So many years ago I added this book to my library. Neruda was introduced to me by a good friend then, when I told her I had aspirations to become a poet. I don’t know how this title came into my possession but I still have it and consider it an important tool in my own development as a poet and translator. A few years later, I came to know Miguel Algarín, whom I first…
Continue readingSharing Perspective: Ana Castillo Uses Autobiographies to Inspire Students The ZOOM program with Diablo Valley Community College in N. California was both a pleasure and an honor. I appreciate the student writer in the school paper. It isn’t my custom to correct facts in public interviews. But when giving advice to aspiring young writers and students in writing classes, it’s important to get my message right. It’s important but not critical. Still, today, it’s an…
Continue readingI’m honored to be delivering the Commencement speech at a university’s December 2020 graduation. However, during COVID-19 the ceremony will be virtual.
Continue reading¡Qué vivan los muertos! Los Vivos ¡Presente! Our final issue of this La Tolteca 2.0 reprise edition is dedicated to the countless loss of human life the world have experienced this year.
Continue readingQueries contact: ana@anacastillo.net
Continue readingFeeling the Spirit: Tues., Oct. 20, 6-7:30 pm PST. Authors Kathleen Alcala & Ana Castillo in convo live–on spirituality, religion, culture & writing. Free registration.
Continue readingLa Tolteca 2.0 #7 October 2, 2020 Bien venidos/as to L/T 2.0 #7. You don’t have to be a Boomer to check us out, contribute or identify with the creatives–thrivers and survivors of these most unprecedented of times–that we feature. If you are, however, we are here for you. In these United States we are in the midst of national elections during a world pandemic. Climate change has…
Continue readingLatinos comprise 60% COVID-19 cases in CaliforniaTroubles have recently compounded with devastating fires. At the U.S./Mexican border there remains the disgraceful detention of brown children separated from parents who legally sought asylum. We send our hopes for continued surviving and thriving to all in that wonderful state.
Continue readingRemembering my days in NYC 2017-20 through the rebozos y chales… The traditional rebozo has been used by Mexican indigenous and mestizas for centuries. It is utilitarian, symbolic of tribal. and regional affiliations, represents our femininity, humbleness and our pride. Yes, I was writing poems. The collection is called: My Book of the Dead.
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