In Conversation with Lauren Yero
It was a great pleasure to have a conversation with Lauren Yero. She was is a debut author who Susan James put on my radar. We had a great conversation about her book, Under This Forgetful Sky, our love for Spanish, and her journey as a writer. Please checkout our conversation.
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Summary
Dr. Bickmore introduced Laura Yero, a Cuban-American author whose debut novel, 'Under This Forgetful Sky', explores environmental issues and the intersections of heritage and futurity. They discussed the reception of the book, its genre-defying approach, and the influence of environmental considerations in their writing. Additionally, they touched on Lauren's journey as a writer, the evolution of her book's cover, and her upcoming novel, which focuses on motherhood and uncertainty.
Dr. Bickmore introduced Laura Yero, a Cuban-American author whose debut novel, 'Under This Forgetful Sky', explores environmental issues and the intersections of heritage and futurity. They discussed the reception of the book, its genre-defying approach, and the influence of environmental considerations in their writing. Additionally, they touched on Lauren's journey as a writer, the evolution of her book's cover, and her upcoming novel, which focuses on motherhood and uncertainty.
Introducing Laura Yero and Her Connections
In this segment of Dr. Bickmore's Wednesday conversation, Steven introduces Laura Yero to the audience, highlighting her connection with Susan James, a famous book dealer. Lauren explains that she met Susan through Nora Shalloway, another author they both encountered at a YA summit. They discuss their shared interest in environmental concerns in their writing. Lauren then shares that her book, published by Simon and Schuster last July, is set to release in paperback this summer.
In this segment of Dr. Bickmore's Wednesday conversation, Steven introduces Laura Yero to the audience, highlighting her connection with Susan James, a famous book dealer. Lauren explains that she met Susan through Nora Shalloway, another author they both encountered at a YA summit. They discuss their shared interest in environmental concerns in their writing. Lauren then shares that her book, published by Simon and Schuster last July, is set to release in paperback this summer.
Lauren's Dystopian Novel and Cultural Influences
Lauren presented a speculative fiction novel set in a dystopian near future Chile, divided by walls. The story follows two teenage characters, Rumi and Pas, whose perspectives intertwine as they search for a cure for a deadly virus. Rumi, from within the walls, needs the cure for his father, while Pas, from outside the walls, is actually working for the rebels who initially infected Rumi's father. Their journey complicates their initial enmity. Steven questioned Lauren's choice of setting the story in Chile, given her Cuban American background and non-Spanish upbringing. Lauren explained that her Cuban American identity and her father's relationship with Cuba influenced her choice and contributed to her unique perspective.
Lauren presented a speculative fiction novel set in a dystopian near future Chile, divided by walls. The story follows two teenage characters, Rumi and Pas, whose perspectives intertwine as they search for a cure for a deadly virus. Rumi, from within the walls, needs the cure for his father, while Pas, from outside the walls, is actually working for the rebels who initially infected Rumi's father. Their journey complicates their initial enmity. Steven questioned Lauren's choice of setting the story in Chile, given her Cuban American background and non-Spanish upbringing. Lauren explained that her Cuban American identity and her father's relationship with Cuba influenced her choice and contributed to her unique perspective.
Lauren's Spanish Journey and Novel Inspiration
Lauren shared her strong desire to learn Spanish and her experiences as a Cuban-American travel writer. She explained how her time in Spain and Chile, as well as her desire to improve her Spanish, led her to take a job as a travel writer in Chile, which eventually inspired her to write a speculative dystopian novel. She highlighted the challenges of learning different dialects of Spanish and the importance of Chilean input in getting the Spanish in her book correct. Steven then shared his own experiences with learning Spanish in Argentina and his observations on the diverse forms of Spanish across various cultures. Finally, Steven asked Lauren to elaborate on the environmental aspects of her novel.
Lauren shared her strong desire to learn Spanish and her experiences as a Cuban-American travel writer. She explained how her time in Spain and Chile, as well as her desire to improve her Spanish, led her to take a job as a travel writer in Chile, which eventually inspired her to write a speculative dystopian novel. She highlighted the challenges of learning different dialects of Spanish and the importance of Chilean input in getting the Spanish in her book correct. Steven then shared his own experiences with learning Spanish in Argentina and his observations on the diverse forms of Spanish across various cultures. Finally, Steven asked Lauren to elaborate on the environmental aspects of her novel.
