#NuevasPaginas is a space that aims to amplify and spotlight Hispanic/Latine/x authors with newly published books. The goal is to connect readers to their next favorite Hispanic/Latine/x authored book through a mini casual get-to-know-the-book-and-author interview. So give please spread the news so we can reach more readers and continue the love/support of Latine literature!
How does it work?!
Here’s the deal, I came up with a set of casual/random/fun questions to ask each Hispanic/Latinx/e author, I interview. If you are new here don’t forget to check out all the other amazing interviews! We also have a great line-up of guest authors coming up so make sure you don’t miss an issue by subscribing now!
A friendly reminder that I am an affiliate with Bookshop.org and I may earn a commission if you click through any book links and make a purchase.
Hey Heyyy Book Franz!
I hope this email finds you well and that it magically gives you an extra hour to read sometime this week. I know for me, finding time to read gets harder and harder so whenever a full hour of reading happens - it’s pure magic <3
What is Lupita reading this week?
I am slowly working my way through two books I can’t put down but that I *do* put down to read the other- Monstrilio by Gerardo Sámano Córdova , which I am reading a physical copy of, and Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H, which I am reading on Kindle. I know I should probably decide on which one I want to commit to, but honestly, both are so amazing and unique in their own specific way that it would be a struggle to just pick one. The gif below is me trying to decide every day, which one I’ll read:
On audio, I finished up Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey, so I started reading Inciting Joy: Essays by Ross Gay. I’m excited to read this one because I loved Gay’s essay collection - The Book of Delights so much. It was one of those books that go me through the pandemic. Inciting Joy is shaping up to be just as good. The introduction already had me near tears as he talks about the reasons why he writes about and centers joy in his work.
Without further ado, our very special guest author for today’s Nuevas Pagina issue is……Annette Chavez Marcias author of Too Soon for Adiós!
Could you tell me a bit about where this photo was taken? Is it special to your book in some way?
This photo was taken in the Ramona Gardens housing projects in East LA. This is where my husband grew up and is the inspiration for the place where my main character’s mother grew up.
Tell me about your book without telling me about your book - share any literary inspirations behind your book! If there are none, the gap you wanted to fill in the literary canon with your book.
Think Lifetime movie where the main character moves to a small town determined to hate it, but then falls in love with the people and its history.
What are two central themes in your book that you connect with the most and why?
Grief and connecting to your heritage are the two central themes that hit close to home for me. Unfortunately, I’ve lost several loved ones in the past few years — including my dad — so this was my way of processing those emotions. And one of the ways I keep my dad in my heart is by staying connected to my Mexican roots.
If a book was home, where would your home be?
My home would be in the fictional town of Sonrisa — a place full of Mexican culture, history & people.
If your book was a famous musician who would it be?
I would say Carla Morrison. Her vibe and aesthetics fit the mood of this book perfectly.
What comfort food could a reader pair with your book?
Definitely chicken molé — my main character and her father make it together.
In what ways has access (or little to no access) to Hispanic/Latinx/e literature defined you as a writer?
It’s definitely motivated me to write the books I have always wanted to read. I remember the first time I read a book where the characters ate the food my family ate or celebrated the same traditions. You don’t realize how starved you are for representation until you get a taste of it. And it means so much to me to know that readers can relate to my stories and characters. It really has been a dream come true to be able to see my books out in the world.
Where can readers keep up with your work?
Readers can find me on Instagram @authorannette and TikTok @theromancechica
Thank you to Annette Chavez Macias for taking the time to chat with me about their book! Please make sure you purchase a copy (or request your local library carry a copy) #SupportLatinxLit!
Annette Chavez Macias writes stories about love, family, and following your dreams. She is proud of her Mexican American heritage, culture, and traditions, all of which can be found within the pages of her books. For readers wanting even more love stories and guaranteed happily ever afters, Macias also writes romance novels under the pen name Sabrina Sol. A Southern California native, Macias lives just outside Los Angeles with her husband, three children, and four dogs.
Synopsis for Too Soon for Adiós from the Bookshop website:
No one expects to meet their father at their mother's funeral. But for Gabby Medina, that's exactly what happens. Her dad abandoned her when she was a baby, and now he's back.
And he wants to give her a house.
Gabby doesn't want the house--or him. But she could use the money. So Gabby agrees to take it under two conditions: First, she can sell the house whenever she wants. Second, accepting it doesn't mean she accepts him.
After they strike a deal, Gabby hires a contractor in preparation for a quick sale. But as she gets to know the town and these two new men in her life, she learns more about herself than she ever dared to think possible.
But is she ready to open herself up to the truth of what happened--and the promise of what could be?
Agreed. And this book sounds great - even if I hadn’t read this interview, I know I would have picked it up because of that gorgeous cover! Adding to my TBR :)
I don't think you need to decide, you're doing an amazing job reading more than one book. This was a great interview too!