Interviews

What makes a life? Not even what makes a life worth living, but what makes a life a life.

My story is just one, but our unique perspectives contribute to creating a richer and more complex picture of our collective humanity.

When danger comes close to you, how do you react to it? How do you push back against it or cooperate with it?

Tension is where the heartbeat is. It’s the energy of it all, the electricity, the love.

I’m writing for anyone who likes a messy, drama-filled story with secrets and hilarious family problems, but also for my Latinx community.

I wanted to write characters who confront their humanity—all of it, but especially the ugly and visceral parts, and get to have the “release” we all deserve.

These works of public art are gifted, if you notice them, if you’re in a state of wakefulness.

There are two Post-its on my computer at all times: “Tell the truth” and “Make yourself laugh.”

My job is to channel the character and it doesn’t matter if I like it or not, or if I agree with them or not.

I can make connections across different times in my life, connections between different selves, and somehow that makes everything feel more whole.

As a novelist, you have to decide, what doesn’t serve the drama at that particular point. Even biographers have had to make serious decisions about what to include.

There’s always so much happening around us—we can’t possibly take it all in—but certain things seem to be a beacon for my attention.