Las Musas Podcast: Recent Episodes
Las Musas
The Las Musas Podcast pulls back the veil and shares all the details about our publishing journeys, what debut year is really like, and how we're working towards creating a sustainable writing career in an industry still struggling with diversity, equity, and transparency.
In this episode, we're celebrating our pachamamas—we're talking about our Mamás, Abuelas, and Tías, and how their strength and love influenced us as writers and illustrators. And that's a topic we can all wrap our arms around! Host: Aixa Pérez-Prado
If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Purchase Aixa Pérez-Prado's debut picture book City Feet
Purchase Mariana Ríos Ramírez's picture book Abuelita's Gift by pre-order
Purchase Gabriella Aldeman's picture book Squawk of Spanish by pre-order
Purchase Ashley Granillo's debut middle grade Cruzita And The Mariacheros
Purchase Paola Santos' debut picture book How To Eat A Mango
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Visit our website!
In this episode, we'll be honoring our planet and Earth Day and hearing from our environmentally conscious Musas. Hear their eco-friendly advice and how their books highlight this important topic. Host: Aixa Pérez-Prado
If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider buying a book (or two) to say thanks!
Purchase Sara E. Echenique's picture book Our Roof is Blue
Purchase Adriana Hernández Bergstrom's picture book Tumble
Purchase Natalia Sylvester's YA book Running
Purchase María José Fitzgerald middle grade book Turtles of the Midnight Moon
Purchase Tatiana Gardel's picture book The First Day of Peace
Purchase Lulu Delacre picture book Cool Green: Amazing, Remarkable Trees
Purchase Gabriella Aldeman's picture book Paula's Patches
Purchase Alyssa Reynoso-Morris picture book The Bronx Is My Home
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Visit our website!
In this episode, we’ll be talking about the amazing power of music, voice, and expression. And that’s a topic the Musas can definitely all chime in on! Hear powerful messages about what music does for our lives, our joy, and a sense of belonging—and how our books reflect that. Host: Aixa Pérez-Prado
If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Purchase Aixa Pérez-Prado's debut picture book City Feet
Purchase Monica Mancillas' debut middle grade Sing It Like Celia
Purchase Isabel Estrada's debut picture book La Mariachi
Purchase Ashley Granillo's debut middle grade Cruzita And The Mariacheros
Purchase Paola Santos' debut picture book How To Eat A Mango
Learn more about the musicians mentioned in today's episode:
Celia Cruz
Mercedes Sosa
Selena Quintanilla
Oscar D’Leon
Al Jarreau
Little Joe
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Visit our website!
In this episode we're talking about love—friendship make-ups, break-ups, family love, and new romances! This month, Musas Jonny Garza Villa and Elle Gonzalez Rose discuss inspiration and tropes, how to write relatable young characters, and a ~twist~: "Which of your characters would be your prom date of choice?" Tune in for all the feels! Host: Aixa Pérez-Prado
If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Purchase Aixa Pérez-Prado's debut picture book City Feet
Purchase Jonny Garza Villa's third YA contemporary novel Canto Contigo
Purchase Elle Gonzalez Rose's second YA contemporary novel 10 Things I Hate About Prom
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
Visit our website!
Welcome to the 2024 Las Musas Podcast season. Meet the 2024 podcast team, including the host, audio gurus, and apprentices! Learn about their fabulous books.
If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider buying a book (or a few) by the 2024 team to say thanks!
Purchase Aixa Pérez-Prado's debut picture book City Feet
Purchase Maria Jose Fitzgerald's debut middle-grade novel Turtles of the Midnight Moon
Purchase Sara Fajardo's debut picture book Paka Paka Con La Papa: Alberto Salas Plays Potato Hide-and-Seek
Purchase Steena Hernandez's debut picture book Lupita's Brown Ballet Slippers
Purchase Mariel Jungkunz's debut picture book Dreams of Green
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
On this very special episode of the Las Musas Podcast, recorded at the close of Latine Heritage Month, Musas Jonny Garza Villa, Elle Gonzales Rose, and Jess C. Parra talk about Latine Lit, our visibility in publishing, the value of our books and stories, and reading Latine Lit all year round.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Purchase Jonny Garza Villa's sophomore young adult novel Ander & Santi Were Here
Purchase Elle Gonzales Rose's debut young adult novel Caught In a Bad Fauxmance
Purchase Jess C. Parra's debut young adult novel Rubi Ramos' Recipe for Success
¡Estamos muy emocionados de presentar nuestro primer podcast en español!
Hoy, María Dolores Águila está acompañada por Musas Paola Santos y Aixa Pereze Prado y el tema es ¡celebración! Únase mientras charlamos sobre el aprendizaje del idioma, cómo usamos el español en nuestros cuentos, los libros que crecimos leyendo, los libros que nos han hecho sentir vistas, y los libros que nos inspiraron a escribir. También hablaremos de lo que nos gustaría que el lector se lleve después de encontrarse con uno de nuestros trabajos.
Si disfrutó de este podcast, considere comprar un libro (o algunos).
El libro ilustrado debut de María Dolores Águila, EL BARRIO SE LEVANTA (ilustrado by Magdalena Mora y traducido por David Bowles), está actualmente disponible para preordenar.
Compre el libro ilustrado debut de autora e ilustradora, Aixa Pérez-Prado, CITY FEET.
Esté atento al libro ilustrado debut de Paola Santo, CÓMO COMER UN MANGO (ilustrado por Juliana Perdomo), que se lanzará en el verano de 2024.
This week, our middle grade and young adult Musas—Lauren Yero, Maria José Fitzgerald, and Tamika Burgess—discuss their debut year experience, the lessons learned so far, and managing expectations from reality.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Purchase Tamika Burgess's debut middle grade novel, Sincerely Sicily
Purchase Maria José Fitzgerald's debut middle grade novel, Turtles of the Midnight Moon
Pre-order Lauren Yero's debut young adult novel, Under This Forgetful Sky
Resources galore! You're going to want a pen and paper for this episode as Aixa Pérez-Prado brings fellow debut picture book Musas, Sheila Colón-Bagley, J. de la Vega, Gabriela Orozco Belt, and Delia Ruiz, for a conversation on resources, support groups, mentorships, and all things, groups, best practices that have helped them through the door into traditional publishing, as well as what it's been like so far as a Latina/Latine in publishing.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Purchase Aixa Pérez-Prado's debut picture book, City Feet
Pre-order Sheila Colón-Bagley's debut picture book, La Noche Before Three King's Day
Purchase J. de la Vega's debut picture book, Wepa
Purchase Gabriela Orozco Belt's debut picture book, Only For a Little While
Pre-order Delia Ruiz's debut board book series, ¡1, 2, 3, Baila!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
On this episode of the Las Musas Podcast's were joined by Musas: Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, Ana Siqueira, Jackie Moreira, Maria Dolores Aguila, Sheila Colón-Bagley, and Jonny Garza Villa who talked about the Power of Love, Culture and Community in their writing.
They talked about how writing about culture and family are not only doors and windows for Latinx children to see themselves, but also serve as opportunities for other children to learn about diversity and foster empathy.
They share how their stories are inspired by their real-life experiences, even when writing non-fiction, such as Maria Dolores’ Barrio Rising about a girl participating in the protest that led to the creation of the iconic Chicano Park in San Diego. Balancing, or not balancing all their cultures and communities was another topic discussed followed by the importance of showing your culture and community.
The grand finale encompasses what each writer wants their readers to walk away with. Listen to this podcast to learn more about culture, community, empathy, respect, family, love, and more.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Order Alyssa Reynoso-Morris' debut picture book: Plátanos Are Love
Order Ana Siqueira's 2023 picture book: Abuela’s Super Capa.
Order Jonny Garza Villa’s 2023 YA: Ander And Santi Were Here.
Pre-order Jackie Moreira’s debut picture book: Abuelo’s Flower Shop.
Pre-order Sheila Colón-Bagley PB: La Noche Before Three Kings
Pre-order Maria Dolores Aguila’s debut PB: Barrio Rising
Adriana Hernández Bergstrom, Jonny Garza Villa, and Vanessa Torres join debut Musas Jackie Morera, Aixa Pérez-Prado, and Elle Gonzalez Rose for a Q&A about post-debut life, lessons learned, what our sophomore Musas wish they would've done and known, and a general sharing of wisdom and chisme in this delightful conversation.
Links—
From Adriana: States Book Awards for Children and Young Adult Book Awards
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Purchase Adriana Hernández Bergstrom's newest picture book, Tumble
Purchase Jonny Garza Villa's newest young adult novel, Ander & Santi Were Here
Purchase Vanessa Torres' young adult novel, The Turning Pointe
Learn more about Jackie Morera and her upcoming debut picture book, Abuelo's Flower Shop
Purchase Aixa Pérez-Prado's debut picture book, City Feet
Pre-order Elle Gonzalez Rose's debut young adult novel, Caught in a Bad Fauxmance
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Twitter
Instagram
Visit our website!
On this episode of the Las Musas Podcast's Debut Diaries series, debut young adult and middle grade Musas Elizabeth Santiago, Lauren Yero, and Angela Montoya discuss debut year jitters and mental health.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Pre-order Elizabeth Santiago's debut young adult novel, The Moonlight Vine
Pre-order Lauren Yero's debut young adult novel, Under This Forgetful Sky
Pre-order Angela Montoya's debut young adult novel, Sinner's Isle
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Twitter
Instagram
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast's Debut Diaries series staring our debut and sophomore picture book Musas, Mónica Mancillas and Alyssa Reynoso-Morris join Aixa Pérez-Prado to talk all about inspiration! What inspires them, what they do with that inspiration, and how they manage the excitement of being inspired is all covered in this delightful conversation!
