living in the area I am surrounded by people who may experience some of what the characters experience. I also use my imagination.
Thanks for your comment and questions.
AC
Posted by: Ana Castillo | October 3, 2020 06:53 PM
Q#2 Bearing witness for me as a poet has been through my poetry and by speaking up at my events. I also have gone to journalism and other genres to reach out to varied and new audiences. If you have a blog, local community venues, etc.
Also, we have to speak up to our elected officials. Today you don't have to send a letter you can write to them via email. You can show up at rallies. With regard to political activism, any and every act counts. By rule is to choose what I am most passionate about and do what I can without going insane.
Thanks for the question.
Posted by: AC | October 4, 2020 10:20 AM
Q#3:
As with my political concerns, I guess what I transmitted through this novel was my awareness of the varied ways these characters might fulfill the spiritual side of their lives.
Regarding my own spiritual 'beliefs,' about ten years ago, I had a near death experiences which clarified to me some questions about the afterlife.
Gracias. Mil saludos a la gente en PR.
Posted by: AC | October 4, 2020 10:29 AM