Rachael

Rachael asked Julia Alvarez:

Antonia frequently recites lines from her favorite authors and poets, and their words provide comfort and wisdom. Do you have poems, songs, books, or other stories that you return to when you need comfort? How have the arts helped you in a dark time?

Julia Alvarez I'm afraid that Antonia has inherited the literary DNA of her creator! I, too, have stories, poems that are my "string in the labyrinth" and help me navigate my way. Many times a poem or passage reminds me of what I would otherwise forget. I don't mean "facts," but something more elusive, vital, and necessary. Certain poems and stories help me when I am feeling lost, disheartened, and in despair. I think of them as food for the soul, the fuel that runs my life. But most of all I feel accompanied by certain poems and stories. I feel less alone, and that is a great comfort, especially in dark times.

More Answered Questions

Rachael

Rachael asked Julia Alvarez:

You write a lot about the relationships between Antonia and her sisters. Do you have siblings? Which parts of their relationships felt familiar to you?

Sher Davidson

Sher Davidson asked Julia Alvarez:

Dear Julia, I am inspired and look forward to reading your books.As a late in life author, with my only second-novel just released, I cannot help admire how prolific you are. Also, I am often drawn to Latinx writers or those who write about foreign countries especially those south of our US borders. Do you think "ageism exists in the publishing world today?" I'm finding it hard to even find an agent.

Edgar Smith

Edgar Smith asked Julia Alvarez:

I've been a fan of your work for many years and always admired your versatility and adaptability, especially your willingness to go from deeply historical, grown-up topics to YA books and even children stories. As a writer, I can go from genre to genre within fiction (a lot of poetry in-between), but never from one audience to the next. Anything you can share about writing YA after mostly writing for adults? Thanks.

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