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Pre-order Mónica Mancillas' picture book, The Worry Balloon
Purchase Alyssa Reynoso-Morris' debut picture book, Plátanos Are Love
Purchase Aixa Pérez-Prado's debut picture book, City Feet
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Twitter
Instagram
Visit our website!
In a new segment of the Las Musas Podcast we're calling Book Talk!, Maria José Fitzgerald joins Monica Mancillas and Angela Montoya to discuss what books they're reading and what authors have their heart, how media inspires and informs them as authors, and delve into all things inspiration, invigoration, and influential.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Purchase Maria Jose Fitzgerald's debut middle grade novel Turtles of the Midnight Moon
Pre-order Monica Mancillas's picture book The Worry Balloon
Pre-order Angela Montoya's debut young adult novel, Sinner's Isle
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Twitter
Instagram
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast's Ask a Musa host Lulu Delacre joins Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, Gabi Aldeman, and Sallie Anne Rodriguez to answer questions about pitches, querying, being prepared, and never quitting.
They started by talking about books they are reading now, such as The Last Beekeeper by Pablo Cartaya, Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa by Julian Randall, Free Water by Amina Luqman-Dawson (Author), the adult historical book titled Miss del Rio by Bárbara Mujica
Then they attacked the questions such as:
- Dos and Don’ts when pitching your book for Twitter contests, agents, and editors, including many resources and tips.
- How they got their agents.
- Publishers that accept unsolicited manuscripts.
- Resources and tips for unpublished BIPOC creators including amazing mentorships.
Finally, las musas talked a little bit about tips to stay positive and that “Sí, se puede.”
¡Pa’lante!
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Order Lulu Delacre’s latest picture book: Cool Green: Amazing, Remarkable Trees
Order Sallie Anne Rodriguez’ novel: Treasure Tracks
Order Alyssa Reynoso-Morris' debut picture book: Plátanos Are Love
Pre-order Gabriella Aldeman's debut picture book: Paula's Patches
And check out more Musas and amazing books at LasMusasBooks.com.
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Twitter
Instagram
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast's Debut Diaries series, the Middle Grade and Young Adult Edition, Jessica Parra joins fellow Musas Jonny Garza Villa, Elle Gonzalez Rose, and Angela Montoya for a lively discussion on author brand and social media, their impacts, implications, and necessities (or lack thereof), and marketing and publicity.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Pre-order Jonny Garza Villa's sophomore young adult novel Ander & Santi Were Here
Caught in a Bad Fauxmance
Pre-order Jessica C. Parra's debut young adult novel Rubi Ramos's Recipe for Success
Pre-order Angela Montoya's debut young adult novel, Sinner's Isle
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Twitter
Instagram
Visit our website!
On this episode of the Las Musas Podcast's Debut Diaries: the Picture Book Edition, Musas Gabriella Alderman, Monica Mancillas, Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, and Judith Valdes join Aixa Pérez-Prado to discuss the idea of author brands, what they hope their author brands translate to from an outside and reader perspective, the author's power—or lack thereof—in marketing and promotion as well as best practices and advice for marketing, as well as much more in this incredibly insightful conversation!
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!Pre-order Gabriella Alderman's debut picture book, Paula's Patches
Pre-order Monica Mancillas' picture book, The Worry Balloon
Purchase Aixa Pérez-Prado's debut picture book, City Feet
Pre-order Alyssa Reynoso-Morris' debut picture book, Plátanos Are Love
Learn more about debut picture book Musa, Judith Valdes
Connect with Las Musas on social media:Twitter
Instagram
Visit our website!
After an incredible beginning to our year, Musas Anika Aldamuy Denise joins Andrea Beatriz Arango, Camille Gomera-Tavarez, Karina Nicole González, and Natalia Sylvester to discuss their books, the equally surprising and meaningful phone calls, and what being awarded a Youth Media Award or Honor with the American Library Association means for them. Congrats to all our Musas on your incredible books and your wonderful achievement!
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!Purchase Andrea Beatriz Arango's Newbury Honor Book Iveliz Explains It All
Purchase Belpré Youth Illustration Honor Book Phenomenal AOC: The Roots and Rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, illustrated by Loris Lora and written by Anika Aldamuy Denise
Purchase Camille Gomera-Tavarez's Belpré Young Adult Author Honor Book High Spirits
Purchase Belpré Children’s Author Honor Book and Belpré Youth Illustration Honor Book The Coquíes Still Sing, written by Karina Nicole González and illustrated by Krystal Quiles
Purchase Natalia Sylvester's Belpré Young Adult Author Honor Book Breathe and Count Back from Ten
Connect with Las Musas on social media:Twitter
Instagram
Visit our website!
Welcome to Season Three, listeners! In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast's Debut Diaries series, 2023 Musas Maria José Fitzgerald is joined by Jessica Parra and Aixa Pérez-Prado to talk about finding agents, important tools for considering agents and partners in your publishing process, finding an editor, and their excitement and words of wisdom for their debut year. (#EatTheCookies!)
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!Pre-order Maria Jose Fitzgerald's debut middle grade novel Turtles of the Midnight Moon
Pre-order Jessica C. Parra's debut young adult novel Rubi Ramos's Recipe for Success
Purchase Aixa Pérez-Prado's debut picture book, City Feet
Connect with Las Musas on social media:Twitter
Instagram
Visit our website!
Meet some of the 2022 Musas Hermanas! On this episode of the Las Musas Podcast, Annabelle Estrada joins Jackie Morera, Julia Clauson, Roxsy Lin, Amaris Castillo, Aimé Casillas, and Delia Ruiz to talk about their experiences during the Musas mentorship process. They discuss how and when you know you're ready for a mentor, how a mentorship can help give you the confidence to grow, how to figure out what you need, ways you can prepare yourself for getting critiqued, and the many things they took away from their wonderful experiences.
Book recommendations:
The Coquíes Still Sing by Karina Nicole Gonález
If your Babysitter is a Bruja by Ana Siqueira
Abuela and I Make Flan by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom
Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza by Laekan Zea Kemp
Seven Husbands by Evelyn Hugo
A Little Life Hanya Yanaghihara
Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Holding On by Sofia N. Lee and Isabel Roxas
Violeta by Isabel Allende
How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz
The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez
In the Beautiful Country by Jane Kuo
Manu by Kelly Fernández
Solito Javier Zamora
The Magic Words: Writing Great Books for Children by Cheryl B. Klein
Perfectly Parvin by Olivia Abtahi
In this incredible episode of the Las Musas Podcast's Debut Diaries series, 2023 Debut Musas Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, Elle Gonzalez Rose, Maria Jose Fitzgerald, and Aixa Pérez-Prado discuss their books, debuting and the journey leading up to their debut year, and learning about the publishing process and marketing and lessons learned.
Resources Mentioned to Come!
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!Learn more about Maria Jose Fitzgerald, author of debut middle grade novel, Turtles of the Midnight Moon
Learn more about Elle Gonzalez Rose, author of debut young adult novel, Caught In a Bad Fauxmance
Learn more about Aixa Pérez-Prado, author of debut picture book, City Feet
Learn more about Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, author of debut picture book, Plátanos Are Love
Connect with Las Musas on social media:Twitter
Visit our website!
In this very special (and scary!) episode of the Las Musas Podcast's Book Talk series, Ana Siqueira, Ann Dávila Cardinal, and Aixa Perez-Prado join Mia García to discuss all things Halloween and scary KidLit to get you in the mood for Spooky Season!
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Purchase the anthology Our Shadows Have Claws featuring Mia García
Purchase Ann Dávila Cardinal's YA book Category Five
Learn more about 2023 Debut Musa Aixa Perez-Prado
Purchase Ana Siqueira's picture book If Your Babysitter Is a Bruja
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:Twitter
Visit our website!
Aida Salazar talks with Aya de León about the many layers that are woven into her exciting debut Middle Grade book, Undercover Latina. They discuss what it means for the main character to be a white passing spy infiltrating a white nationalist terrorist organization, how Aya balances action and entertainment with political activism, and the careful craft behind writing her spellbinding action-packed adventures.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Aida Salazar's novel in verse, A Seed in the Sun
Buy Aya de León's Middle Grade book, Undercover Latina
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast Debut Spotlight series, Adriana Hernández Bergstrom talks with fellow debut Musa Mónica Mancillas about her picture book, Mariana and Her Familia, Mónica's path to publication, how her own childhood growing up between México and San Diego and how language and culture shaped Mariana's story, and what she hopes readers take away from Mariana and Her Familia.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Purchase Mónica Mancillas' picture book Mariana and Her Familia
Purchase Adriana Hernández Bergstrom's picture book Abuelita and I Make Flan
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:Twitter
Visit our website!
On this episode of the Debut Spotlight series, Ana Siquiera talks with debut author Mariana Ríos Ramírez about the inspiration for her Picture Book, Santiago's Dinosaurios, coming out on October 27th 2022! Mariana talks about her son's experience moving to the United States and starting kindergarten without knowing English, how dinosaurs came to be such a big part of the story, her upcoming book, Abuelita's Gift, and shares some great tips that she learned from her journey from International Relations to children's publishing.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Mariana Ríos Ramírez's Picture Book, Santiago's Dinosaurios
Buy Ana Siquiera's MG book, Bella's Recipe for Success, and her new Picture Book, If Your Babysitter is a Bruja (also in Spanish!)
Writing Resources mentioned:
SCBWI— www.scbwi.org
The Writing Barn— www.thewritingbarn.com
Storyteller Academy— Storyteller Academy: Where you learn to write children's books
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media: Twitter Instagram
Visit our website!
