Literary News from California to New Mexico to New York!

Melinda Palacio

May wraps ups with my non-fiction story, "Grandmother's Stars," published in Mary: A Journal of New Writing. The other good news is the Ocotillo Dreams tour rides again in New York at La Casa Azul Bookstore in East Harlem. Aurora Anaya-Cerda fulfilled her dream to open a bookstore in East Harlem. The store will open with much celebration June 1 and I have the privilege of being among the first authors to have a book signing at La Casa Azul Bookstore, June 7 at 6pm. This is also my first visit to the big city as an author. The address to La Casa Azul Bookstore is 143 E. 103rd Street, El Barrio 10029. In NY speak, take the 6 train to 103rd.

The first week of June in New York is also exciting for two other reasons: Book Expo America and the 14th International Latino Book Awards. La Bloga represents. Daniel Olivas's novel, The Book of Want, is a finalist in Best Popular Fiction and Ocotillo Dreams is a finalist in two categories: Best First Book and Best Historical Fiction. Check out the complete list of finalists here. The 14th International Latino Book Awards takes place June 5 at the Instituto Cervantes. Fourteen is a good number so far. Today I received my 14th review on Amazon, another 5 star customer review. Add your review of Ocotillo Dreams here.

Speaking of reviews... La Bloga friend, Reyna Grande, received a noted starred review from Publishers Weekly for her new memoir, The Distance Between Us. Grande captivates and inspires begins the review. The book is available for pre-order with an August release date. La Bloga will continue to report on the accolades and book signings for Reyna Grande. Much of Grande's US portion of the memoir takes place in Highland Park, Ca.

Taco Shop Poets Tomás Riley and Adrian Arancibia at the Border Book Festival in 2006

An exciting event is happening this weekend in Highland Park, thanks to Poesia Para La Gente, an Avenue 50 studio event. Members of the Taco Shop Poets reunite for a special reading along with Luivette Resto at My Taco, 6300 York Boulevard #4, Highland Park, CA 90042. This promises to be an excellent poetry event, especially if you enjoy tacos. I had the privilege of trying out the scrumptious carne asada tacos with Luivette after the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books and Avenue 50 Studio's La Palabra Poetry Reading last month. 

Denise Chávez and Luis Alberto Urrea at the Border Book Festival 

Reyna Grande, Malín Alegría, Melinda Palacio, Monica Brown, René Colato Laínez, and
Daniel Zolinksy at the Border Book Festival

The Mesilla Cultural Center with its wonderful workshops, presentations, and the Border Book Festival has found a new home in the original settlement of Las Cruces at 314 S. Tornillo, Las Cruces NM 88001. If you are in the area, lend a hand in the moving party, Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and May 27. Meet at 9 am. Send donations to the new Cultural Center:  314 S. Tornillo, Las Cruces, NM 88001 or you can donate via Pay Pal.

Next month in beautiful Santa Barbara, the 40th Santa Barbara Writers Conference will take place at the Hyatt, across from the beach, June 9-14, 2012. Secure your spot before registration closes.