Discussing Lauren's Novel and Magical Realism
Steven and Lauren discussed the reception of Lauren's novel, which deals with environmental issues and blends elements of science fiction and magical realism. Lauren clarified that her work was influenced by writers like Jorge Luis Borges and Italo Calvino, and that she sees her book as considering the intersections of heritage and futurity, a theme also present in Isabel Allende's House of Spirits. They also touched on the significance of magical realism in Chilean literature.
Steven and Lauren discussed the reception of Lauren's novel, which deals with environmental issues and blends elements of science fiction and magical realism. Lauren clarified that her work was influenced by writers like Jorge Luis Borges and Italo Calvino, and that she sees her book as considering the intersections of heritage and futurity, a theme also present in Isabel Allende's House of Spirits. They also touched on the significance of magical realism in Chilean literature.
Environmental Influences in Lauren's Novel
Lauren discussed the environmental influences that led her to write her novel, 'Under This Forgetful Sky'. She highlighted the interconnectedness of the world and the impact of one's actions on others, even across vast distances. Lauren studied ecocriticism at the University of Nevada, Reno, and was deeply affected by Rob Nixon's book, 'Slow Violence and the Environmentalism of the Poor'. Nixon's concept of 'slow violence' and its impact on marginalized communities inspired Lauren to explore similar themes in her writing. Steven agreed with Lauren's framing of her book and acknowledged the powerful impact of environmental considerations.
Lauren discussed the environmental influences that led her to write her novel, 'Under This Forgetful Sky'. She highlighted the interconnectedness of the world and the impact of one's actions on others, even across vast distances. Lauren studied ecocriticism at the University of Nevada, Reno, and was deeply affected by Rob Nixon's book, 'Slow Violence and the Environmentalism of the Poor'. Nixon's concept of 'slow violence' and its impact on marginalized communities inspired Lauren to explore similar themes in her writing. Steven agreed with Lauren's framing of her book and acknowledged the powerful impact of environmental considerations.
Discussing Young Adult Literature Trends
Steven and Lauren had a discussion about the evolving genre of young adult literature. Steven appreciated Lauren's book for encouraging readers to think critically about the world around them, particularly the way previous generations are perceived and the legacies they leave behind. Lauren explained that her book was aimed at exploring questions rather than providing answers, allowing readers to form their own opinions. They also discussed the trend of more complex, multi-generational conversations in young adult literature, with Steven noting this as a departure from earlier works. Towards the end, they both acknowledged the existence of a middle ground in young adult literature, catering to readers who are transitioning from middle grade to high school.
Steven and Lauren had a discussion about the evolving genre of young adult literature. Steven appreciated Lauren's book for encouraging readers to think critically about the world around them, particularly the way previous generations are perceived and the legacies they leave behind. Lauren explained that her book was aimed at exploring questions rather than providing answers, allowing readers to form their own opinions. They also discussed the trend of more complex, multi-generational conversations in young adult literature, with Steven noting this as a departure from earlier works. Towards the end, they both acknowledged the existence of a middle ground in young adult literature, catering to readers who are transitioning from middle grade to high school.
Lauren's Debut Novel Journey and Process
Steven and Lauren discussed the process of writing and publishing Lauren's debut novel. They talked about the evolution of the book's cover and how it might change based on the publisher's perception. Lauren shared her journey as a writer, revealing that she has been considering herself a writer since third grade. She also mentioned that she writes in isolation but shares her work with a trusted group of writer friends. The conversation also covered the numerous drafts Lauren wrote before arriving at the final version of the book.
Steven and Lauren discussed the process of writing and publishing Lauren's debut novel. They talked about the evolution of the book's cover and how it might change based on the publisher's perception. Lauren shared her journey as a writer, revealing that she has been considering herself a writer since third grade. She also mentioned that she writes in isolation but shares her work with a trusted group of writer friends. The conversation also covered the numerous drafts Lauren wrote before arriving at the final version of the book.
Lauren's Novel Development and Promotion
Steven and Lauren discussed Lauren's upcoming novel, which is currently in the early stages of development. Lauren shared that her recent experiences as a mother have heavily influenced the direction of the novel, which has shifted towards exploring themes of motherhood, uncertainty, and hope. Steven expressed his support for Lauren's work and offered to assist in promoting her book, especially in educational settings. Both agreed to maintain their professional relationship as Lauren progresses towards publication.
Steven and Lauren discussed Lauren's upcoming novel, which is currently in the early stages of development. Lauren shared that her recent experiences as a mother have heavily influenced the direction of the novel, which has shifted towards exploring themes of motherhood, uncertainty, and hope. Steven expressed his support for Lauren's work and offered to assist in promoting her book, especially in educational settings. Both agreed to maintain their professional relationship as Lauren progresses towards publication.