On this incredible episode of the Las Musas Podcast's Debut Spotlights, Juliet Menéndez talks with debut Musa and author, Raquel Donoso, about her picture book, Viva's Voice. Hear Raquel talk about the inspiration for Viva's Voice—her own experience as a child joining her father at a strike—writing little girls with loud voices who get to use that as a superpower to inspire those she loves, and how she hopes Viva's Voice will show readers expressive girls who are affirmed and action oriented. We also get to hear about Raquel's journey to writing as a career and how writing a memoir helped connect her with her past. Plus much more in this insightful conversation!
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks! Purchase Juliet Menéndez's book Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers in English and in Spanish Purchase Raquel Donoso's debut picture book Viva's Voice Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page! Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this special episode of the Las Musas Podcast in honor of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, Emma Otheguy joins Terry Catasús Jennings, Sara Fajardo, Laekan Zea Kemp, and Cynthia Harmony to pull back the curtain on the publishing industry and the challenges Latinx authors face behind the scenes. Together, they offer a path forward that includes systemic changes to the industry, public funding for books in schools and libraries, and ideas for how we can support each other to make broad Latinx representation in books a reality.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Order Emma Otheguy's Middle Grade book, Sofía Acosta Makes a Scene, and pre-order her other Middle Grade book, Reina Ramos Works it Out
Order Terry Catasús Jennings's Picture Book The Little House of Hope and pre-order her Middle grade book, Pauli Murray
Order Cynthia Harmony's Picture Book, Mi Ciudad Sings also available in Spanish as, Mi Ciudad Canta
Pre-order Laekan Zea Kemp's Middle Grade book, Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza and order her Pura Belpré honor book, Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet
Look out for Sara Fajardo's Picture Book, Paka Paka con la Papa: Alberto Salas Plays Potato Hide-and-Seek coming out in 2023!
On this very exciting episode of the Las Musas Podcast, we spotlight debut middle grade Musa, Andrea Beatriz Arango, in conversation with Karina Gonzalez about her book Iveliz Explains It All, what inspired Andrea to write kidlit, writing characters struggling with mental health—anxiety, depression, and PTSD specifically—writing not just friendships but family and growing up knowing multiple generations of your family in kidlit books. Also, we get into the importance of Iveliz's message for its intended audience and looking more broadly, and Andrea's hopes for Iveliz's story as it goes out into the world.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Purchase Andrea Beatriz Arango's picture book Iveliz Explains It All
Purchase Karina Nicole Gonzalez's debut picture book The Coquíes Still Sing
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
Join Terry Catasús Jennings as she talks with Emma Otheguy, Andrea Beatriz Arango, and Anika Fajardo about back to school excitement, jitters, and bridging cultures. Together they explore how the characters in their books experienced their own new starts, remember and honor the teachers that inspired them, and discuss the importance of having a wide selection of books available in classrooms and libraries.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Order Terry Catasús Jennings's Picture Book The Little House of Hope and pre-order her Middle grade book, Pauli Murray
Pre-order Andrea Beatriz Arango's Middle Grade book, Iveliz Explains it All
Pre-0rder Anika Fajardo's Middle Grade Book, Meet me Halfway
Order Emma Otheguy's Middle Grade book, Sofía Acosta Makes a Scene, and pre-order her Middle Grade book, Reina Ramos Works it Out
Debut Musa Anna Orenstein-Cardona chats with Ana Siqueira about her picture book, The Tree Of Hope, its inspiration—namely, Hurricane María's impact on Puerto Rico and how that inspired and motivated Ana to write her book as a love letter to Puerto Rico—her multicultural upbringing, and the story of the jagüey blanco, or the banyon tree, its history on the island and how the people of Puerto Rico came together to save it.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Purchase Anna Orenstein-Cardona's debut picture book The Tree Of Hope
Purchase Ana Siqueira's picture book If Your Babysitter Is A Bruja
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
Get out the tissues for this touching and inspiring interview with debut author, Karina Nicole González, about her beautiful new picture book, The Coquies Still Sing. Amparo Ortiz talks with Karina about what went into creating this powerful book about hope, the reality of what it was like in Puerto Rico during and after the 2017 hurricane that inspired the story, the importance of coquíes as a symbol, and why picture books have a special ability to inspire social activism and change.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Purchase Amparo Ortiz' YA book, Blazewrath Games and pre-order Our Shadows Have Claws
Purchase Karina Nicole González' Picture Book, The Coquíes Still Sing and Los Coquíes Aún Cantan
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media: Twitter InstagramVisit our website!
Join Mia García and debut author/illustrator Musa Adriana Hernández Bergstrom for a lively and humor filled conversation about Adriana's picture book Abuelita and I Make Flan, her incredible journey to becoming a children's book illustrator and author, the differences in publishing a picture as just the illustrator versus taking on both roles, tips for sequential illustration, and all things flan!
Resources Mentioned:
Claire Saffitz on YouTube
Dessert Person by Claire Saffitz
Storyteller Academy
Submission Ready with Storyteller Academy, Melissa Manlove, and Ariel Richardson
We Need Diverse Books
Highlights Foundation
Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud
Comics and Sequential Art by Will Eisner
Writing with Pictures by Uri Shulevitz
Visit Adriana's website
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Purchase Adriana Hernández Bergstrom's picture book Abuelita and I Make Flan
Purchase Mia García's YA book The Resolutions
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of Ask a Musa, Rebecca Balcárcel, Nikki Barthelmess, Maria Jose Fitzgerald, Sallie Anne Rodriguez, Juliet Menéndez, e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, and Vanessa Torres share their publishing journey and talk about the growing Latinx representation in publishing.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Rebecca Balcárcel's book, Shine On, Luz Véliz
Buy Nikki Barthelmess's book, Everything Within and In Between
Pre-Order Maria Jose Fitzgerald's book, Turtles of the Midnight Moon
Buy Sallie Anne Rodriguez's book, Treasure Tracks
Buy Juliet Menéndez's book, Latinitas
Buy Vanessa Torres' book, The Turning Pointe
Buy e.E. Charlton-Trujillo's book, Lupe Lopez: Rock Star Rules!
On this episode of the Las Musas Podcast: Sophomore Social, Musas Jonny Garza Villa, Juliet Menendez, Ana Siqueira, and Vanessa Torres join Marcia Mickelson to discuss lessons learned and taken from writing our debut and implemented into our sophomore book process, going through the submission process again as an established author, personal growth, and future plans.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Pre-order Jonny Garza Villa's YA book Ander & Santi Were Here
Purchase Juliet Menendez's MG book Latinitas, available in English and in Spanish
Purchase Marcia Mickelson's YA book Where I Belong
Pre-order Ana Siqueira's picture book If Your Babysitter Is a Bruja
Purchase Vanessa Torres' YA book The Turning Pointe
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast, Mónica Mancillas joins Adriana Hernández Bergstrom, Anna Orenstein-Cardona, Mariana Ríos Rivera and Terry Catasús Jennings in opening up about their biggest debut fears, their struggles with self doubt, where/who they turned to for support, what they did or are doing to prepare for their big book launch, and the nitty gritty of promoting yourself on social media and learning how to be a public speaker.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Pre-order Mónica Mancillas' Picture Book Mariana and her Familia
Pre-order Adriana Hernández Bergstrom's Picture Book Abuelita and I Make Flan
Buy Terry Catasús Jennings' Picture Book The Little House of Hope
Pre-order Anna Orenstein-Cardonas' Picture Book The Tree of Hope
Pre-order Mariana Ríos Ramírez's Picture BookSantiago's Dinosaurios
On this incredible and informative episode of the Las Musas Podcast Debut Diaries series featuring our middle grade and young adult Musas, Andrea Beatriz Arango, along with Camille Gomera Tavarez, Vanessa L. Torres, and Angela Velez discuss mental health during the debut year and debut jitters.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!Pre-order Andrea Beatriz Arango's debut middle grade novel-in-verse, Iveliz Explains It All
Buy Camille Gomera Tavarez's debut young adult short story collection, High Spirits
Pre-order Vanessa L. Torres' debut young adult novel, The Turning Pointe
Buy Angela Velez's debut young adult novel, Lulu and Milagro's Search for Clarity
Connect with Las Musas on social media:Twitter
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast, Terry Catasús Jennings joins Ana Siqueira, Maria José Fitzgerald, Cindy Rodriguez, and Vanessa Torres to talk about their favorite summer book recommendations for swaying in a hammock or just trying to escape the heat. From heart-warming picture books about communities coming together to scuba adventures to fun romances, they've got you covered.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Terry Catasús JenningsPicture BookThe Little House of Hope
Buy Ana Siquiera's Picture Book Bella's Recipe for Success and pre-order If Your Babysitter is a Bruja
Buy Maria José Fitzgerald's Middle Grade novel, Turtles of the Midnight Moon
Buy Cindy Rodriquez' Young Adult novel When Reason Breaks and pre-order Three Pockets Full
Buy Vanessa L. Torres' Young Adult novelThe Turning Pointe
Books Recommended:
Cuba in My Pocket by Adrianna Cuevas
The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez by Adrianna Cuevas
Santiago's Dinosaurios by Mariana Ríos Ramírez
Lulu and Milagro's Search for Clarity by Angela Velez
When We Were Them by Laura Taylor Namey
Don't Date Rosa Santos by Nina Moreno
Mi Ciudad Sings by Cynthia Harmony
Abuelita and I Make Flan by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom
Miss Quinces by Kat Fajardo
Iveliz Explains it All by Andrea Beatriz Arango
Esme's Birthday Conga Line by Lourdes Heuer
No Filters and Other Lies by Crystal Maldonado
Shine on Luz Véliz by Rebecca Balcárcel
Beauty Woke by NoNieqa Ramos
Singing with Elephants by Margarita Engle
Join the Club, Maggie Diaz by Nina Moreno
Treasure Tracks by S.A. Rodriguez
Breathe and Count Back from Ten by Natalia Sylvester
Falling Short by Ernesto Cisneros
Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza by Laekan Zea Kemp
13th Street series by David Bowles
On this episode of the Las Musas Podcast, Adrianna Cuevas interviews debut middle grade author, S. A. Rodriguez, about her exciting new book, Treasure Tracks, coming out today, June 28th, 2022! In this fun and inspiring conversation, they share their favorite Florida shark stories, their love of the Florida keys, S.A. Rodriguez's journey from marketing to publishing, and the close family bonds that brought this book together.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy S.A Rodriguez's debut middle grade book, Treasure Tracks
Buy Adrianna Cuevas' recent middle grade book, Cuba in my Pocket, and pre-order her upcoming book, The Ghosts of Rancho Espanto
No new episode this week, but stay tuned for much more from the Las Musas Podcast starting next week! And, until then, take a moment to re-listen to your favorite episodes and let us know which ones you're tuning into in the comments! Thanks for your support, and we'll see you next week.
