National Latino Writers Conference Day 2

Michael Sedano

Fabulous Friday at the National Hispanic Cultural Center when the NLWC writers are in the house. The word of the day is fun. Seriously professional fun: Open Mic, Workshops, the Banquet celebrating the event plus the award of Premio Aztlán to Tim Hernandez and the keynote speech by Braulio Muñoz.

And the best to come Saturday when writers meet with critics, agents, publishers one-on-one. Fabulous Friday!

Open Mic readers

Publishers Panel features coordinator Elaine Soto and Gabriela Baeza Ventura from Arte Publico Press, Renee Tambeau from Museum of New Mexico Press.
Juan Tejeda from Aztlán Libre Press holds up the press' Aztec Calendar Coloring Book. Selina McLemore from Grand Central (Hachette and numerous imprints), and University of New Mexico Press' John Byran.


Workshops. Ana Pacheco engrosses her Cultural Journalism workshop.
Ruben Molina discusses the development of two books independently published on Chicano Soul music and Low Rider music.

A workshop on Writing for Faith and Healing features Rosa Maria Calles.

Constructing the Anthology draws standing room only for presenter Roberta Orona Cordova, who is editing an anthology of Frida Kahlo essays.

Carlos Vasquez, the hardest-working man at the NLWC, literally gives the shirt off his back to La Bloga's Michael Sedano. Talk about the host with the most!

Greta Pullen, one of the two hardest-working women at the NLWC, introduces Premio Aztlán honoree Tim Hernandez.
One of the two hardest-working women at the NLWC, Katie Trujillo, introduces the Keynote Speaker.

Keynote Speaker Braulio Muñoz, novelist and scholar, presents a superb talk on the work of Nobel Laureate Mario Vargas Llosa.

Greta and Tim enjoy displaying Tim's beautifully crafted tin frame and certificate. A work of art, the frame honors the tin smith's family, using his father's patterns.
Tim Hernandez presents a case study to the assembled writers on how to conduct a reading of selected passages from his novel, Breathing, In Dust. He provides a to the point introduction, as well as engaging, connected transitions that guide his listeners' enjoyment of the story. The audience in tears as he concludes the story of his grandfather's dying day.
Following the banquet, ¡a bailar! Playwright Evelina Fernandez and poet Francisco X. Alarcón display winning smiles as the day draws to a most satisfying fun fun fun fabulous Friday. ¡Ajua!
Tuesday's La Bloga will present a full review of this national cultural treasure, the National Latino Writers Conference.