tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9367921.post2695501454887293387..comments2024-03-29T07:41:53.958-06:00Comments on La Bloga: Review: The Accidental SanteraContributing Bloguistas:http://www.blogger.com/profile/13054190814722049711noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9367921.post-61138823049973413432009-01-21T09:05:00.000-07:002009-01-21T09:05:00.000-07:00HI,This is Irete Lazo, author of THE ACCIDENTAL SA...HI,<BR/>This is Irete Lazo, author of THE ACCIDENTAL SANTERA. I just wanted to comment on my choice of a pseudonym. First, Irete Lazo is one of my religious names. In ceremony, I am indeed Irete Lazo (no quotes). Second, I chose a pseudonym, in part, to protect my family from animal rights activists (a group with whom, as a former scientist, I am all to familiar) and religious zealots who might want to do harm to what they see as devil worshipers. Third, I put my picture on the cover to show the world that I am proud to be a santera. Please remember that what you are reading is fiction--well informed fiction--but fiction nonetheless. For example, unlike Gabrielle, my journey took nearly 10 years, my husband was always supportive and I don't actively hide my practice from family, friends or co-workers. Lastly, I feel using the name Irete Lazo honors Ifa and the Yoruba tradition that has given me so much. I am happy to put aside my own ego and acknowledge the power of the miracles working in my life. I fully expect that someday I will either be 'outed' or I will 'out' myself. The trouble is, if you know my name, you can find where I live. The Internet makes that all too easy. If you go to my website, you'll find a link to a BlogRadio interview. You can hear more about the pseudonym issue there. (Also on my site, you can see me and members of my family in a video book trailer narrated by actress Elizabeth Peña who is working on directing a movie version of the novel.) This book was published in Oct. I'm surprised it took this long for someone to focus on the name issue. I do appreciate the kind words of the reviewer and hope that anyone wanting to learn more about this growing religion will not let the name issue get in the way. Blessings, Irete LazoUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09618823653377151562noreply@blogger.com