Check out all our incredible books, ranging from picture books to young adult, at our Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:Twitter
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast, Mariana Llanos interviews debut picture book author, Cynthia Harmony about her beautiful new book, Mi Ciudad Sings/Mi Ciudad Canta, coming out today, June 14th! They talk about the 2017 earthquake that inspired her book, the power of music to bring together a community (you might want a box of tissues ready for the story about Cielito Lindo), and how to balance writing about an actual event while bringing to life fictional characters.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Cynthia Harmony's Picture Book in English and in Spanish, Mi Ciudad Sings and Mi Ciudad Canta
Mariana Llanos' Picture Book, Run little Chaski! An Inka Trail Adventure and ¡Corre, Pequeño Chaski! Una aventura en el camino Inka
On this episode of the Las Musas Podcast, Adriana Hernández Bergstrom talks with Terry Catasús Jennings, Mariana Ríos Ramírez, and Karina Nicole González about how publishers decide the amount of publicity they offer authors and how to boost those efforts and get support from your community. They offer great tips for reaching out to librarians, joining marketing groups, getting more reviews, creating swag and book trailers, sending out ARCs, and sending out book mail.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Pre-order Adriana Hernández Bergstrom's Picture Book Abuelita and I Make Flan
Pre-order Terry Catasús Jennings' Picture Book The Little House of Hope
Pre-order Karina Nicole Gonzáles' Picture Book The Coquíes Still Sing: A Story of Home, Hope, and Rebuilding
Pre-order Mariana Ríos Ramírez's Picture BookSantiago's Dinosaurios
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast, Jonny Garza Villa joins Racquel Marie, Crystal Maldonado, and e.E Charlton-Trujillo for a beautifully bookish celebration of Pride Month. In this love letter to QTBIPOC authors and readers, they talk about the books that changed their lives, the books they would have loved to have read as kids, the books they're reading now, the books they hope to see in the future, and how their love for their readers and the younger versions of themselves shape the books they write today.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
PurchaseJonny Garza Villa's YA bookFifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun and pre-order Ander and Santi Were Here
Purchase Racquel Marie's YA book Ophelia After All
Purcahse Crystal Maldonado's YA books Fat Change Charlie Vega and No Filter and Other Lies
Purchase e.E. Charlton-Trujillo's YA books from the Fat Angie series
Book Recommendations:
History is All you Left Me by Adam Silvera
Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
More Happy than Not by Adam Silvera
Miss Quinces by Kat Fajardo
Lakelore by Anna-Marie McLemore
We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia
This is Why They Hate Us by Aaron H. Aceves
High Spirits by Camille Gomera-Tavarez
Witchlings by Caribel Ortega
The Grief Keeper by Alexandra Villasante
Bless Me, Ultima by Rodolfo Anaya
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
Cafe con Lychee by Emery Lee
Living Beyond Borders by Margarita Longoria
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast: Debut Spotlight, debut Musa Eliza Kinkz joins fellow Musa Zara González Hoang to discuss her picture book, Goldie's Guide to Grandchilding and have a fun, fascinating discussion on inspirations in comedy and humor, art style and meaningful aspects of illustration, the author-illustrator-publisher relationships, origin stories, and finding community.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Eliza Kinkz's debut picture book, Goldie's Guide to Grandchilding
Buy Zara González Hoang's picture book, A New Kind of Wild
Check out other books at the Las Musas Bookshop Page.
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
This episode of the Las Musas Podcast's Debut Diaries, the Middle Grade and Young Adult Edition, Angela Velez is joined by Andrea Beatriz Arango, Racquel Marie, Sallie Anne Rodriguez, and Vanessa L. Torres for a discussion on the importance of breaks in the writing process and their favorite ways to break, to share debut year and pub day words wisdom, hopes, and reflections, and talk about the role of your publishing team and how to be proactive as the debut jitters get more real.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!Pre-order Andrea Beatriz Arango's debut middle grade novel-in-verse, Iveliz Explains It All
Buy Racquel Marie's debut young adult novel, Ophelia After All
Pre-order Sallie Anne Rodriguez's debut middle grade novel, Treasure Tracks
Pre-order Vanessa L. Torres' debut young adult novel, The Turning Pointe
Buy Angela Velez's debut young adult novel, Lulu and Milagro's Search for Clarity
Connect with Las Musas on social media:Twitter
Visit our website!
In this episode of Ask a Musa, Mia García joins Andrea Beatriz Arango, Maria Jose Fitzgerald, and Karina Nicole González to share tips about how to go about outlining different drafts, how the revise and resubmit process can be a bit of a gamble, and how to listen to the vibes your manuscript is giving off to know whether to move forward with it or save it for another time. They also spend some time chismeando about what's been happening with publishing advances.
Book Recommendations:
Can't be Tamed by Yamile Saied Méndez
Lulu and Milagro's Search for Clarity by Angela Velez
Fruteros: Street Vending, Illegality, and Ethnic Community in Los Angeles by Rocío Rosales
Lotería by Karla Arena Valenti
Eating Puerto Rico: A History of Food, Culture, and Identity by Cruz Miguel Ortíz Cuadra
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Mia García's YA book, The Resolutions
Buy Andrea Beatriz Arango's book, Iveliz Explains it All
Pre-Order Maria Jose Fitzgerald's book, Turtles of the Midnight Moon
Buy Karina Nicole González's book, The Coquíes Still Sing
In the second Sophomore Social episode of the Las Musas Podcast, Rebecca Balcarcel and Jonny Garza Villa join Laekan Zea Kemp to talk about the differences in production and publisher support between debut and sophomore releases and navigating a healthy relationship with publicity while maintaining a writing schedule, deadlines, and life.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Pre-order Rebecca Balcarcel's MG book Shine On, Luz Véliz!
Purchase Jonny Garza Villa's YA book Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun
Purchase Laekan Zea Kemp's YA book Heartbreak Symphony
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Las Musas podcast, Terry Catasús Jennings speaks with Cynthia Harmony, Mariana Ríos, Anna Orenstein-Cardona, and Eliza Kinkz about how picture books evolve during the editing and illustration process and how the work is truly a group effort. In this conversation, they delve into what it is like to do a revise and resubmit with editors, the importance of listening and being open minded while making sure to stand up for yourself, and what it feels like to see your book come to life through the eyes of an illustrator. Eliza Kinkz also shares her unique perspective of being an illustrator and how humor plays a big role in her artistic process.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Pre-order Terry Catasús Jennings's Picture Book The Little House of Hope
Pre-order Cynthia Harmony's Picture Book Mi Ciudad Sings and Mi Ciudad Canta
Pre-order Mariana Ríos' Picture Book Santiago's Dinosaurios
Pre-order Anna Orenstein-Cardona's Picture Book The Tree of Hope
Pre-order Goldie's Guide to Grandchilding illustrated by Eliza Kinkz and written by Clint McElroy
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast's Debut Diaries featuring Middle Grade and Young Adult Musas, Camille Gomera-Tavarez, Sallie Anne Rodriguez, and Vanessa L. Torres discuss debut year marketing, publicity and author branding, giving listeners some tips and best practices practically, professionally, and personally.
Resources Mentioned:Sallie Anne's websiteCamille's websiteVanessa's websiteHootsuite
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!Buy Camille Gomera-Tavarez's YA short story collection High Spirits.Buy Sallie Anne Rodriguez's MG book Treasure Tracks.BuyVanessa L. Torres' YA bookThe Turning Pointe.
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast, debut Musa Camille Gomera-Tavarez joins fellow Musa Donna Barba Higuera to discuss her much anticipated YA collection of short stories, High Spirits. They talk about Camille's unique publishing journey from graphic designer to author, uncovering family secrets, magical realism, and being true to your own voice as an author.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Camille Gomera-Tavarez's YA book High Spirits
Buy Donna Barba Higuera's MG books, The Last Cuentista and Lupe Wong Won't Dance
Check out other books at the Las Musas Bookshop Page.
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
On this episode of Ask a Musa, authors Jonny Garza Villa, Racquel Marie, Vanessa Torres, and Ana Siquiera discuss managing time while writing, finding a Latine critique group, knowing if you are being underpaid as a marginalized author, and the latest publishing chisme.
Resources mentioned:
KidLit Latinx
The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
NYC Latina Writer's Group
Latinx in Publishing
Latinx in KidLit
Hermanas Mentorship Program (with Las Musas)
Twitter chats: #WriteTalk, #WOWchat, #WriterPalsChat, (#QPOCchat, #SmoreWords)
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Jonny Garza Villa's YA book Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun.
Buy Racquel Marie's YA book Ophelia After All.
Buy Vanessa L. Torres' YA book The Turning Pointe.
Buy Ana Siquiera's picture book If Your Babysitter Is a Bruja.
Check out other books at the Las Musas Bookshop Page.
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast, Rebecca Balcarcel joins Laekan Zea Kemp and Anika Fajardo to talk about their experiences living through the sophomore slump and the pressures to make their second books just as good -or better- than their first. They discuss how the sophomore slump manifested in each of their lives, how it was compounded by the pandemic, and what it's like to juggle the promotion of your debut book while working on your second.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Pre-order Rebecca Balcarcel's Book Shine On, Luz Véliz!
Pre-order Laekan Zea Kemp's Book Heartbreak Symphony
Pre-order Anika Fajardo's Book Meet Me Halfway
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast, debut Musa Terry Catasús Jennings joins fellow Musas Karina Gonzalez, Mariana Ríos, and Eliza Kinkz. They discuss different approaches to query agents -from the methodical and data-driven to the serendipitous ways in which destiny decides for you- as well as submissions and editing.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Pre-order Terry Catasús Jennings's Picture Book The Little House of Hope
Pre-order Karina Gonzales's Picture Book The Coquíes Still Sing: A Story of Home, Hope, and Rebuilding
Pre-order Mariana Ríos's Picture Book Santiago's Dinosaurios Pre-order Goldie's Guide to Grandchilding illustrated by Eliza Kinkz and written by Clint McElroy Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
This episode of the Las Musas Podcast is packed full of useful tips, gems of wisdom, and lessons learned. Vanessa Torres talks with fellow Musas, Angela Velez, Sallie Anne Rodriguez, and Andrea Arango about how to find an agent, how to stand out in the famous query letter, the ups and downs of going on submission, revision techniques for the plotter and pantser, and when you should accept feedback or go with your gut.
Vanessa Torres
Angela Velez
Andrea Arango
Sallie Anne Rodriguez
Manuscript Wishlist
We're bringing back Ask a Musa episodes and they're better than ever! Join Musas Terry Catasús Jennings, Jonny Garza Villa, Laekan Zea Kemp, and Vanessa L. Torres as they blurb some recent favorite reads; discuss the current book banning initiatives occurring around the country, the challenges of rewriting a manuscript; and share some writing craft tips.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Terry Catasús Jenning's MG book Pauli Murray: The Life of a Pioneering Feminist & Civil Rights Activist.
Buy Jonny Garza Villa's YA book Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun.
Pre-Order Laekan Zea Kemp's YA book Heartbreak Symphony.
Buy Vanessa L. Torres' YA book The Turning Pointe.
Check out other books at the Las Musas Bookshop Page.
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast, debut Musa Vanessa Torres joins fellow Musa Alda P. Dobbs to discuss her historical YA novel The Turning Point. Hear how Vanessa's experience as a dancer and later as a paramedic informed this emotionally gripping novel about a Latinx girl finding freedom through dance and breaking expectations in 1980s Minnesota.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Alda P. Dobbs' MG book Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna.
Buy Vanessa Torres' YA book The Turning Pointe.
Check out other books at the Las Musas Bookshop Page.
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
TwitterInstagramVisit our website!
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast, debut Musa Angela Velez joins fellow Musa Crystal Maldonado to discuss her contemporary YA Lulu and Milagro's Search for Clarity, how her own high school to college journey and working in college admissions inspired her book, sisterhood, and writing dual POV novels.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Angela Velez's YA book Lulu and Milagro's Search for Clarity.
Buy Crystal Maldonado's YA book No Filter and Other Lies.
Check out other books at the Las Musas Bookshop Page.
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast, author Racquel Marie joins fellow Musa Ana Siqueira to discuss her contemporary YA debut Ophelia After All, how she acquired her agent through PitMad, and the challenges of juggling querying and submission with college life and the pandemic.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Racquel Marie's YA book Ophelia After All.
Pre-Order Ana Siqueria's picture book If Your Baby Sitter Is a Bruja.
Check out other books at the Las Musas Bookshop Page.
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this very special episode of the Las Musas Podcast, author Jasminne Mendez discusses her debut picture book Josefina's Habichuelas, how her own sweet tooth inspired Josefina's story, how she manages to write across so many different age categories and genres, and the importance of representation in children's books.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Jasminne Mendez's picture book Josefina's Habichuelas
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In the season one finale episode of the Las Musas Podcast's Debut Diaries series, the Middle Grade and Young Adult edition, Musas Juliet Menéndez, Jonny Garza Villa, and Laekan Zea Kemp discuss important lessons learned throughout the debut publishing experience.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Juliet Menéndez's children's book debut Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers in English or in Spanish
Buy Jonny Garza Villa's YA contemporary novel Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun
Buy Laekan Zea Kemp's YA contemporary novel Somewhere Between Bitter & Sweet
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this special edition of our Ask a Musa series we're talking to our Hermanas post-mentorship program to find out how the mentorship program works, how to make the most of your mentorship experience, and valuable lessons learned.
Resources Mentioned:
- Francesca Lia Block Writing Workshops
- Highlights Foundation
- Highlights Foundation Latinx Symposium
- SCBWI
- Resilient Writers Writing Group
- Rhonda Douglas
- Save the Cat Writes a Novel
- Story Genius
- Wired for Story
- Deadline City Podcast
- Kidlit Latinx Facebook Group
- Kidlit 411 Facebook Group
-
MSWL Twitter Hashtag
- The S*** No One Tells You About Writing
- The Manuscript Academy
- The Manuscript Academy Podcast
- Save the Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need
- The Scene Book
- Writing Picture Books Revised and Expanded Edition: A Hands-On Guide From Story Creation to Publication
- Storyteller Academy
Romy Natalia Goldberg - Twitter | Website
Valerie Jauregui - Twitter
Verena Rodriguez Saavedra - Instagram | Facebook
Ashley Jean Granillo - Twitter | Website
Ines Lozano - Twitter | Instagram | Clubhouse | Website
Visit the Hermanas Mentorship page on the Las Musas website for more information about our mentorship program.
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast's Debut Diaries series, the Middle Grade and Young Adult edition, Musas Juliet Menéndez, Jonny Garza Villa, and Laekan Zea Kemp discuss Debut Jitters!
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Juliet Menéndez's children's book debut Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers in English or in Spanish
Buy Jonny Garza Villa's YA contemporary novel Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun
Buy Laekan Zea Kemp's YA contemporary novel Somewhere Between Bitter & Sweet
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast's Debut Diaries series, the Picture Book edition, Musas Ana Siqueira, Mariana Llanos and Gloria Amescua discuss lessons learned over the course of their debut year.
Resources Mentioned:
-
Full Circle Literary
-
Texas Book Festival
-
Kids Need Mentors
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Ana Siqueira's picture bookBella's Recipe for Success
Buy Mariana Llanos' picture book Run, Little Chaski!: An Inka Trail Adventure
Buy Gloria Amescua's picture book Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jiménez, Daughter of the Nahua
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this very special episode of the Las Musas Podcast, middle grade author Alda P. Dobbs discusses her debut middle grade novel Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna, origins of the books, her writing process, Latinx identity, and what comes next. Fellow musa and middle grade author Terry Catasus-Jennings moderates.
Resources Mentioned:
- Highlights
- Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna launch party at The Twig
- Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna pre-order campaign
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Alda P. Dobbs's middle grade novel Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna
Buy Terry Catasus-Jennings's chapter book series Definitely Dominguita
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
On this episode of the Las Musas Podcast, debut authors Marcia Argueta Mickelson and Alexandra Katona discuss brainstorming, revisions, and getting to the final product.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Marcia Argueta Mickelson's Young Adult novel Where I Belong
Buy Alexandra Katona's picture book Dinner on Domingos
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
On this episode of Ask A Musa, we're talking to a few of the founders of LatinxPitch: authors Mariana Llanos, Denise Adusei, and Sandra Proudman, and delving into all things #LatinxPitch, which is just around the corner: September 15! Listen on to learn how you can get involved in this Twitter pitch event for Latinx kidlit writers, what to expect from agents and editors, and a few success stories from last year's event. Make sure to keep listening for these founders' best tips for crafting the perfect tweet to capture your story!
Resources Mentioned:
- LatinxPitch
- Sara Fajardo
- LatinxPitch Blog
- LatinxPitch Blog "Success Stories"
- Salt and Sugar on Goodreads
- @JustinRColon
- @Margaritapoet
- @LuluDelacre
- @Claribel_Ortega
- @SJ_Fennell
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) and following the participating Musas to say thanks!
Buy Mariana Llanos' picture book Run, Little Chaski!: An Inka Trail Adventure
Follow Denise Adusei on Twitter
Follow Sandra Proudman on Twitter
Pre-order Angela Velez's YA novel, Lulu and Milagro's Search for Clarity
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast's Debut Diaries series, the Middle Grade and Young Adult edition, Musas Terry Catasús Jennings, Marcia Argueta Mickelson, Jonny Garza Villa, and Laekan Zea Kemp discuss audiobooks!
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Jonny Garza Villa's YA contemporary novel Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun
Buy Laekan Zea Kemp's YA contemporary novel Somewhere Between Bitter & Sweet
Buy Terry Catasús Jennings' MG contemporary chapter book series Definitely Dominguita
Buy Marcia Argueta Mickelson's YA contemporary novel Where I Belong
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
On this week's episode of Ask A Musa, we're talking all about swapping age categories! Listen on as this week's Musas chat about how they choose the age category and genre for their projects, how those decisions can guide a story's voice, and how they prepare for switching age categories or genres. We end with a few red flags to look out for when talking with agents about projects that span multiple age categories, and lastly: dream projects for the future.
Resources Mentioned:
The Surrender Treeby Margarita Engle
Jenny Torres Sanchez
Zoraida Cordova's pen name, Zoe Castile
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) and following the participating Musas to say thanks
Buy Laekan Zea Kemp's YA novel, Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet
Buy Mia García's YA novel, Resolutions
Buy Zoraida Cordóva's adult fiction novel, The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina
Buy Mariana Llanos's picture book, Run, Little Chaski!: An Inka Trail Adventure
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
In this very special episode of the Las Musas Podcast, picture book authors Gloria Amescua and Hilda Eunice Burgos discuss their debut picture books, the inspiration behind the stories, language and Latinx identity, and what comes next for them.
Resources Mentioned:
- Lee and Low New Voices Award
- NaNoWriMo
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Gloria Amescua's picture book Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jiménez, Daughter of the Nahua
Buy Hilda Eunice Burgos's picture book The Cot in the Living Room or middle grade novel Ana Maria Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In the fourth installment of Radio Musas, we get swept away by Amparo Ortiz’s Blazewrath Games where dragons and their riders compete in an international sports tournament in this alternate contemporary world fantasy.
Music and sound effects provided by Youtube Studio and FesliyanStudios.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Amparo Ortiz’s Blazewrath Games and its sequel Dragonblood Ring!
Buy Mia García’s YA contemporary The Resolutions.
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast's Debut Diaries series, the Picture Book edition, Musas Jasminne Mendez, Donna B. Higuera, Gloria Amescua, Hilda Eunice Burgos discuss debut jitters, and avoiding comparison, and having grace with yourself.
Resources Mentioned:
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Toastmasters
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Night-Blooming Jasmin(n)e: Personal Essays & Poems
- Mia Garcia
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Jasminne Mendez's picture book Josefina's Habichuelas
Buy Donna B. Higuera's picture book El Cucuy Is Scared, Too!
Buy Gloria Amescua's picture book Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jiménez, Daughter of the Nahua
Buy Hilda Eunice Burgos's picture book The Cot in the Living Room
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this very special episode of the Las Musas Podcast, Crystal Maldonado joins YA Debut Musa Gabriela Martins, author of Like a Love Song, as she shares her writing journey. Listen as she chats about everything from her many years of querying to finally landing her book deal, the importance of online fandoms, the messages she hopes young readers take from her novel, and more!
Resources Mentioned:
Sour by Olivia Rodrigo
Laura Pohl
Lucas Rocha
Chelsea Eberly, Gabriela's literary agent
Bad at Loveon Goodreads
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Gabriela Martins' YA novel, Like a Love Song
Buy Crystal Maldonado's YA novel, Fat Chance, Charlie Vega
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
It's Part Two of our Ask A Musa episode all about money! Today, we'll be talking about how the pandemic has affected advance sizes, how advance sizes have changed for marginalized authors in recent years, and resources and support for marginalized authors.
Resources Mentioned:
Publishing Paid Me
SCBWI
Las Musas Resources Page
Cultural Fairs (Check your local and state Cultural Fairs Department)
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) and following the participating Musas to say thanks!
Buy Aida Salizar's middle grade novel Land of the Cranes
Buy Terry Catasús Jennings' chapter book series Definitely Dominguita
Pre-order Alyssa Bermudez's middle grade graphic novel Big Apple Diaries
Buy Alexandra Diaz's middle grade novel The Only Road
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast's Debut Diaries series, the Middle Grade and Young Adult edition, Musas Terry Catasús Jennings, Alda P. Dobbs, Jonny Garza Villa, and Laekan Zea Kemp discuss ARCs (Advanced Reader Copies), Trade Reviews and Publications, and thoughts on navigating, staying away from, and respecting book reviewer spaces as a traditionally published authors.
Resources Mentioned:TLC Book Tours
Booklist
School Library Journal
Publishers Weekly
Kirkus
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Jonny Garza Villa's YA contemporary novel Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun
Buy Laekan Zea Kemp's YA contemporary novel Somewhere Between Bitter & Sweet
Buy Terry Catasús Jennings' MG contemporary chapter book series Definitely Dominguita
Buy Alda P. Dobbs' MG historical fiction novel Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
On this episode of Ask A Musa, we're fulfilling a listener request to have en episode all about money! We'll be talking about advance sizes, financial safety nets, and things we wish we'd known before becoming full-time authors.
Resources Mentioned:
Hannah Holt's 2017 Author Survey: Young Adult, Middle Grade, Chapter Books, Picture Books
Publishing Paid Me Spreadsheet
Deadline City Podcast: Season Two: Episode Seventeen: The Bank
First Draft: Track Changes Series
Author's Guild: Money Matters
Laekan's Financial Advisors: The Art of Finance
Additional Resources:
PubCrawl Podcast: The Business of Being an Author
PubCrawl Podcast: Publishing 201 Advances & Royalties
New Mexico Writers Programs & Grants
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) and following the participating Musas to say thanks!
Pre-order Laurenne Sala's picture book Mi Casa es My Home
Buy Laekan Zea Kemp's YA Novel Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet
Buy Terry Catasús Jennings' chapter book series Definitely Dominguita
Buy Zoraida Córdova's Adult Fantasy debut The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina
Buy Lulu Delacre's picture book Luci Soars
Buy Alexandra Diaz's middle grade novel The Only Road
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this very special episode of the Las Musas Podcast, Anika Aldamuy Denise joins Picture Book Debut Musas Ana Siqueira, author of Bella's Recipe for Success and Donna Barba Higuera, author of El Cucuy Is Scared Too, as they share their journeys from critique partners to published picture book authors, what inspires their stories, and what's next.
Resources Mentioned:Las Musas Mentorship Program
The Latinx KidLit Book Festival
PitMad
Pura Belpré Award
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!Buy Donna Barba Higuera's picture book, El Cucuy Is Scared Too
Buy Ana Siqueira's picture book, Bella's Recipe for Success
Buy Anika Aldamuy Denise's picture book, A Girl Named Rosita
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Debut Diaries, Picture Book Edition, Musas Alexandra Alessandri, Ana Siqueira, Zara Gonzalez Hoang discuss craft — their writing and illustrating process, developing a story from idea to finished draft, and more.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Resources Mentioned:
Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul
Pixar Storytelling: Rules for Effective Storytelling Based on Pixar's Greatest Films by Dean Movshovitz
Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly by Gail Carson Levine
A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver
The Poet's Companion by Kim Addonizio and Dorianne Laux
Old Friend from Far Away: The Practice of Writing Memoir by Natalie Goldberg
Storystorm by Tara Lazer
Preorder Alexandra Alessandri's picture book Isabel and Her Colores Go to School or buy her picture book Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela!
Preorder Ana Siqueira’s picture book, Bella’s Recipe for Success!
Buy Zara Gonzalez Hoang's picture book, A New Kind of Wild!
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page.
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In the third Radio Musas, we explore Michelle Ruiz Keil’s second novel, Summer In the City of Roses. Inspired by the Greek myth of Iphigenia and the Grimm fairy tale Brother and Sister, the novel follows two siblings torn apart and struggling to find each other in early '90s Portland.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Michelle Ruiz Keil’s sophomore book Summer In the City of Roses.
Buy Mia García’s YA contemporary The Resolutions.
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
On this episode of Ask A Musa, we take listener and subscriber questions managing writing alongside a full-time job, featuring musas Monica Mancillas, Ana Siqueira, Hilda Eunice Burgos, Vanessa Torres, Carmen Rodrigues. They share how they balance writing and working, strategies that work well (and some that didn't!) for them, and tips and tricks for success.
Resources Mentioned:
Conferences, Workshops, and Retreats from KidLit411
How to Find a Critique Partner
Lee & Low New Voices Award Writing Contest for Picture Books by Authors of Color and Native Nations
Lee & Low New Visions Award Writing Contest for MG/YA and Graphic Novels by Authors of Color and Native Nations
Kokila Books, an imprint of Penguin Randomhouse, Accepts Submissions for New and Unagented Voices
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) and following the participating Musas to say thanks!
Learn more about Monica Mancillas's picture book Mariana in Mexico
Pre-order Ana Siqueira's picture book Bella's Recipe for Success
Buy Hilda Eunice Burgos's picture book The Cot in the Living Room or her middle grade novel Ana Maria Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle
Add Vanessa Torres's YA novel The Turning Pointe on Goodreads
Buy Carmen Rodrigues's YA novel The Universal Laws of Marco
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Debut Diaries, Picture Book Edition, Musas Cynthia Harmony, Ana Siqueira, Gloria Amescua, Hilda Eunice Burgos discuss debut groups, writer friends, and making your community.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Resources Mentioned:
The Writing Barn
Learn more about Cynthia Harmony!
PreOrder Ana Siqueira’s picture book, Bella’s Recipe for Success!
Preorder Gloria Amescua's picture book, Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jiménez, Daughter of the Nahua!
Order Hilda Eunice Burgos’s picture book, The Cot in the Living Room!
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode, Debut Musa and author of the funny, heartfelt YA novel Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun chats with fellow musa and author Anna Meriano. They discuss everything from the inspiration behind the book to how Jonny formed their characters to what comes next and more!
Resources mentioned:
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Abertalli
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Jonny Garza Villa’s YA novel Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun
Buy Anna Meriano’s MG series Love Sugar Magic or YA novel This is How We Fly
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Las Musas Podcast Debut Diaries, the Middle Grade and Young Adult edition, Musas Olivia Abdahi, Jonny Garza Villa, and Laekan Zea Kemp discuss debut groups and the benefits and complexities of author communities and friendships.
Resources Mentioned:
WIQchat, #QWriters, #QPOCchat, and #DiverseInk chat on Twitter
the 21ders Debut Group website
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
BuyOlivia Abtahi'sYA contemporary novelPerfectly Parvin
Buy Jonny Garza Villa's YA contemporary novel Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun
BuyLaekan Zea Kemp'sYA contemporary novelSomewhere Between Bitter & Sweet
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In our first special Live Ask A Musa episode, we take listener questions on our favorite (and least favorite) parts of the writing process, whether it's more beneficial to use Spanish specific to your particular culture or more general Spanish in your work, the inspiration for and creation of the secondary characters in our books, what we do with story ideas we don't feel ready to write yet, y más.
Resources Mentioned:
Writing Multiple POVs LIVE Discussion & Q & A
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) and following the participating Musas to say thanks!
BuyLaekan Zea Kemp'sYAcontemporary novelSomewhere Between Bitter & Sweet
Buy Jonny Garza Villa's YA contemporary novel Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun
Buy Mia García's YA contemporary novel The Resolutions
Pre-order Angela Velez's YA contemporary novel Lulu & Milagro's Search for Clarity
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Debut Diaries, Picture Book Edition, Musas Lorian Tu, Gloria Amescua, Zara González , and Alexandra Alessandri discuss their experiences surrounding marketing and publicity.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Add Lorian Tu's picture book Family Song on Goodreads!
Preorder Gloria Amescua's picture book Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jiménez, Daughter of the Nahua!
Buy Zara González Huang's picture book A New Kind of Wild!
Buy Alexandra Alessandri's picture book Felíz New Year, Ava Gabriela!
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode, Debut Musa and author of the brilliant and hilarious Perfectly Parvin Olivia Abtahi chats with Las Musas Madrina and author Kristina Pérez. They discuss everything from Olivia's inspiration for the book and high school memories, to her favorite books growing up and more!
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Olivia Abtahi's YA novel Perfectly Parvin
Buy Kristina Pérez's latest novel Bright Raven Skies
Books Mentioned:
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Garth Nix: Sabriel
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Tamora Pierce: Alana the First Adventure
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Nancy Farmer:House of Scorpion
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Adib Khorram: Darius the Great Is Not Okay
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of Radio Musas, Jackie Azúa Kramer stops by to read from her upcoming picture book, I Wish You Knew, a story about deportation, divided families, and the importance of community in the midst of uncertainty.
Resources Mentioned:
Latinx KidLit Book Festival
Bank Street Writers Lab
Sound effects pulled from YouTube Studio.
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If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Jackie Azúa Kramer’s picture book I Wish You Knew in English or in Spanish.
Buy NoNieqa Ramos’s debut picture book Your Mama.
Buy Mia García’s YA contemporary The Resolutions.
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of the Debut Diaries, Middle Grade and Young Adult Edition, Musas Terry Catasús Jennings, Alda P. Dobbs, Jonny Garza Villa, and Laekan Zea Kemp discuss marketing and publicity, their unique roles in the publishing process, and their own experiences as debut authors.
Resources Mentioned:
Sun Literary Arts
Blue Slip Media
Rachel Strolle, @recitrachel on Twitter
Adriana M. Martínez Figueroa, @boricuareads on Twitter
Adri, @perpetualpages on Twitter
What to Do Before Your Book Launch by M.J. Rose and Randy Susan Meyers
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Jonny Garza Villa's YA contemporary novel Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun
Buy Alda P. Dobbs' MG historical fiction novel Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna
Buy Laekan Zea Kemp's YA contemporary novel Somewhere Between Bitter & Sweet
Buy Terry Catasús Jennings' MG contemporary chapter book series Definitely Dominguita
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
On this episode of Ask A Musa, we take listener and subscriber questions about going on multiple rounds of submission with a particular project, how the Las Musas marketing collective works, and our favorite craft books.
Resources Mentioned:
Story Genius by Lisa Cron & Lisa Cron's website
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly by Gail Carson Levine
On Writing by Stephen King
Save the Cat Beat Sheet
The Hero's 2 Journeys
Pixar Storytelling Rules
Author Adam Gidwitz
Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) and following the participating Musas to say thanks!
Pre-order Laura Taylor Namey's YA novel, When We Were Them
Pre-order Laura Ojeda Melchor's debut Middle Grade novel, Missing Okalee
Buy Anna Meriano's YA novel, This is How We Fly
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of Debut Diaries (Picture Book Edition), Musas Mónica Mancillas, NoNieqa Ramos, and Ana Siqueira chat about finding community as writers, our families as partners and support systems on our book journeys, and reviews and endorsements.
Resources Mentioned:
PBchat, hosted by author Justin Colon
SCBWI
DVpit
Reviewers such as Kirkus, Booklist, and School Library Journal
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) and following the participating Musas to say thanks!
Visit Mónica Mancillas's website!
Buy Ana Siqueira's picture book Bella's Recipe for Success!
Buy NoNieqa Ramos's picture book Your Mama!
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
On this inaugural episode of Radio Musas we’ll be reading an excerpt from Loriel Ryon’s debut Into the Tall, Tall Grass a middle grade novel which follows Yolanda Rodríguez-O'Connell a young girl from a magical family who journeys across her family's land to save her grandmother's life in this captivating and magical debut. This episode is narrated by Loriel Ryon (Into the Tall, Tall Grass), Mia García (The Resolutions), and NoNieqa Ramos (Your Mama).
Please note that in the recording we accidentally shortened the publisher’s name, which should have read: MARGARET K. McELDERRY BOOKS, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.
Resources Mentioned:
Sound effects used: Barking Dog | Creaking Door | Honey Bees
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If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Loriel Ryon’s middle grade novel Into the Tall, Tall Grass.
Buy NoNieqa Ramos’s debut picture book Your Mama.
Buy Mia Garcia’s YA contemporary The Resolutions.
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode, authors Alda P. Dobbs, Jonny Garza Villa, and Crystal Maldonado discuss blurbs and acknowledgments! These musas talk about the value of blurbs, tips for requesting, the thrill of receiving support from authors you admire, suggestions for writing acknowledgments, and more!
Resources Mentioned:
SCBWI Conferences
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Jonny Garza Villa's YA contemporary novel Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun
Buy Alda P. Dobbs' MG historical fiction novel Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna
Buy Crystal Maldonado's YA romcom novel Fat Chance, Charlie Vega
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode, Debut Musa and author of SOMEWHERE BETWEEN BITTER AND SWEET Laekan Zea Kemp is interviewed by Musa and author of BLAZEWRATH GAMES Amparo Ortiz. They chat about the inspiration behind the book, a shared love of food, writing in duel POVs, favorite parts of the book, and what comes next.
Resources mentioned:
Manuscript Academy
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Laekan Zea Kemp's YA novel Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet.
Buy Amparo Ortiz's YA novel Blazewrath Games.
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In the fourth episode of Ask A Musa, we take listener and subscriber questions! Discover how to find traditional publishers that are friendly to Latinx creatives, what to do when you get a "Revise & Resubmit" email from an agent, and what to expect when you're on submission and an agent or editor wants to hop on the phone with you.
Resources Mentioned:
Writing Contests from Lee & Low
SCBWI Awards + Grants
Manuscript Wishlist
Here Wee Read's blog post "Diversity in Publishing, A-Z"
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) and following the participating Musas to say thanks!
Buy Chantel Acevedo's MG books Muse Squad: The Cassandra Curse and Muse Squad: The Mystery of the Tenth
Buy Anika Fajardo's MG book What If a Fish
Buy Emma Otheguy's picture book A Sled for Gabo
Buy Vanessa Torres's YA debut novel, The Turning Point
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode of Debut Diaries (Picture Book Edition), Musas Ana Siqueira, Marissa Valdez, and Gloria Amescua chat about picking the perfect book title, what makes a great cover design, and the collaboration between writer and illustrator.
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) and following the participating Musas to say thanks!
Buy Marissa Valdez's picture book Ambitious Girl!
Buy Ana Siqueira's picture book Bella's Recipe for Succes!
Buy Gloria Amescua's picture book Child of the Flower Song People!
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode, Jonny Garza Villa and Alda P. Dobbs discuss titles and cover design! These musas share insight into how they came up with their final titles, reveal how the cover design process worked, offer aspects they loved or things that surprised them, and more!
Resources Mentioned:
Creating Vision Boards with Pinterest
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Jonny Garza Villa's YA contemporary novel Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun
Buy Alda P. Dobbs' MG historical fiction novel Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In our third episode of Ask A Musa, we take listener and subscriber questions focusing on our love and hate of revisions, how we make time for our writing, the pros and cons of an MFA, and how we, as writers, approach the creation of our antagonists.
Resources Mentioned:
Kweli: The Color of Children’s Literature Conference
Vermont College of Fine Arts
The Rainier Writing Workshop
The Highlights Foundation
Gemini Ink Workshop
University of Pittsburgh MFA Program
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) and following the participating Musas to say thanks!
Buy Monica Brown’s award-winning picture book, Sharuko.
Add Angela Velez’sLulu & Milagro's Search for Clarity to your Goodreads.
Learn more about Jasminne Mendez and her YA memoir A Bucket of Dirty Water: Memories of My Girlhood and her debut picture book Josefina’s Habichuelas.
Buy Ann Davila Cardinal’sFive Midnights and Category 5.
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode, our picture book musas are discussing the editing and revision process! Ana Siqueira, Hilda Eunice Burgos, and Gloria Amescua chat about edit letters, working with your editors, and the highs and lows of the revision process.
If you enjoyed this episode please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Learn more about Gloria Amescua’s picture book biography Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jimenez
Add Ana Siqueira’s picture book Bella’s Recipe for Success
Buy Hilda Eunice Burgos' middle grade novel Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle and pre-order her picture book The Cot in the Living Room
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode, Debut Musa and author of DEFINITELY DOMINGUITA Terry Catasus Jennings with fellow Debut Musa and author Alda P. Dobbs of BAREFOOT DREAMS OF PETRA LUNA. They discuss everything from the inspiration behind this middle grade series, Jennings' journey to publishing, favorite parts of the book, and chat about what comes next for Dominguita and Jennings.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Terry Catasus Jennings' MG chapter books Definitely Dominguita: Knight of the Cape, Volume 1; Definitely Dominguita: Captain Dom's Treasure, Volume 2; and Definitely Dominguita: All for One, Volume 3.
Buy Alda P. Dobbs' MG #OwnVoices novel Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna.
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode we're talking edits and revisions! This month's panel discusses the various types of edits—developmental, line edits, copy edits—timeframes and juggling deadlines with life, and notable high points and struggles of the edit and revisions processes.
Resources Mentioned:
Episode 1 of Las Musas' Ask A Musa Podcast Series
Revising with Julie C. Dao, via PubCrawl
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Olivia Abtahi's YA contemporary novel Perfectly Parvin
Buy Crystal Maldonado's YA contemporary novel Fat Chance, Charlie Vega
Buy Jonny Garza Villa's YA contemporary novel Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun
Buy Laekan Zea Kemp's YA contemporary novel Somewhere Between Bitter & Sweet
Buy Terry Catasús Jennings' MG contemporary chapter book series Definitely Dominguita
Buy Alda P. Dobbs' MG historical fiction novel Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In our second Ask A Musa episode, we take listener questions on a variety of subjects including how long it takes to write a novel, when you know a novel is finished, talking finding illustrators for picture books and book covers, and the importance and some tips for marketing.
Resources Mentioned:
Poppy Magda, cover artist for Laekan Zea Kemp's Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet
Children's Illustrators on Instagram
DrawingWhileBlack on Twitter
LatinxCreate on Twitter
LatinxArt on Twitter
mailchimp
Latinx KidLit Book Festival
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) and following the participating Musas to say thanks!
PreorderLaekan Zea Kemp'sYAcontemporary novelSomewhere Between Bitter & Sweet
Buy Zara González Hoang's picture book A New Kind of Wild
Preorder NoNieqa Ramos's picture book Your Mama
Buy Mia García's YA contemporary novel The Resolutions
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
On this special Valentine's Day episode of the Las Musas Podcast, we'll be talking about our favorite picture book, middle grade, and YA novels that feature LOVE! Not just romantic love, but platonic love, love of friends, love of food (our fave!) and yes, that kind of love, too.
Picture Books Mentioned:
The Love Letter by Anika Aldamuy Denise (Author) Lucy Ruth Cummins (Illustrator)
Your Mama by Nonieqa Ramos (Author) Jacqueline Alcántara (Illustrator)
A New Kind of Wild by Zara Gonzalez Hoang
Middle Grade Books Mentioned:
Lupe Wong Won't Dance by Donna Barba Higuera
The Other Half of Happy by Rebecca Balcárcel
YA Books Mentioned:
All the Wind in the World by Samantha Mabry
Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado
Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez
We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez
Cuban Girls Guide by Laura Taylor Namey
Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp
Salty Bitter Sweet by Mayra Cuevas
Like a Love Song by Gabriela Martins
The Grief Keeper by Alexandra Villasante
Bruja Born Series by Zoraida Cordova
We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia
This Train is Being Held by Ismee Williams
Craft Book: Writing the Romantic Comedy by Billy Mernit
If you enjoyed this episode please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Ismee Williams’s YA novel This Train is Being Held
Buy Mayra Cuevas' YA novel Salty, Bitter, Sweet
Buy Anika Aldamuy Denise's picture book A Girl Named Rosita
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode, we're talking about the often mysterious submission process, how to deal with rejections from editors, and how to stay busy with other projects while you wait for an offer.
If you enjoyed this episode please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Learn more about Gloria Amescua’s picture book biography Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jimenez
Add Ana Siqueira’s picture book Bella’s Recipe for Success
Add Lorian Tu's picture book Family Song
Buy Hilda Eunice Burgos' middle grade novel Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle and pre-order her picture book The Cot in the Living Room
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode, Debut Musa and author of FAT CHANCE, CHARLIE VEGA Crystal Maldonado chats with fellow Debut Musa and author Gabriela Martins of LIKE A LOVE SONG. They discuss Maldonado's journey to publishing, dive into themes and characters in the book, and chat about what comes next.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Crystal Maldonado's YA contemporary romcom Fat Chance, Charlie Vega
Buy Gabriela Martin's YA contemporary romance Like A Love Song
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode, we're talking about the rollercoaster ride that happens after you find the perfect agent: everything from setting boundaries during the submissions process to what happens when an editor makes an offer! This months' panel discusses pre-empts, auctions, and all the factors that go into choosing the right editor and publisher for your book project.
Resources Mentioned:
Publisher’s Marketplace
DVPit
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Crystal Maldonado's YA contemporary novel Fat Chance, Charlie Vega
Buy Jonny Garza Villa's YA contemporary novel Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun
Buy Laekan Zea Kemp's YA contemporary novel Somewhere Between Bitter & Sweet
Buy Terry Catasús Jennings' MG contemporary chapter book series Definitely Dominguita
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
Our first Ask A Musa episode, where we take listener and subscriber questions, focuses on a mixed bag of subjects including maintaining creative habits in challenging times, how white Latines can leverage their privilege in publishing, personalized agent rejections and deciding on agents, and the impact of Prince.
Resources Mentioned:
Laekan's recs for focus music and ambient noice—
A Soft Murmur
Chillhop
Forest
Flora
Adriana's tiny notebook recs—
Leuchtturm1917 A6 Pocket Dotted Notebook
Moleskine Cahier Journal
Artist's Loft Black Hardcover Dot Journal
Publishers Marketplace
MSWL on Twitter
DVpit Twitter Pitch Event
PitMad Twitter Pitch Event
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) and following the participating Musas to say thanks!
Buy Jonny Garza Villa's YA contemporary novel Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun
Keep up with 2022 debut Musa Adriana Hernandez-Bergstrom
Buy Laekan Zea Kemp's YA contemporary novel Somewhere Between Bitter & Sweet
Keep up with 2022 debut Musa Mónica Mancillas
Keep up with 2022 debut Musa Vanessa L. Torres
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode, picture book authors Gloria Amescua, Donna Barba Higuera, NoNieqa Ramos, and Ana Siqueira discuss their agents, from the querying process to evaluating offers of rep to completing revisions with your agent. This panel discusses a variety of paths to this significant milestone in a writer's career and gives helpful tips on how to make the most of this important relationship.
Resources Mentioned:
SCBWI
DVPit
PitMad
Bonus Resources:
Laura Pohl’s blog series on finding an agent
Learn more about Gloria Amescua’s picture book biography Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jimenez
Buy Donna Barba Higuera’s picture book El Cucuy Is Scared, Too! or MG contemporary novel Lupe Wong Won't Dance
Buy NoNieqa Ramos’s picture book Your Mama
AddAna Siqueira’s picture book Bella’s Recipe for Success
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
In this episode we're talking all about agents, from the querying process to evaluating offers of rep to completing revisions with your agent. This months' panel discusses a variety of paths to this significant milestone in a writer's career and gives helpful tips on how to make the most of this important relationship.
Resources Mentioned:
SCBWI
Pitch Wars
DVPit
LatinxPitch
Manuscript Academy
Publisher’s Marketplace
Publisher’s Weekly Deal Announcements
Manuscript Wishlist
Bonus Resources:
Laura Pohl’s blog series on finding an agent
If you enjoyed this episode or plan on using the resources provided, please consider buying a book (or a few) to say thanks!
Buy Monica Gomez-Hira's YA contemporary novel Once Upon a Quinceañera
Buy Jonny Garza Villa's YA contemporary novel Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun
Buy Laekan Zea Kemp's YA contemporary novel Somewhere Between Bitter & Sweet
Buy Terry Catasús Jennings' MG contemporary chapter book series Definitely Dominguita
Buy Alda P. Dobbs' MG historical fiction novel Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna
Check out the other books on the Las Musas Bookshop page!
Connect with Las Musas on social media:
Visit our website!
Hi everyone, we are so excited to introduce the latest endeavor from Las Musas, the Las Musas Podcast.
Las Musas began in 2018 as a way to connect women and marginalized people whose gender identity aligns with femininity and who were soon to be traditionally published. What started as a marketing collective meant to uplift marginalized voices evolved to include a mentorship program for aspiring Kidlit authors and the first ever Latinx Kidlit book festival.
Advocating for both Latinx authors and readers has become core to who we are and this podcast is an extension of that commitment. We'll be pulling back the veil and sharing all the details about our publishing journeys, what debut year is really like, and how we're working towards creating a sustainable writing career in an industry still struggling with diversity, equity, and transparency.
This season will feature one on one interviews with our 2021 debut class, as well as recurring mailbag episodes where we'll be answering listener questions. We'll also be discussing every detail of the debut experience in a monthly series called Debut Diaries.
It's our hope that in sharing our experiences, the ups and the downs and everything in between, that aspiring Kidlit authors, and particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, will be equipped with the knowledge to make their own journey just a little bit easier. Because kids need your books and there's nothing we want more than to help you share your story.
So hit that subscribe button, connect with us online @LasMusasBooks, and don't forget to leave a rating and review.
Catch us online and on the page. ¡Hasta pronto!
Las Musas Website
Las Musas Bookshop Page
Las Musas Twitter
Las Musas Instagram
Las Musas Facebook
Las Musa YouTube